“Collaboration, creativity, and persistence:” A Q&A with Valeria Molina

Learn how Whitfield County activates its locally developed connectivity plan in this Q&A with Valeria Molina, Public Information Officer for the county.

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Take us back to the beginning — why was broadband on Whitfield County's agenda?

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From the very beginning, broadband was on Whitfield County’s agenda because we recognized it as a transformative need for citizens. It would provide better access to education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. As a county that values both tradition and innovation, we knew that expanding digital connectivity was essential to ensuring opportunity for every resident, whether they are living in an unserved/underserved area or just looking to improve digital literacy skills.

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How or why does the County play a leading role in broadband initiatives?

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Whitfield County has embraced a leadership role in broadband because we understand that local governments are closest to the people and shape the policies that impact everyday life. We heard about the challenges our residents face from students struggling with homework due to limited access, to businesses missing out on growth opportunities, and our aging population needing more digital training to keep up with the technological environment. By coordinating with internet service providers and community partners, we’ve been able to advocate effectively and turn vision into action.

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How did you land on the Tech Goes Home program as a service for your community?

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Tech Goes Home stood out to us because it’s not just about access, but also, it’s about empowerment. The program offered a complete solution by equipping residents with devices and the digital skills needed to thrive. We saw it as a powerful way to bridge the digital divide and ensure our residents become confident and capable online.

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What challenges have you faced when planning or advocating for broadband in your community?

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Like many communities, we’ve faced challenges ranging from funding limitations to infrastructure gaps and awareness. One of the biggest hurdles has been overcoming the misconception that broadband is a luxury because it is a necessity in today's world. We’ve had to engage deeply with stakeholders, share real stories from our residents, and push for innovative solutions to bring everyone onboard.

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As Whitfield County continues to prioritize broadband planning and digital skills training, how has the response been from other leaders in your community?

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The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Once community leaders saw the tangible impacts, from higher student engagement to increased access to telehealth and workforce training, they rallied behind the efforts. We’ve seen collaboration across school systems, libraries, nonprofits, and the private sector. Broadband has become a shared priority, not just a government initiative.

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Congratulations on re-certifying your Broadband Ready status from the Georgia Technology Authority! What's next?

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Thank you! We’re incredibly proud to have that in place. But we see it as just the beginning. Next, we’re focused on exploring public-private partnerships, expanding needed infrastructure, and deepening our commitment to digital literacy.

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What advice would you give to community leaders just starting out on their broadband journeys?

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Start by listening to your community. Understand their needs, their barriers, and their goals. Then, build an advisory committee. Broadband success takes collaboration, creativity, and persistence. Leverage available resources, like state programs and grant funding, and don’t be afraid to pilot new ideas. Most importantly, keep the vision. A connected community is a thriving community.

Start your Connected Communities journey.

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Watch this video to learn how Thrive Regional Partnership supports local communities in broadband planning initiatives. Contact us to collaborate!