Philanthropist Ms. Kathleen Patton is not only one of the Cofounders of Crossing the Digital Divide, she is also the organization’s CEO and Executive Director. With a solid background in business, having started her first NPO in her early twenties, Kathleen Patton was more than prepared to take on the challenge of opening a computer training facility. This facility has been on the cutting edge of “Reentry Programs”. City officials are heralding RP’s as being vital to the cities success as they offer support to some of the most at-risk adults who are recovering from drug abuse and other challenges. Kathleen Patton’s organization, which was formed in January 2004, gives recovering addicts the opportunity to change their lives by learning how to use today’s technology to earn a living. Crossing the Digital Divide, which is located in Los Angeles, California, has three locations to better serve the community of high-risk adults in recovery.

Kathleen Patton utilizes her business smarts to manage and oversee the operations at Crossing the Digital Divide. Because of Kathleen Patton’s efforts, the Crossing the Digital Divide staff, and the numerous volunteers, Crossing the Digital Divide is an award-winning organization that has received recognition from the local government, including the mayor of the city of Los Angeles.

In addition to her work with CDD, Ms. Kathleen Patton also enjoys a close family, friends and colleagues. Kathleen Patton relaxes by participating in swimming, volleyball, hiking, music and film.

Kathleen Patton finds special meaning in the quote, “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” Ms. Kathleen Patton also finds inspiration and deep meaning in a quote credited to one of her favorite writers, world-renowned author and poet Maya Angelou: "All great achievements require time."

CDD Weekly Class Report Uhuru 10-9-10

                                               WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

House of Uhuru/October 9, 2010

 

Opening Comments:

Hunter and I had another great class and all of the students were extremely focused throughout the class, learning about public speaking, the Internet, and finished their papers.

 

Attendance:

9 students attended the class and two students were absent. 

 

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

We went over the paper stressed that they must complete it by Tuesday’s class. We also talked about graduation and told the class that as long as they completed their paper and attended the remaining classes, they would graduate. We also told them that one student would be chosen to read their paper at graduation, which caused some nervousness, but overall excitement in the class.

 

1ST TOPIC COVERED:

Hunter covered the topic of Public Speaking going through various examples of how the students should present. Many of the students were nervous about presenting, but Hunter gave great tips to help them calm down and focus on presenting to their peers. He went through different topics like eye contact and speaking clearly and loudly, which the students later utilized during lab time.

 

2ND TOPIC COVERED:

I reviewed the Internet section in Module 3. Many of the students were excited to go on the Internet, but it was clear that most students knew how to use it already. We went over the address and task bar and also visited some websites, like Google. Overall the lesson was very brief and we helped some students individually who did not know how to use the Internet.

 

LAB TIME:

During lab time, we spent half the time working on paper and the other half of the time practicing presentations. Almost everyone had already completed his or her papers, with the exception of a few students. While we were helping students individually, they appreciated our input on their papers and were happy to share them with us. During the presentations, everyone gave great constructive criticism to the students who presented.

FINAL NOTES:

 

Everything went really smoothly, and as long as everyone who is still attending the class completes their papers and attends the last two classes, I think this class is going to do well. Everyone is very social and they feel comfortable with themselves to share their stories with their peers. Positive attitudes all around!