Gabe (Pontoppidan) Brum serves as a dedicated Digital Literacy Advisor at The Immigrant Learning Center, where he empowers students with the essential digital skills needed to navigate and thrive in today's increasingly interconnected world. Building on over ten years of experience as an ESOL educator, including the last two years specializing in digital literacy, Gabe brings a wealth of practical and pedagogical expertise to his role.

Gabe's journey in education began in Brazil during his International Relations studies, where he first recognized the transformative power of accessible education. This initial spark ignited a passion that has driven his career, leading him to work with diverse age groups and learners from varied backgrounds. His experience spans a wide range of educational settings, ultimately leading him to specialize in adult education, where he has found his true calling.

Beyond foundational ESOL instruction, Gabe has also successfully guided students in preparing for rigorous standardized tests like the TOEFL and TOEIC, demonstrating his commitment to comprehensive language development. This experience has honed his ability to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, a core value that permeates his work. Recognizing the growing importance of digital fluency, Gabe has transitioned seamlessly into the realm of digital literacy, equipping students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in a digital age.

In his current role, Gabe not only imparts technical skills but also fosters a supportive learning environment that encourages students to embrace technology as a means of empowerment. He understands that digital literacy is more than just technical proficiency; it's about enabling individuals to access information, connect with their communities, and pursue their personal and professional goals.

Jon has worked in education for the last 18 years. His first foray into education was as an English teacher, grades 5-12. For the last ten years, Jon has worked in adult education, teaching classes and writing curriculum. At each step in his career as an educator, Jon has prioritized integrating technology into the classroom. As high school English department head and adult education director, Jon has tailored educational offerings to fit the demands of the 21st century and the needs of the individuals he serves. In his 5th year as an educator in corrections, Jon has continued to target increasing digital literacy and digital resilience along with offering vocational pathways to incarcerated individuals. Whether it is working to increase learning gains or reduce recidivism, Jon is always working to provide opportunities for individuals to carve out a better future for themselves.

Lindsay Messoline is an educator with almost 25 years of serving students from marginalized, minoritized, and racialized populations, including migrants in rural Oregon and Tijuana, Mexico, formerly and currently incarcerated folks in LA and New York, and students of every age learning English and Spanish. She’s also an experienced curriculum designer, working with local and national organizations, including the National Immigration Forum, to create tailored curriculum to serve students’ diverse needs. And, as the Founder and Director of Collaborative Voices Initiative, she leads teams to create engaging, effective, and representative learning materials for students of all ages.