Worst Connected in the Nation: An Innovative Non-Profit Partner Model to Bridge Cleveland's Digital Divide

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COVID made it clear that Internet access is essential for all, but economically insecure older adults face distinct hurdles to digital equity that adversely affect their Social Determinants of Health, especially financial health, housing stability and social inclusion. This session highlights ESOP’s collaboration to provide isolated seniors with high-speed Internet, devices, technology training and financial capability (knowledge, skills + access to resources) that improves financial outcomes and reduces social isolation–despite Cleveland’s status as the worst-connected and poorest U.S. city.

Michael Billnitzer

Executive Director, Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People (ESOP), and Vice President, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging

Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People (ESOP)

Michael Billnitzer is the Executive Director of Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), where he oversees the strategic development, operations and implementation of ESOP’s programs. He also serves as a Vice President at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.

Billnitzer has 25 years of human resources and organizational development (OD) experience, and a passion for strategic planning, performance management and leadership development. His recently led projects at ESOP include: Board Transformation and Development (2014); Executive Director Search and Transition Process (2013); Strategic Planning Implementation (2011); and HR and OD Transformation (2010).

Billnitzer has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo with additional studies at Harvard University, is a certified trainer of Blanchard's ""Situational Leadership"" and a 2014 graduate of the Social Transformation Project's ""The Art of Transformational Consulting."" He is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP), and currently serves on the Steering Committee for The Cleveland Foundation’s HR Collaborative for Non-Profit organizations. Billnitzer’s clients and employers have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to non-profits.

Antoinette Smith

Director of Housing and Financial Counseling

Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People (ESOP)

Antoinette Smith is an accomplished housing director with demonstrated ability to deliver mission-critical results with 15 years of senior housing management experience. As ESOP’s Director of Housing and Financial Counseling, she manages ESOP’s individually HUD-certified Housing Counselors and Housing Counseling support staff. Smith brings practical training as a paralegal and more than two decades’ experience of direct service for clients who present with multiple needs related to finances, housing, and health. Her work requires managing teams and projects, as well as collaboration with numerous departments and external community partners. She is a HUD-certified counselor and has obtained Executive Certification in home modifications. She is also notary public, life coach, board member of Intellectucool, and founder of Linking Your Life, a personal development company.