Synopsis: Nicole Bakula García, a 33-year-old native of Puerto Rico, plays a pivotal role in the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER) focused on empowering Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women in the realms of digital literacy and technical skills. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising from a Puerto Rican public university, she ventured to the United States to obtain a master's degree in Strategic Design and Management, fusing business, technology, and creativity. Nicole Bakula resides in Harlem, New York, and her journey from Puerto Rico to the U.S. and her passion for technology form the foundation of her involvement in the OER project.
 
Summary: Nicole Bakula is marked by her audacity and inquisitiveness. With a penchant for self-learning and a profound love for research, she made the leap from public relations to becoming a full-fledged UX Researcher. Her cultural background and early exposure to technology through her young aunt deeply influenced her skills. As a mentor at a non-profit organization, she instills rigorous thinking and critical reasoning in aspiring tech professionals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
 
Role in the Story: Nicole Bakula stands as a central character whose narrative intertwines her academic and professional journey with her work in the community. Her transition from Puerto Rico to a prestigious U.S. design school reflects her commitment to education, while her role as a UX Researcher showcases the practical application of digital literacy. Nicole Bakula's journey exemplifies resilience and perseverance, essential qualities in the tech world.
 
Occupation: Nicole Bakula is a UX Researcher, dedicated to understanding user behaviors and needs to enhance digital products and experiences.
 
Motivations and Goals: Nicole Bakula is driven by her passion for technology and her desire to bridge the digital divide. Within the OER project, her goal is to provide accessible resources that empower marginalized communities with digital skills. She also aims to advocate for affordable UX research certification programs to democratize access to this field.
 
Conflicts: Nicole Bakula's journey to becoming a UX Researcher was not without challenges, as she shifted from a background in public relations to a highly specialized field. Her story delves into the transformation and adaptation required for such a career change. Additionally, her dedication to mentoring individuals from underprivileged backgrounds presents its own set of challenges.
 
Narrative: Nicole Bakula's narrative revolves around her educational odyssey from Puerto Rico to New York City, where she earned her master's degree. Her experiences with technology, from her young aunt's early computers to her exposure to online platforms, underscore her tech-savviness. Her story also highlights the importance of mentorship and giving back to her community. Nicole Bakula's journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing how one's determination can lead to a successful career in the tech industry. Her commitment to providing opportunities for others and advocating for more inclusive pathways into tech adds depth to her character.

Synopsis: Ebony Peoples, a 21-year-old African American hailing from Hampton, Virginia, is a pivotal contributor to the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER) focused on empowering Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women in digital literacy and technical skills. Armed with a bachelor's degree in political science from an HBCU and embarking on her Master's in Public Administration at an Ivy League university, Ebony's journey from academia to grassroots organizing brings a unique perspective to the project.
 
Summary: Ebony is defined by her tenacity and self-sufficiency. With an innate curiosity and an aversion to waiting for assistance, she's always sought to master technology independently. Her mentors, including her influential political science teacher Dr. Allison, guided her educational and professional path. Ebony's love for technology and her knack for self-learning contribute to her grassroots organizing role. She's a quiet powerhouse, passionate about giving back to her community.
 
Role in the Story: Ebony serves as a central character, weaving her academic background and self-reliance into the narrative. Her journey from her HBCU to an Ivy League institution reflects the pursuit of education, while her grassroots organizing role demonstrates the real-world impact of digital literacy. Ebony's resilience and her ability to navigate technology independently play a crucial role in the OER project.
 
Occupation: Ebony is a Grassroots Organizer, dedicated to advocating for community issues and bringing about change at the grassroots level.
 
Motivations and Goals: Ebony is motivated by her desire to uplift underserved communities through technology and education. Her goal within the OER project is to bridge the digital divide by providing accessible resources to marginalized groups, enabling them to acquire vital digital skills.
 
Conflicts: Ebony's self-reliant nature sometimes leads her to struggle with seeking assistance when needed. Her journey through academia, from an HBCU to an Ivy League institution, exposes her to different challenges and expectations, leading to self-doubt and questions about her identity. Ebony's conflict lies in balancing her academic aspirations with her commitment to grassroots organizing.
 
Narrative: Ebony's narrative is a compelling exploration of her transition from an HBCU to an Ivy League university, interwoven with her grassroots organizing endeavors. Her story underscores the importance of self-learning and independence in mastering technology. Ebony's interactions with mentors like Dr. Allison showcase the profound impact educators can have on a student's journey. Her journey is emblematic of the potential for change that lies within marginalized communities when empowered with digital skills and education.

Synopsis: Nadine White, a 38-year-old African American residing in New York City, plays a crucial role in the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER) aimed at empowering Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women in the realm of digital literacy and technical skills. Her journey from Detroit, her efforts in creating podcasts, mentoring older family members, and her unique experience with a bachelor's degree in communication and media, as well as a Master's degree in Design, set her apart and enrich the OER project.
 
Summary: Nadine is deeply rooted in her family's culture and history, using her podcast as a means to preserve memories of her childhood and Detroit's changing landscape. She is passionate about bridging the digital divide, mentoring older family members in basic technology skills, and fostering confidence in technology use. Her background in video production and cultural expression brings a unique perspective to her work as a User Experience (UX) Designer. Nadine is known for learning from experts through platforms like MasterClass and guiding emerging UX designers through hands-on projects.
 
Role in the Story: Nadine is a central character in the story, contributing her expertise as a UX designer to the development of the OER. Her commitment to preserving cultural memories and empowering older family members through technology is a driving force in the narrative. She also serves as a mentor to young designers, emphasizing practical, project-based learning.
 
Occupation: Nadine is a User Experience (UX) Designer, specializing in user-centered design principles. Her unique skills and cultural background make her a valuable asset to the design community.
 
Motivations and Goals: Nadine is motivated by her family's history and the desire to help older family members navigate the digital world with confidence. Her goal is to empower underrepresented groups by providing accessible digital resources and mentoring. Within the OER project, her aim is to bridge the digital literacy gap, ensuring that everyone has access to and excels in the digital realm.
 
Conflicts: Nadine grapples with the challenge of balancing her family's traditions and history with her career in design. She also faces the task of introducing older family members to technology, often encountering resistance and difficulties. Her story explores the tensions between preserving cultural heritage and embracing the digital future.
 
Narrative: Nadine's narrative revolves around her multifaceted role as a UX designer, podcaster, mentor, and cultural advocate. Her move from Detroit to New York City marks a significant turning point in her life, as does her transition from podcast creation to mentoring older family members. Her experiences in design school and her unique skills in video production and storytelling contribute to her success in the tech world. Her story highlights the importance of cultural background and personal history in the fields of design and technology.

Synopsis: Dominique Jackson, a 36-year-old African American residing in Baltimore, Maryland, plays a crucial role in the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER) aimed at empowering Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women in the realm of digital literacy and technical skills. Her transition from an executive assistant to a Software Engineer and her commitment to mentoring young Black women bring a unique perspective to the project.
 
Summary: Dominique is characterized by her determination and curiosity. While she has a bachelor’s degree in Literature, she also possesses a strong affinity for technology, evident in her career change from a non-tech role to becoming a Software Engineer. Despite her introverted nature, Dominique is a mentor and a self-learner who leverages the tech community and online resources to overcome professional challenges. She is motivated by the belief that young Black women should have opportunities in the tech world and strives to provide them with guidance and support.
 
Role in the Story: Dominique serves as a central character in the story, contributing her technical expertise to the development of the OER. Her journey from a non-technical background to becoming a Software Engineer highlights the theme of self-discovery and personal growth. She also plays a mentoring role, guiding and inspiring young Black women to pursue careers in technology.
 
Occupation: Dominique is a Software Engineer, specializing in mobile development. Her career shift was driven by her desire for a more challenging and fulfilling profession.
 
Motivations and Goals: Dominique is motivated by her passion for technology and her commitment to breaking down barriers for young Black women in the tech industry. Her goal within the OER project is to provide accessible resources and mentorship to empower underrepresented groups, helping them build essential digital skills.
 
Conflicts: Despite her technical prowess, Dominique faces the challenge of balancing her introverted nature with her mentoring responsibilities. She grapples with the internal conflict of self-doubt and feeling unqualified for her new career path. Her story explores the hurdles and successes of her journey into the tech world.
 
Narrative: Dominique's narrative revolves around her career transition and her dedication to mentoring. Her path from an executive assistant to a Software Engineer is a testament to her perseverance and determination. She actively engages with the tech community and online resources to enhance her skills, highlighting the importance of self-learning in the tech industry. Her mentoring role adds depth to her character, emphasizing the significance of empowering the next generation of Black women in technology.

Synopsis: Njoki Kimani, a 45-year-old African American with Kenyan heritage, resides in Chicago, Illinois, and is an integral part of the team developing the Open Educational Resource (OER) aimed at empowering Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women in the realm of digital literacy and technical skills. Her unique journey from volunteer work at the local YMCA to her career as a Digital Marketing Advisor brings a valuable perspective to the project.
 
Summary: Njoki is characterized by her strong commitment to empowering young women with technical skills. As a self-proclaimed introvert, she's a self-taught techie who loves the efficiency and scalability of technology. Her learning style is rooted in reading and hands-on experiences, reflecting her belief that true understanding comes from doing. She is motivated by the belief that every young person should have the opportunity to explore technology and decide if it's a career path they want to pursue.
 
Role in the Story: Njoki is a central character in the story, adding a unique perspective to the development of the OER. Her role as a Digital Marketing Advisor and her commitment to youth development through a robotics enrichment program at the local YMCA make her an inspiring figure for the other characters.
 
Occupation: Njoki works full-time as a Digital Marketing Advisor, where she combines her tech-savvy skills with marketing expertise to help clients thrive in the digital landscape. Her career is a testament to her passion for technology's power in scaling opportunities.
 
Motivations and Goals: Njoki's primary motivation is to expose young women and girls to the world of technology and STEM fields. She believes that everyone should have a chance to code, build software, create robots, and explore wearable technologies. Her goal is to provide hands-on experiences that help young individuals decide if tech is a career they want to pursue, breaking gender stereotypes in the process.
 
Conflicts: Njoki's introverted nature contrasts with her role as a mentor and tech enthusiast. She faces the challenge of balancing her passion for youth empowerment with her inclination for solitude. Additionally, she carries the responsibility of challenging stereotypes that portray tech as exclusively for men.
 
Narrative: Njoki's narrative centers around her journey from being a self-taught techie to a Digital Marketing Advisor and dedicated mentor. Her pivotal role in inspiring young women through her robotics enrichment program at the YMCA showcases the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in technology. Her story underscores the significance of hands-on learning and personal dedication in pursuing one's passions.

Synopsis: Sharlene González, a 70-year-old Argentinian woman residing in San Francisco, California, plays an essential role in the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER) aimed at promoting digital literacy and technical skills among Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women. Her unique journey and passion for marketing and communications have merged with her background in architecture to shape her path.
 
Summary: Sharlene is a person of persistent and stubborn personality, qualities that have enabled her to overcome obstacles and take on unwavering challenges in her life. She is a visual and creative individual due to her background in architecture. Her entrepreneurial spirit and her desire to learn and adapt have led her to embark on a digital project at the age of 64, defying age-related limitations.
 
Role in the Story: Sharlene is a main character in the story, bringing her unique perspective as the founder of a cultural sensitivity-focused marketing firm. Her passion for marketing and communication, combined with her architectural experience, make her a valuable resource for the development of the OER and her commitment to digital inclusion.
 
Occupation: Sharlene serves as the founder of a cultural sensitivity-focused marketing firm, a vocation she embraced following a previous experience where she failed to adapt to digital changes in her journalism career. At the age of 64, she ventured into the digital world and founded a nonprofit organization to support Latina businesses and products.
 
Motivations and Goals: Sharlene's passion lies in empowering marginalized communities, especially Latinas and Afro-Latinas, by providing them with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital world. Her goal is to make underrepresented voices heard and create opportunities in the digital space.
 
Conflicts: Sharlene's central conflict lies in her previous experience where she could not adapt to the digital transition in her journalism career, leading to the closure of her newspaper. This experience haunted her for years and motivated her to embrace a new digital project at an advanced age. The confrontation with technology and the fear of repeating her past are challenges she constantly faces.
 
Narrative: Throughout the story, Sharlene's journey from her architectural background to her career in marketing and communications is explored. Her brave decision to embark on a digital project at the age of 64, despite doubts and challenges, serves as an inspiration to other characters and the development of the OER. The story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability, regardless of age.

Synopsis: Tia Simmons, a 26-year-old with a rich heritage of African-American and Afro-Puerto Rican roots, resides in Delray Beach, Florida. She plays a pivotal role in the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER) dedicated to advancing digital literacy and technical skills among Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women.
 
Summary: Tia possesses a resilient and adaptable spirit. Her experiences have shaped her into a resourceful problem solver. She is known for her unwavering determination and the ability to build bridges between people from diverse backgrounds. Tia is a go-getter who thrives in challenging environments.
 
Role in the Story: Tia stands as one of the central characters, bringing her unique blend of skills and life experiences to the development of the OER. Her background in business with a minor in digital marketing, coupled with her master's degree in marketing, equips her with a keen understanding of the digital landscape and its potential to empower underrepresented communities.
 
Occupation: Tia serves as a Product Solutions Manager and holds a part-time position as a web development instructor at her HBCU alma mater.
 
Motivations and Goals: Tia's driving force is to provide marginalized communities with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the digital era. Her goal is to challenge stereotypes and level the playing field, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal access to opportunities in the digital world.
 
Conflicts: Tia's journey is marked by the conflict between her initial pursuit of a computer science major, influenced by external pressures, and her subsequent shift to business and digital marketing due to a lack of representation and support in the computer science field. Her inner turmoil stems from feeling let down by the educational system but also empowered by her ability to adapt and succeed in the face of adversity.
 
Narrative: Throughout the story, Tia's transition from a computer science major to business and digital marketing becomes a powerful testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her experiences in the academic world, along with her part-time role as a web development instructor and her involvement in the OER project, shape her journey. Tia's unique perspective contributes to the development of content that bridges the digital divide and empowers marginalized communities.
 
Tia's story is a testament to the importance of representation and the impact of a determined individual in shaping a more inclusive digital landscape.

Synopsis: Jazmin is a 28-year-old MarTech Publicist with a unique heritage, stemming from an African-American father and a mother who immigrated from Mexico, with Native American ancestry. She calls Panama City, Florida, her home and plays a pivotal role in the development of the Open Educational Resource (OER), aiming to empower Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women by enhancing their digital literacies and technical skills.
 
Summary: Jazmin is a thoughtful and introspective individual with a deep sense of cultural identity. She possesses a strong determination to challenge the status quo and amplify underrepresented voices. Her dedication to storytelling and her relentless pursuit of diverse narratives set her apart. Jazmin's habit of seeking alternative perspectives and her knack for connecting with others on a personal level make her a natural bridge builder.
 
Role in the Story: Jazmin is one of the main characters, bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the development of the OER. Her background in international relations with a concentration in migration studies and Latin American studies equips her with a rich understanding of cultural nuances and global perspectives. Jazmin's role is to ensure that the OER reflects diverse narratives and amplifies marginalized voices.
 
Occupation: MarTech Publicist.
 
Motivations & Goal: Jazmin's primary motivation is to rewrite the narrative and provide digital content that accurately represents diverse voices. She wants to ensure that individuals from marginalized communities see themselves reflected in the digital world. Her goal is to challenge the dominance of white-centric narratives and create a space where alternative stories thrive.
 
Conflicts: Jazmin's journey is marked by internal and external conflicts. She grapples with the limitations of the educational system and her decision to abandon her master's in elementary education due to a misalignment of values. Internally, she battles with the frustration of not seeing herself or her community represented in mainstream content. Her quest to rectify this omission is met with resistance and skepticism.
 
Narrative: In the story, Jazmin's expertise in storytelling and her dedication to amplifying diverse voices become instrumental in shaping the OER. She uses her academic background and personal experiences to curate content that challenges traditional narratives. Throughout the narrative, Jazmin's character undergoes transformation as she finds her voice and empowers others to do the same. Her unique perspective opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations that enrich the OER and the lives of its users.
 
Jazmin's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of representation in the digital age. Her unwavering commitment to giving voice to the voiceless drives the OER project forward, making it a beacon of diversity and inclusion.

Synopsis: Jaleesa is a tech-savvy, dynamic 22-year-old with a mixed heritage of African-American and Mexican-American. She's a Digital Marketing Campaign Manager & Research Scientist in San Bernardino, CA, and she's on a mission to empower Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women by enhancing their digital literacies and technical skills through an Open Educational Resource (OER).
 
Summary: Jaleesa is a go-getter with a vibrant personality. She's a natural problem solver, always quick to crack a joke, and has an infectious enthusiasm for technology and digital marketing. She's known for her habit of turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth and her signature phrase, "Let's get digital!"
 
Role in the Story: As a main character, Jaleesa is the driving force behind the development of the OER. Her unique blend of digital marketing expertise and research acumen makes her the perfect leader for this ambitious project. She's passionate about bridging the digital divide and giving underrepresented communities the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.
 
Occupation: Digital Marketing Campaign Manager & Research Scientist.
 
Motivations & Goal: Jaleesa's primary motivation is to create a comprehensive OER that empowers Latinas, Afro-Latinas, Black girls, and women with digital skills and knowledge. Her goal is to break down barriers, providing free access to resources that will help these communities thrive in the tech world. She envisions a future where gender and ethnicity are no longer obstacles to success in the digital realm.
 
Conflicts: Jaleesa faces the challenge of balancing her full-time job with her commitment to the OER project. She also grapples with self-doubt, wondering if she's doing enough to make a difference. Her mixed heritage sometimes puts her at odds with the expectations of her community, leading to moments of internal conflict as she navigates her identity.
 
Narrative: Throughout the story, Jaleesa's determination and creativity drive the development of the OER. She faces setbacks, including budget constraints and technical hurdles, but her unwavering commitment keeps the project on track. Along the way, she forms deep connections with the people she's helping, further fueling her passion for digital literacy. As the OER gains traction, Jaleesa learns valuable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the power of community.
 
Jaleesa's journey is one of growth, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of a more inclusive digital world.