As the Regional Director of the Gurteen Knowledge Community in New York City, I have the opportunity to host fascinating monthly conversations about meaningful topics, usually related to making and sharing knowledge. Last night’s Knowledge Cafe was thought-provoking!
Our guest presenter was Mary Lee Kennedy, a woman of exceptional intelligence, talent, and humility. She is also a friend. Mary Lee’s career has spanned Microsoft, Harvard, and the New York Public Library System. She now consults on projects that involve digital literacy, smart cities, and community engagement. For example, she mentioned that by 2020 there will be 50 billion devices connected to the Internet. Can you even imagine that? How do we facilitate community engagement to improve digital access for our schools and city infrastructures? Big questions like this were raised and the dozen or so participants deeply engaged in conversation. Mary Lee believes that the only way forward is through iteration and innovation. For more of her ideas, please read Smart People for Smart Cities.
In thinking about the world’s future, Mary Lee asked “What are the conditions in which people will thrive?” How would you answer that?
~~ Suzanne
