IDEAL Summer Institute

Gwen is a distinguished leader whose four-decade career across adult education, alongside her service as a broadband program specialist at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, has established libraries as vital infrastructure for adult learning. Through strategic partnerships with the American Library Association and ProLiteracy, she has expanded computer access and digital skills training for adult learners nationwide. A champion of age-inclusive digital literacy, Gwen has also guided organizations such as the Durham Literacy Center, the National Coalition for Literacy, Digital Durham, and the Open Door Collective. Her sustained commitment to bridging the digital divide has made digital inclusion a shared, cross-sector priority, making her exceptionally deserving of this lifetime recognition. Join us in honoring Gwen for her transformative leadership in digital opportunity, adult literacy, and library infrastructure. 

As former Associate Director of the Texas Distance Education PD Center, Ashly drove statewide distance learning adoption and spearheaded vital initiatives, including the Texas DRAW program continuation, AI for Adult Education, AdultEd Med contextualized lessons, and the Digital Literacy Toolkit. A prominent national voice, she has shared her expertise across numerous presentations and served as moderator for the LINCS Digital Literacy special interest group. Currently advancing the field as Program Manager for Digital Literacy and Technology Integration at TCALL and as PD Coordinator at COABE, Ashly's relentless commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing makes her an invaluable champion for adult education. Join us as we recognize Ashly for her exceptional leadership in expanding digital literacy and distance learning across Texas and nationwide.