Board

Ronald Petty is a consultant at RX-M, a global Cloud Native advisory and training firm. He has consulted, developed, and trained across many domains including academic research, government, high-tech, finance, and energy. Ronald is an advisor/board member for companies in high-tech research and energy. In addition, he authors and edits technical material around programming languages and software development techniques. He participated in the creation of certification exams such as the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) and Developer (CKAD). Helping companies and individuals succeed with technology has been an ongoing and a long term focus of his work. Working with the ISOC board and membership, he hopes to further the ISOC mission through education and action. Ron is also a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Linux Foundation (LF), and San Francisco Radio Club (SFRC).

As a member of the board, I would focus on advancing equitable access to digital resources, with a specific emphasis on underserved communities, including the Indigenous and Black populations within California. I am passionate about addressing the digital divide, supporting policies that promote affordable Internet access, and fostering programs that improve digital literacy and inclusivity. By leveraging my background in digital health and community-oriented technology initiatives, I aim to bring practical solutions that bridge gaps in accessibility, making online spaces available for all users to empower and better themselves.

As a facilitator, I pride myself on being a servant leader that can bring a collaborative approach to ISOC’s work, focusing on initiatives that strengthen community engagement and foster partnerships across sectors. My experience in design, technology, and strategy positions me to contribute effectively to ISOC’s mission of broadening digital inclusion through innovative programs and strategic advocacy. I am eager to help guide initiatives that enhance diversity and support regional policy efforts that will build a more connected, inclusive digital landscape in California.

Gustavo Ortega, a Senior Computer Security Researcher at Toyota Motor North America, holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering and specializes in information system security. He is certified in Cybersecurity by (ISC)2 and holds multiple GIAC certifications, including GCIH, GCIA, GCCC, and GPEN. With expertise in application security, security architecture, penetration testing, offensive security, and red teaming, Gustavo has actively contributed to hands-on software development projects, improved application security, and implemented enterprise security architecture in the cloud within the private sector.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Gustavo is dedicated to advancing security standards and participating in Internet governance initiatives. He has obtained a diploma in internet governance and is an engaged participant in various internet governance schools, including the North American School of Internet Governance (NASIG) and the South School of Internet Governance (SSIG).

Gustavo is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity, striving to promote a safer and more inclusive Internet for all individuals.

With a diverse and extensive background in contract management and operations, I bring a wealth of experience to my role as a dedicated advocate for providing free internet access for all. As the Director of Contracts at Tanium, Inc., a cutting-edge security and systems management platform, I honed my skills in analyzing, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex enterprise agreements, ensuring timely deal closures within corporate guidelines. Notably, I implemented a reseller metrics dashboard in Salesforce, enhancing sales effectiveness and revenue growth through data-driven decision-making.
My journey in the realm of contracts and operations also includes serving as Contracts Manager at SRI International, Contracts Manager and Facility Security Officer at AOptix Technologies, Inc., and Senior Contracts/Subcontracts Administrator at BAE Systems Inc. These roles equipped me with the ability to manage high-level escalations, lead negotiations, and draft contracts for bespoke software, systems engineering, and support services.
Outside of my professional life, I am an enthusiastic supporter of environmental conservation. In 2023, I regularly volunteered with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy’s Habitat Restoration Team and Save the Bay, contributing to invasive plant removal and native planting, demonstrating my commitment to preserving our natural world. My passion for technology, contracts, and public service drives me to actively engage in initiatives that bridge the digital divide, and I look forward to leveraging my skills and experience to advance the mission of providing free and secure internet access to all.

Caitlin is a former teacher who has been working in STEM for over ten years as a Scrum Master and Program Manager. At Fitbit her team developed and launched Sleep Stages, Autosleep, Reminders to Move, Period Tracking, and many other features still in use by customers today. Caitlin currently works as a Technical Program Manager at Great Place To Work, leading distributed development teams through feature releases and managing the company’s SOC 2 Certification and Customer Due Diligence programs. Caitlin has been a professional mentor and impact coach with the TechWomen program since 2017 and has served as a board member for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Internet Society since 2023.

Daveed Benjamin is a technologist, patent holder, and author with a BS and MS in Engineering from Stanford. As a “Shift Shaper,” his work focuses on altering systems of consciousness to catalyze the deep shifts that humanity urgently needs. As a founder of Bridgit DAO, Presence Browser, and the BRC333 protocol and author of “The Metaweb: The Next Level of the Internet,” Daveed’s focus is decentralizing knowledge, protecting cognitive freedom, and building collective intelligence.

Fatema Kothari is the Senior Program Manager for Microsoft’s Airband Initiative within the Technology & Corporate Responsibility organization. With 10+ years in large-scale program execution, strategic management, and engineering, Fatema leads Airband’s global operations to expand internet connectivity to unserved rural communities in over 20 countries. As an advisor on digital empowerment, Fatema has also contributed her expertise to the Federal Communications Commission.

Fatema is an avid advocate for gender parity in technology. She served on the board for the global non-profit Girls in Tech SF for three years and currently, is an advisor to leading women entrepreneurs from Africa through the TechWomen program run by the U.S. Department of State.

An engineer by education, Fatema holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from the University of Maryland, College Park.

April is a passionate advocate for teen online safety and mental health with a solid background in tech policy, mentorship, and youth engagement. As the Senior Manager for Innovation & Research at Healthy Teen Network’s In/Tend Incubator Hub, April is dedicated to infusing public health with innovation and human-centered design, striving to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

In their previous role as the Public Policy Specialist for Global Partnerships & Education at Discord, April led impactful initiatives such as the Safety Reporting Network, Safety Center, and Moderator Mentorship Community. They also served as the Project Manager for TechWomen, a U.S. State Department-funded global mentorship program for women in STEM.

Outside of work, April actively contributes to closing the digital divide by volunteering as a TechWomen mentor and Technovation judge, empowering women and girls in STEM globally.

April holds a dual Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Human Development from the United Nations University and Maastricht School of Governance.