2025 Maryland Digital Equity Champions Awards Announced
Maryland's digital leaders took center stage at the 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit on October 15, where the state’s most innovative champions were recognized for their work in advancing digital inclusion across four categories: Navigator, Practitioner, Program, and Workforce. Among 31 outstanding nominees, four organizations were named Digital Equity Champions, and four others received honorable mentions.
Now in its third year, the annual Digital Equity Champion Awards celebrate the frontline workers powering Maryland's digital transformation—the navigators, practitioners, educators, and service providers connecting underserved communities to the technology and skills they need to thrive.
“It is a privilege to honor these individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to expanding digital opportunities in Maryland,” said Teri Mumm, Digital Navigation Program Manager with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Digital Literacy Project, Marylanders Online. “Their innovation, dedication, and leadership not only increase access to technology but also serve as a model for communities across the state and beyond.”
The 2025 awardees were nominated by their peers and selected for their innovation, leadership, collaboration, and commitment to promoting digital inclusion and equitable access to technology. Their work has driven transformative change across Maryland by delivering measurable, sustainable impact in communities that need it most.
Read on to discover how these inspiring leaders are breaking down digital barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for all Marylanders.
2025 Maryland Digital Equity Champion Award Recipients
Navigator Champion Award: Naimani Staley
Naimani Staley received the Navigator Champion Award for her leadership in digital skills education across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Northern Maryland. Naimaini is a UME Tech Extension Educator known for her warm demeanor and her ability to develop and deliver effective, data-driven, and innovative digital education initiatives. Her collaborative efforts with the University of Maryland 4-H Youth Development program helped to launch Farmer Tech and TechTrailblazers - an intergenerational digital literacy project that paired tech-savvy youth with older adults at local senior centers to teach digital skills and reduce social isolation. Logan Moon, a Baltimore high school student, earned a Practitioner Honorable Mention for his essential role in the TechTrailblazers program, where, under Naimani’s mentorship, he visits North Oaks Senior Living each week to help residents build their digital skills and confidence with modern technology.
Pictured: Naimani Staley, Tech Extension Educator, stands to accept the Navigator Champion Award from Teri Mumm, Digital Navigation Program Manager, UME Marylanders Online (left) and Ronnie Hammond, Director of the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband (right).
Workforce Champion Award: Lillian “Lil” Trotman
The Workforce Champion Award was presented to Lillian “Lil” Trotman for her passionate and dedicated leadership in advancing digital access and workforce readiness in Baltimore City. As an active community liaison at Mount Sinai Baptist Church and a key member of the Rebuild Johnston Square organization, she advocates for increasing digital access, literacy, and job readiness among Baltimore’s underserved populations. Her nomination emphasized a partnership-driven model that connects residents, local government, and community organizations to implement training aligned with cultural and neighborhood needs. Through initiatives like the Digital Equity Leadership Lab, Lil has strengthened pathways to job readiness and digital inclusion across Baltimore’s workforce ecosystem.
Pictured: Lillian “Lil” Trotman stands between Teri Mumm and Ronnie Hammond to accept her award.
Practitioner Champion Award: Malarie Burgess
Malarie Burgess received the Practitioner Champion Award for her steady commitment and innovation to inclusive digital education, which has transformed digital access for older adults across Howard County. As the Digital Inclusion Specialist with the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, Malarie partnered with Enterprise Residential to distribute over 400 Chromebooks to low-income seniors, bringing UME Marylanders Online Digital Navigators onsite to assist with the residents’ device setup. Malarie has also delivered several Senior Planet courses - resulting in more than 100 graduates - in addition to launching tech donation drives, creating outreach campaigns on digital safety and estate planning, and representing Maryland’s success nationally at the USAging Conference. Her inclusive approach incorporates language and social service support to ensure every learner feels seen and supported.
Pictured: Malarie Burgess accepts the Practitioner Award alongside Teri Mumm (left) and Ronnie Hammond (right).
Program Champion Award: Devin Jackson
Devin Jackson received multiple nominations across three award categories, including several from his students who described his teaching as full of care and patience, which transformed their confidence with technology. Devin received the Program Champion Award for his outstanding commitment to advancing digital skills by designing and delivering digital literacy classes for both children and adults, helping close critical gaps in access and opportunity across the community. As an educator, CEO, and President of A Prosperous Tomorrow, Devin has brought joy back into learning for many Marylanders, empowering them to see technology not as a barrier, but as a pathway to their goals, their families, and their future.
Pictured: Devin Jackson, CEO and President of A Prosperous Tomorrow, accepts the Program Champion Award from Teri Mumm and Ronnie Hammond.
Impact Award: Michael Elonge
The late Michael Elonge was honored with a posthumous Impact Award for his transformative work advancing digital opportunities across Maryland. Through his time as a UME Extension Educator, Michael helped hundreds of Marylanders build their digital skills and confidence, working directly with incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and underserved communities. He was known for combining digital skills with real-world skills that support financial independence, small business growth, and stable housing. Michael believed that everyone deserves a fair chance to learn, connect, and his holistic approach empowered many to rebuild their lives with technology. His daughter, Eposi Elonge, accepted the award on his behalf, sharing her hope that her father’s legacy will continue through the educators, partnerships, and communities he inspired.
Pictured: Michael Elonge’s daughter Eposi accepts her late father’s Impact Award at the 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit.
2025 Maryland Digital Equity Honorable Mentions
Navigator Notable Mention: Jack Bayne
Jack Bayne, Program and Instruction Coordinator with Carroll Technology and Innovation Council, received a Navigator Notable Mention for his steadfast, student-centered leadership in digital skills education. His classes have become a lifeline for many—from seniors overcoming fear of technology to job seekers rebuilding confidence—and he is known for his patience, consistency, and empathy among his students. Jack has developed partnerships to expand senior center programs, piloted initiatives supporting individuals with disabilities, launched the Safe Steps scam-prevention program with the Sheriff’s Office, and even designed an AI-powered scam simulator that helps learners safely practice recognizing fraud.
Pictured: Jack Bayne, Program and Instruction Coordinator with Carroll Technology and Innovation Council, accepts the Program Notable Mention Award.
Workforce Notable Mention: Pass IT On, Inc.
Pass IT On, Inc. was awarded a Workforce Notable Mention for its measurable impact in closing the tech skills gap for youth and adults from underrepresented communities. Since 2019, the nonprofit has delivered digital literacy training across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County, helping nearly 3,500 residents earn Microsoft Digital Literacy certification. Through partnerships with organizations like the University of Maryland Medical Center, LifeBridge Health, and Baltimore City Public Schools, Pass IT On integrates digital skills into workforce and educational programs, including initiatives for individuals experiencing homelessness, returning citizens, and the Cradle2Career youth in the STEAM pipeline program. This work has demonstrated a sustained commitment to digital inclusion and economic opportunity.
Pictured: Pass IT On, Inc. staff members Dr. Willie Sanders, Jr. - Founder & Executive Director - and Dr. Catherine Borges-Johnson - Operations Director & Sr. Instructor - accept the Workforce Notable Mention award on behalf of the organization.
Practitioner Notable Mention: Logan Moon
Logan Moon, a senior at Calvert Hall High School and active member of Baltimore County 4-H, received a Practitioner Notable Mention for his dedication to building digital skills in the older adult community. His involvement originated within 4-H Summer of STEM, a program that paired youth with senior centers to improve residents’ digital skills. Inspired by the program’s intergenerational impact, Logan launched the youth-led TechTrailblazers program in partnership with UME 4-H and Naimani Staley of UME Marylanders Online. Under Naimaini’s mentorship, Logan led the recruitment of peers and coordination of adult mentorships for the program. Logan visits the North Oaks, Hereford, and Bykota senior centers weekly to offer technical support, assist with device distributions, and create self-help technology videos.
Pictured: Logan Moon, a senior at Calvert Hall High School, accepts the Practitioner Notable Mention Award at the 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit.
Program Notable Mention: Mana McNeil
Mana McNeil accepted the Program Notable Mention for The CareerCatchers, Inc.'s Digital Equity Program, which provides residents of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties with equipment, internet access, professional development, training, and certification opportunities that build and sustain skills. Since 2013, the program has served over 1,100 participants, delivered more than 4,600 coaching sessions, hosted 170 workshops, and helped participants secure over $9.5 million in new income. Beyond technical training, CareerCatchers creates spaces for participants to build confidence and strengthen their work and life skills, career readiness, and long-term financial independence.
Pictured: Mana McNeil accepts the Program Notable Mention Award on behalf of CareerCatchers, Inc.
About the 2025 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit
The 2025 Maryland Statewide Digital Opportunity Summit was organized by the University of Maryland Extension Marylanders Online initiative in partnership with the College of Information (INFO), the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC), and several community partners.
Presenting sponsor, with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development as the platinum sponsor. Space for this event was provided by Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) and is sponsored by Montgomery County Government.
By honoring Maryland’s Digital Equity Champions, UME Marylanders Online aims to inspire others to join the movement to accelerate broadband access, digital skills development, and economic opportunities for all Marylanders. Learn more about the Summit and find pictures of the event on the Marylanders Online Facebook page.