Digital Ambassador Program Overview

Digital Ambassadors are trained college students who provide one-on-one digital support in community settings. Members of the Digital Life Exchange (DLX) are recruited to become host sites and receive a Digital Ambassador for a semester at no cost to the organization. Each Ambassador works directly with community members to help build digital skills in areas like job readiness, online safety, and everyday tech use. Ambassadors were recruited through Kansas City Kansas Community College, and discovered the opportunity through platforms like Parker Dewey, career centers, and word of mouth. 

This fall, the Digital Life Exchange (DLX) continued its Digital Ambassador initiative—demonstrating once again that personalized, community-rooted support can make a powerful difference in closing the digital divide. From September through December 2025, two dedicated Digital Ambassadors partnered with trusted Kansas-based nonprofits to provide hands-on digital literacy support to community members who need it most. Through this work, Digital Ambassadors helped individuals build confidence with technology, improve job readiness, and develop safer digital habits—all while strengthening the capacity of local organizations serving immigrants, refugees, and low-income households.

The Fall 2025 cohort was made possible through partnerships with Kansas City Kansas Community College, the Kansas Board of Regents, and Parker Dewey, with host sites including Latinx Education Collaborative, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and The Toolbox KC.

Program Impact at a Glance

By the Numbers

• 139 total service hours
• 96 community members supported through class assistance
• 50 hours of direct classroom support
• 87 hours dedicated to outreach, preparation, and curriculum development

Behind every number is a person gaining skills, confidence, and access—and two Ambassadors whose work brought digital equity to life.

Meet the Digital Ambassadors

Sofia Tellez Pedraza

Latinx Education Collaborative & Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

Sofia served with two vital organizations supporting multilingual, migrant, and immigrant communities across the Kansas City region who often face systemic barriers to digital access. Her work focused on making digital literacy programs accessible, welcoming, and effective for learners who often face systemic barriers to technology. She said she was drawn to the opportunity because “access to technology is no longer optional—it is essential for full participation in society. Being able to help people gain confidence with technology felt meaningful, impactful, and aligned with my personal values of service, equity, and education.”

Key Contributions

• Conducted outreach to multilingual and migrant communities, promoting free digital literacy classes
• Prepared laptops and managed DLX laptop logistics to ensure classes ran smoothly
• Developed plain-language training materials tailored for multilingual learners
• Supported digital literacy programming at two high-impact community organizations

Despite the ubiquity of technology, it is still new to some. One of Sofia’s most memorable moments came while helping a client use a computer for the very first time. “At the beginning, they were very hesitant and afraid of ‘doing something wrong,’ but by the end of the session, they were smiling and proud of themselves for completing simple tasks independently. Seeing their confidence grow in such a short time was incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Through her service, Sofia strengthened her communication skills, cultural competency, and ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible way—essential transferrable skills she plans to carry into a future career. She also said this experience reinforced her interest in working in roles that focus on inclusion and social impact, such as public service, international relations, education, or community development.

“Access to technology is no longer optional—it is essential for full participation in society.” — Sofia Tellez Pedraza

Nardaicela (Narda) Garcia

The Toolbox KC

Narda served with The Toolbox KC, a nonprofit small business support center serving primarily Hispanic business owners. There, she played a hands-on role in helping participants build practical digital skills they could apply to improve their day-to-day operations. She said the role appealed to her because it enabled her to apply the natural digital skills she had developed through her tendency to help family and friends with their tech challenges. “I wanted to share these skills with my community, and it turned out to be bigger than I thought,” she said.

Key Contributions

• Provided instruction for a 6-week Spanish Intro to Computer Basics program
• Tutored participants on computer security and account recovery
• Helped learners create QR codes, logos, and business cards using Canva
• Supported and celebrated graduates at the program’s completion ceremony

“Meeting people at their level and explaining things made them grateful—and that made me proud.”
— Nardaicela Garcia

Narda was especially struck by how many small business owners wanted to use technology to grow their livelihoods—but didn’t know where to start. “There are many resources, but not many people are aware of them,” she said.

By the end of her service, Narda’s dedication and skills led to a powerful outcome: she was offered a full-time position at The Toolbox KC.

Based on her experience, she offered the following advice to future DAs: “The biggest challenge was knowing I was there to help without knowing what to expect. Every partner is different. Go in with a flexible, growth mindset, and don’t set strict expectations. Be open-minded, flexible, and adaptable. Be excited and take chances, as this program helps connect you to the real world and uses your naturally attained skills.”

Narda with graduates of The Toolbox KC’s Spanish Intro to Computer Basics 6-week program. The program took place on Mondays from 9-11 a.m.

Why This Work Matters

The Fall 2025 Digital Ambassador cohort demonstrated that meaningful progress often happens through small, human moments—a first mouse click, a secure email account, a business card created with pride.

Through their service, Sofia and Narda didn’t just teach digital skills. They helped build confidence, independence, and opportunity—reinforcing the Digital Life Exchange’s commitment to digital inclusion for all Kansas City residents.

Learn more about the Digital Life Exchange (DLX) and how you can become a member here.