Rethinking Access Through Innovation: Miguel Presents at Human First 2025
This month, I had the privilege of presenting my original research at Human First 2025: Rethinking Access Through Innovation in Work, Health, & Digital Worlds, a conference that brought together six academic professionals dedicated to advancing equity, innovation, and human-centered systems across industries. It was an honor to be part of this dynamic group of presenters, each contributing research and ideas designed to shape a more inclusive and functional future.
As part of the “Meet the Minds Behind the Movement” series, the conference spotlighted thought leaders whose work bridges theory and practice in fields ranging from healthcare and education to workplace strategy and digital transformation. Each of us came with a shared commitment: to challenge the status quo and offer evidence-based solutions to real-world problems.
My presentation, “Equitable Access to Labor and Social Capital Through Digital Media,” explored how digital platforms can serve as tools for inclusion—if designed and leveraged with intention. In today’s rapidly shifting economic and social landscape, digital media has become more than just a communication tool—it’s a gateway to opportunity. But not everyone has equal access to those gateways.
In my session, I focused on:
- Digital equity as a workforce enabler: How individuals from marginalized communities can tap into employment, mentorship, and entrepreneurial ecosystems through smart use of digital platforms.
- Structural barriers and solutions: Examining what keeps people excluded from digital spaces and what we can do about it—technologically, socially, and organizationally.
- Designing with intention: Frameworks for companies, educators, and policymakers to create inclusive digital environments that foster access to labor and social capital.
The ideas shared at Human First 2025 were as diverse as they were powerful. From Dr. Leyland’s work on mentorship and women’s leadership, to Chanda’s insights into youth suicide prevention through digital and multi-sector strategies, every presentation revealed how innovation can—and must—be used to improve access, outcomes, and equity.
The experience reinforced a key belief that drives the work we do at Davila Applied Anthropological Research: Access is not accidental—it’s intentional. Whether in healthcare, education, the workplace, or the digital world, we must continually reimagine our systems to ensure they work for everyone.
I’m grateful to have contributed to the dialogue at Human First 2025 and look forward to applying the lessons learned to our ongoing work. Together, we can rethink how innovation serves humanity—and make access more equitable for all.
Recent Comments