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 Graduation Ceremony 6-1-10

Graduation Event Wrap Up

Session Beginning Date:  April 27th 2010

 

Graduation Date: June 1st 2010

 

Location:  Santa Monica Recreation Center

 

Time: 7:00pm

 

Emcee:  Wendell Bennett

 

Guest Speaker: Kathy Porter

 

Keynote Speaker: David Schumm

 

Names of Instructors:

 

Cri-Help-  Smriti Raghunathan, Ryan Bailon, Wendell Bennett, Robert Sandoval

 

Walden House- Peter Downey, Soni Nagatani, Derin Oyekan, Agreja Sharman

 

House of Uhuru- Chris Liu, Micah Roth, Jeffery Charlot, Victor Acevedo

 

We quietly took our seats in among an audience of a hundred or more. It was the first of the month, a warm June month and by the looks of the audience, they were enjoying the weather outside.  Another quick six weeks had gone by, and we had, seating in the front rows a new graduating class with stories to tell.

 

  As the audience began to arrive the evening’s Emcee, 1st time Instructor Wendell Bennett, announced that the event would soon be starting and asked that everyone please find a seat. Wendell then commenced the ceremony with an introduction by congratulating all of the Graduates.  He then offered some thoughts on what he enjoyed about teaching and the importance of the graduates continuing on with their success.  

 

He then introduced the first speaker, longtime supporter and CDD Board Member, Kathy Porter. Katy shared her passion for CDD with the audience and how inspired she is with their hard work toward a brighter future.  Ms. Porter then offered some background about the night’s Keynote Speaker.  Katy explained that David Schumm was a good friend and colleague.  That she and David both were established members of Toastmasters and that David was also a supporter of CDD.  Katy then introduced David Schumm to the audience.

 

Mr. Schumm’s began by congratulating the Graduates.  David then began sharing important words of advice.  He started first by referring to Maximus Decimus Meredius, the fictional Roman General from the movie, “Gladiator”.  He quoted the General’s famous statement; “What we do in Life echoes in eternity”. The point being of the importance of making careful choices at this time in the their lives.  The Speaker discussed the non-fictional historical figure of Abraham Lincoln. 

 

David displayed the words of the Gettysburg Address on a screen in front of the audience so that everyone could read along as David discussed the speech as a way to motivate the Graduating class.

 

Mr. Schumm’s speech was well received by the audience.  After a round of applause, the MC introduced our first Student Speaker, Arsen Altounian from Cri-Help. Arsen’s story was dramatic and a great example on how positive change can take place when one dedicates him or herself to improving the future.  After listening to details of Mr. Altounian’s prison life and how he overcame ‘Lifer’ Status, we learned of his plans to start a company, of his family and eventually how he plans to give back to the community. We were all moved by his story.  The following two speakers, Lariza Lara from House of Uhuru and Rodney Jackson, had similar stories reflecting their positive change that included CDD as an important positive step.

 

The evening wrapped up with all the Graduates being called out by name to receive their Certificates, event photographer, Mark Hanauer snapping photos as the students strode proudly to the stage.  The ceremony closed with graduates, their families and CDD Members, enjoying refreshments and the joy of another successful session ending and celebratory ceremony