Allie Herkenroder serves as the Digital Equity Director for the Michigan High Speed Internet (MIHI) office at the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). MIHI aims to advance digital equity for all Michiganders. Allie leads the MIHI digital equity team and DE initiatives at MIHI, including the historic MI Connected Future statewide listening tour to hear from Michiganders about their broadband struggles. Allie understands the tangible and long-lasting impact the digital divide has on our economy, mental and physical health, and education, all of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Allie comes to MIHI from Flint where she implemented the ConnectHomeUSA broadband initiative across eight public housing communities and connected over 1,000 families to free broadband access and devices.