Gail Huycke, Professor of Practice, Broadband Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Gail is a Professor of Practice with the University of Wisconsin Extension where she serves as a Broadband Specialist. Gail has 39 years of experience in delivering community outreach programs in family and community economic development. She joined the Broadband Education Center in 2015 serving as Director for the Connected Aging Communities Initiative. Connected Aging Communities is a groundbreaking initiative that’s uses a unique “high tech, high touch” holistic, community development approach to enable aging residents to live independently at home. Gail’s current broadband efforts center heavily on community planning for broadband access. She is a member of the National Digital Extension Education Team and has played a key role in the development of broadband community planning curriculum, training Extension staff at a national level. Gail has developed training materials for the National 4-H Council’s Tech Changemakers- Digital Ambassador program on digital inclusion. Over the last two years, Gail has served as a member of the Wisconsin’s Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

Jessica Beckendorf, Digital Equity Facilitation Specialist and Community Development Educator, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Jessica’s work is currently focused on digital equity, community change networks, and leadership development. She also holds an appointment with OneOp, where she co-hosts the Practicing Connection podcast and serves on the editorial team of the PowerUp magazine, helping people both on and off military installations build their own skills and networks toward positive community change. Jessica holds a master of arts degree in Communications & Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, and a bachelor of arts degree in Urban & Regional Studies from UW-Green Bay. She lives in Appleton with her husband and several pets, and engages in creative writing, photography, and solo road trips whenever she gets the chance.

Sarah Schlosser, Organizational Leadership and Development Program Manager, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Sarah is the Organizational and Leadership Development Program Manager. She works with Extension colleagues across the state to conduct applied research and design locally relevant programs that grow the capacity of leaders and organizations to address complex community issues. Sarah is responsible for overall coordination, support, resourcing and vision for the Organizational and Leadership Development Program.