Bridging the Digital Divide for Nearly 6 Million Students Through a $10.7 Billion Project: Meet Dr. Kiesha King, 2024 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winner for Technology
Dr. Kiesha King is a dedicated technology leader and advocate for digital equity and access. With a deep passion for bridging the digital divide for nearly 6 million students, she has made a significant impact in education policy and technology innovation. As a National TRIO Achiever and FCC Digital Equity Honoree, Dr. King's journey from a diverse Texas community to leading T-Mobile's national $10.7 billion Project, 10 Million initiative,
reflects her commitment to empowering underserved communities through technology and education. Join us to hear her inspiring story and insights at the Inclusive Leader Award Dinner:
What is your personal story?
I was born in a rural port town in Texas, where I had the opportunity to experience a diverse community rich in African American, Vietnamese American, and Mexican American cultures. When I was just 7 years old, my parents relocated to California and soon after made Phoenix, Arizona our home. Growing up in a town with a population of 30,000 was in stark contrast to the 50,000-student Arizona State University campus, which I had the privilege to attend as a high school junior through the Council for Opportunities in Education's TRIO program. Little did I know, this early exposure to higher education for underrepresented, first-generation students would change my life by opening my eyes to the potential for a bright and promising future that I could have never imagined.
Today, I am honored to be a five-time Forbes published author and to have earned recognition as a National TRIO Achiever. I am a lifelong educator, an accomplished school district leader, and an innovative corporate strategist. I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that bridge the digital divide and provide access to technology for nearly 6 million student households across the country. Recognized by the FCC as a Digital Equity Honoree, I currently lead T-Mobile's $10.7 billion initiative to close the digital divide, collaborating with parents, school districts, state education agencies, and non-profit organizations. My passion lies in providing access to technology tools, innovative resources, and expanded opportunities for underrepresented students, opening doors for millions of learners. More importantly, I'm a mother who strives to be a part of building a future that includes technology designed by professionals who understand the unique needs of students and allows them to be active participants in shaping their educational narrative.
How did you find your purpose and your passion?
I've always been uniquely inquisitive about the world around me. My fascination with innovative technology quickly grew into a fearless pursuit to create new ways to expand my existing reality. As a new teacher, I implemented a blended learning environment with individual student PlayStation devices loaded with reading and math games. A year later, I began coding virtual learning courses in Moodle while exploring DimDim's cool new, free video conferencing software to provide virtual tutoring for students who couldn't attend after-school tutorials. My passion for technology quickly took the driver's seat in my career, leading me to design innovative technology initiatives that would advance opportunities for underrepresented students, providing them access they might not have had otherwise.
What led you to the leadership role for which you are being recognized? Who was instrumental on your path to success?
With over two decades of my career vested in nurturing students through traditional school system expansion and new innovations, I have spent the last six years intently focused on bridging the digital divide. My unique vantage point of having built new systems to advance student learning allowed me to truly understand that these advances are only as impactful as the technologies that drive them. All students deserve the opportunity to explore random thoughts and to go beyond simply envisioning their favorite destinations to experiencing these spaces through immersive technology. They should be an integral part of a future workforce that relies on their unique creativity to drive innovation. Private-public partnerships are uniquely positioned to make this vision a reality, which has led me to my current role leading T-Mobile's national education strategy.
While many have inspired and supported my journey, my parents, husband, and children have been the driving force behind all my accomplishments. Their unconditional love, selfless sacrifice, and tremendous flexibility have fueled my success. My mother's tremendous work ethic and the pride she took in her children and home remind me that I can overcome any obstacle with a steadfast mindset committed to doing what's right. My father’s experiences as a Vietnam Veteran, persevering through homelessness, addiction and PTSD, taught me to never give up on anyone. Lastly, I am grateful for my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Morrison-Western of Lee Elementary School in Port Arthur, TX, who made me feel seen and whom I will never forget. Mrs. Morrison-Western was the first in a long list of valuable mentors who allowed me to tap into the creativity required to grow into the person I am today.
What does Inclusive Leadership mean to you, and what would you like others to know and do as inclusive leaders?
Inclusive leadership is more than just a role; it's a guiding principle that shapes my every action. It's about recognizing that diversity is our strength, and every individual, regardless of their background, deserves an equal opportunity to shine. Inclusive leaders are those who actively seek out different perspectives, appreciate the value of varied experiences, and work tirelessly to create environments where everyone feels welcome and heard.
What I'd like others to know is that inclusion isn't just a buzzword; it's a transformative force that can propel organizations and societies to greater heights. Inclusion drives innovation, sparks creativity, and ultimately leads to more equitable and prosperous communities. As inclusive leaders, we should strive to foster cultures of belonging, promote diversity in leadership positions, continuously educate ourselves about the experiences of marginalized groups, and champion the voices of those who have been underrepresented.
How can the GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network inform, advance, and/or multiply your mission and goals?
The GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network is an incredible platform that aligns perfectly with my mission to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to education and technology. Through this network, I can tap into a wealth of knowledge, connect with passionate individuals, and access valuable resources that will not only inform my mission but also advance and multiply its impact.
By engaging with educators, innovators, and advocates within the GlobalMindED network, I have the opportunity to learn from their experiences, gain insights into best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that can create lasting change. It's a dynamic community where like-minded individuals come together to drive positive transformation, and I'm excited to be a part of it.
What is the legacy that you would most like to leave the world?
My legacy is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to education, technology, and opportunities. I want to be remembered as someone who dedicated their life to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and empowering underrepresented communities to thrive. My greatest aspiration is to inspire future generations to be fearless in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation, believing that their unique contributions can make the world a better place.
I envision a world where technology is not a source of division but a bridge that connects us all, where inclusivity is the norm, and where every individual's potential is recognized and celebrated. My legacy is a world where diversity is our greatest strength, and I hope to leave behind a legacy of positive change that continues to shape the future long after I'm gone.
