Blaise aims to work together with communities and groups in Baltimore to bring digital skills education, internet connectivity, and affordable digital devices to every corner of the city! Before he joined Extension, Blaise worked at a non-profit in Baltimore to help people apply for benefits like SNAP, Lifeline mobile phones, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) home internet benefit, and several other money-saving benefits. A few years ago, before changing careers, Blaise worked as a software developer focused on creating accessible and intuitive user interfaces. His passion is expanding digital literacy by meeting people where they are, respecting their boundaries, and encouraging healthy and safe engagement with useful technologies.
Recently, he has worked with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) to promote ACP enrollment and broadband internet adoption. At these events, Blaise and other Marylanders Online staff support HABC residents with ACP enrollment, choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and getting tech support from our Marylanders Online call center. Currently he is providing a series of digital skills workshops to residents at Marian House, "[a] leading organization offering high quality rehabilitative services and housing to homeless women and their children."