In this powerful episode of PATHIRED, we sit down with Dwayne Douglas, Founder of QUILT Corporation and NODE Networks, two groundbreaking organizations working to close the digital divide in underserved communities.

Dwayne’s journey began unexpectedly in 2017, when a family visit revealed that many people in his hometown didn’t just lack devices, they didn’t even see the need for internet access. That moment changed everything. Drawing on his 25+ years of experience in IT and telecommunications, Dwayne launched QUILT and NODE to bring affordable high-speed internet, digital literacy training, and workforce development programs to communities that had been left behind.

QUILT is a nonprofit focused on social and economic impact in marginalized communities, and NODE Networks is its partner internet service provider, both designed to work in lockstep with local organizations. Recently, QUILT announced a major partnership with ComEd to bring affordable broadband to the South and West sides of Chicago, a move poised to create systemic change in digital access and equity.

In this episode, Dwayne unpacks how trust, place-based partnerships, and long-term commitment are essential to creating lasting impact, from 1,500+ laptops distributed, to building a 750-mile fiber network, to designing apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity and fiber splicing.

Tune in to hear:

• How QUILT and NODE are transforming internet access in Chicago
• Why sustainable community partnerships—not one-off projects—are key to equity
• The biggest ROI for companies that invest in closing the digital divide
• The one mindset shift we all need to make change and be change

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