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SETDA Honors Anna Gomez with the 2025 Federal Policymaker of the Year Award

November 25, 2025 (Washington, DC) – SETDA, the principal membership association of U.S. state and territorial educational technology leaders, announced today that FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez has been named the 2025 recipient of the Federal Policymaker of the Year Award. This award honors Commissioner Gomez’s leadership and dedication to advancing equitable, innovative educational technology policy at the national level.

Since joining the FCC, Commissioner Gomez has made broadband equity and closing the digital divide the centerpiece of her work, consistently emphasizing the profound impact connectivity has on education. She has championed the Affordable Connectivity Program, calling it “the most successful tool our country has ever had to address the digital divide.” Gomez has also been a strong supporter of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, underscoring the importance of empowering local communities to determine their own broadband needs.

Her advocacy extends to how the FCC defines broadband access, urging that affordability and adoption rates be included alongside availability to provide an accurate picture of the digital divide. Equally significant has been her defense of educational technology programs. Gomez has tied her broadband advocacy directly to closing the homework gap, the challenge faced by students who cannot complete schoolwork at home due to a lack of internet access.

Commissioner Gomez reflected on the honor, stating: “I strongly believe that every student, regardless of background, should have access to the resources and opportunities that will prepare them for success in our increasingly digital world. I am honored to be recognized by SETDA as Federal Policymaker of the Year, and I look forward to our continued efforts to bridge the digital divide.”

Commissioner Gomez’s leadership reflects the very essence of this award,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “Her advocacy reinforces what SETDA has long asserted through the Universal Connectivity Imperative: connectivity is a public education necessity. By defending programs like E-Rate and pushing for broadband that is affordable, available, and adopted, she is helping close the digital access divide for millions of learners.”

The Federal Policymaker of the Year Award is presented annually to a national leader who demonstrates exceptional vision, influence, and commitment to advancing educational technology. Commissioner Gomez joins a distinguished group of policymakers recognized for their efforts to expand digital equity and innovation in education.

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About SETDA
SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations.

For more information, please visit our website www.setda.org or follow us on LinkedIn.