Sophomores Grace P. and Mimi W. Participate in Rural Broadband Access Roundtable

Over the summer, Mimi W. ’24 and Grace P. ’24 were invited by Grace’s mother Lisa Brotherton, owner of Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewing, to participate in a roundtable discussion held at the brewery on rural broadband (or high-speed) internet access in Goochland County, VA. Other participants included Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, various Goochland County government leaders, and broadband providers.
Following are reflections from each of the girls on the experience: 

“Mimi and I recently attended a roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery after my mother, Lisa Brotherton, was invited to host a meeting discussing the importance of broadband connectivity and the funding of access to broadband in rural Goochland County. While there, we listened as my mom explained the importance of broadband access while trying to run an independent business. Mimi and I also contributed our opinions, explaining the importance of wireless connectivity for typical high school students who have to attend sports, school, and friend gatherings, which nowadays are notified online. This was an amazing opportunity for me because we got to meet with women in power. We also got to fully understand and become aware of the importance of broadband in rural communities and the impact it has on the success of small businesses and people facing poverty.” — Grace P. ’24

“When Grace and her mother invited me to the discussion I was very excited, mainly because I had never before sat at ‘the table where it happens.’ It was so incredible to see action behind Ms. Brotherton’s goals of creating a more economically inclusive environment in rural Virginia first-hand. Learning about the importance of broadband internet has helped me understand why some people are unable to overcome poverty: because they don’t have the resources to pay for the extremely expensive internet that businesses in rural Goochland require. I felt so inspired and empowered by Grace’s mother and her determination to better the lives of her neighbors.” — Mimi W. ’24 

Read full coverage of the event in the article “Rural Virginia community offers roadmap for successful broadband expansion” by Courthouse News Service. 
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.