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 7-30-11 

                                WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
                            House of Uhuru – 30 July 2011

Opening Comments:
Gave a brief overview of what today’s lesson plan was and reminded the class that their essays were due Tuesday, and that each student would have to give a brief presentation in front of the class as well. 

Attendance:
14 students attended class today

1st Topic Covered:
William went over the general guidelines for public speaking regarding eye contact, clear voice, and speaking speed.  Allen discussed those guidelines in further detail and addressed the importance of preparation in public speaking.  We recommended the students practice presenting to each other as well. 

2nd Topic Covered:
Allen went over Cutting and Pasting, deleting/undeleting, and Parent Folders.  William went over My Computer, Icon arrangement, and changing different display settings.  We then went over the usage of the internet, and explained its practicality and many usages.

Lab Time:
After separating the class into two groups, we one group work on their essays and another work on the computer.  Those who had already finished writing their essays were allowed to type them up, if they chose to do so.  Allen went around the class to teach the students how to write a blog on the CDD website, while William helped with the essay-writing.  We switched roles when the groups switched spots.  Most of the students had completed their blog entry.

Final Notes:
About half of the class had completed or were close to completing their essays, and a few were almost done typing them up as well.  Some of the students wanted to focus solely on their essays during lab time, and agreed to write their blog posts by next class meeting.