KEYNOTE ADDRESS JoAnn Rolle, School of Business, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York

 Dr. Jo-Anne Rolle, Dean of the School of Business at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, emphasizes the transformative power of education and technology in underserved communities. In her upcoming book, "Tech Enabled Futures: Elevating Education in Underserved Areas," she advocates for integrating innovative educational technologies to bridge the gap of inequality and empower communities globally. She stresses that addressing poverty is not just a matter of resources but of access, choice, and hope.

Reflecting on her personal journey from a segregated town to becoming a renowned economist, Dr. Rolle underscores the importance of education in lifting individuals and communities out of poverty. She highlights the resilience and determination of the underserved, pointing out that conventional foreign aid approaches often fall short due to systemic challenges. Instead, she advocates for a more inclusive and practical approach, leveraging technology to provide scalable educational solutions that can adapt to diverse settings.

Dr. Rolle's book aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, offering actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and social entrepreneurs. By fostering collaboration and compassion, she believes that a more equitable and digitally inclusive society is achievable. Her message is clear: the future of education and poverty alleviation lies in our hands, and it is our collective responsibility to create a world where opportunities are accessible to all.