The Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL) is committed to ensuring that every resident, business, and community in Los Angeles County has access to affordable, high-speed internet, essential digital tools, and the skills to thrive. The LA DEAL Regional Broadband Consortium (RBC) is a collaborative, community-driven effort to assess and tackle the broadband gaps that exist in both urban and rural communities across the Los Angeles region.
LA DEAL seeks to address broadband access in a systemic and equitable way. We work to include true community representation and develop a strong infrastructure of civic leaders representing business, education, nonprofits, and government, so that underserved and disadvantaged people have equal access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet service, and the devices and training to optimize their use.
We close the digital divide by advocating for equitable broadband infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, supporting community-driven solutions, and advancing policies that promote digital inclusion and economic opportunity.
We envision a digitally inclusive Los Angeles where every resident—regardless of income, geography, or background—has access to high-speed internet, essential devices, and digital literacy skills to fully participate in education, the economy, healthcare, and civic life. LA DEAL aims to establish a sustainable broadband ecosystem that supports community broadband networks, municipal partnerships, and digital equity initiatives to ensure long-term connectivity solutions.
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) was founded in 1981 as a nonprofit, public-benefit organization to harness the power of private sector in collaboration with L.A. County, to guide economic development and create more widely shared prosperity. LAEDC collaborates with all stakeholders in the region including education, business, and government.
UNITE-LA’s mission is to ensure the continuous improvement of effective and aligned cradle-to-career public education and workforce development systems in Los Angeles, resulting in all children and youth having access to a high-quality education. We serve to prepare the region’s children and youth for high-skill, high-wage employment in a fulfilling career of choice, with a priority focus on underserved populations.
Amy Cortina
Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, UNITE-LA
Amy Cortina, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, joined UNITE-LA in 2014. Cortina advances UNITE-LA’s mission by identifying, cultivating and developing opportunities that expand the organization’s resources and partnerships.
Prior to joining UNITE-LA, Cortina took a development job at a prestigious independent school in Washington, D.C., where she witnessed what high-quality, anti-racist education looked like. It was there that Cortina knew she wanted every person, no matter his or her socio-economic status, to have the same high-quality education and career opportunities.
After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Cortina served with the Peace Corps where she found her passion for engaging in international development. This led her to the University of California, San Diego where she obtained her Master of International Affairs degree.
Outside of work, Cortina is the mom to three boys, who are full of energy and remind her of why her work is important. Beyond being a mom, she tries to stay active by riding her road bike, hiking, running and joining adult soccer leagues.
Joel Martin
Community Broadband Manager, LAEDC
As the Community Broadband Manager for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Joel supports program administration, operations, and strategic alignment. He plays a key role in the development and implementation of the Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL) regional broadband consortium and related digital equity initiatives. Joel has a proven track record in advancing equity initiatives and managing diverse stakeholder engagement to drive systemic change and community empowerment.
Previously, Joel was a Program Manager at CA Fwd, where he led policy and community projects to promote economic equity across California. He has extensive experience in managing non-profit community engagement and educational programs, particularly in youth and family services. Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University of Northridge.