After growing up with limited access to technology, nonprofit founder wants to bridge digital gap for others

Nishal Mohan, founder and CEO of the tech nonprofit, Mohuman, wants to make technology more accessible and affordable for people in underserved communities. “I have lived experience on both sides of the digital divide, with a deep understanding of the complex systemic inequities perpetuating it, that go beyond devices and internet access. And I know how to fix it,” he says. “I want everyone to have an easier time than my family and I did, to succeed. People and their communities are all different, and technology can easily and affordably support everyone in the way they need it, and that’s the key. Working with people and communities, first.” For him, that fix was founding Mohuman, a technology nonprofit founded in 2018 to provide access to the internet and other digital services for school, work, health, business, and government engagement, to those most adversely affected by the digital divide. During the pandemic, he was recognized for his work in bridging this technology gap, nationally and locally, through a 2020 Federal Communications Commission Digital Opportunity Equity Recognition, and a San Diego Next Century Cities Local Leader. Mohan, 43, is also consulting director for digital equity at UC San Diego Extension and founder of the San Diego Digital Equity Coalition, among involvement in a number of other organizations and boards of directors. Here, he talks about his work at Mohuman and his desire to make the world a better place for those with fewer resources and access to opportunities.