Tia Simmons

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.