The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance recently hosted the second annual CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference, bringing together business, government, nonprofit, and education leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital inclusion can power the region’s economy and create a more equitable, resilient future.
Presented in partnership and held at Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, the event drew hundreds of professionals for a thought-provoking keynote and three expert panels tackling workforce, infrastructure, and innovation opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The conference opened with the premiere of “Connecting Westchester — Empowering Progress” — a short film highlighting decades of WCA leadership advancing broadband, digital equity, and innovation in Westchester. The video chronicles how initiatives such as Gigabit Westchester, the Y-Zone project, and Connect Westchester have transformed access to technology and opportunity, underscoring the partners’ commitment to keeping the region at the forefront of the digital economy.
“We are in the midst of a new era, one that promises to redefine how we work, live, and grow,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, opening the conference. “Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and smart infrastructure are revolutionizing industries across the globe, and here in the Hudson Valley, we are preparing to seize that moment. This conference and our ongoing partnerships demonstrate what’s possible when we work together.”
Convening Leaders to Shape the Region’s Digital Future
The morning kicked off with a keynote by John Kolb, Vice President and Head of the Future Computing Institute at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), who outlined the promise and challenges of quantum and AI technologies, and underscored the importance of workforce readiness and equity. A new strategic partnership with RPI, announced earlier this year, will bring top-tier STEM education and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, science, and business to Westchester, fulfilling a key initiative to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.
Panel discussions followed on three critical themes:
- Workforce readiness and inclusion, with strategies for preparing people for the new economy
- Infrastructure and innovation, exploring how to build a future-ready region
- Policy and protection, addressing the ethical and regulatory implications of AI and broadband
“Westchester is on a roll when it comes to digital innovation,” said Michael Romita, President & CEO of the WCA. “We’re proud to convene this important conversation, connecting stakeholders from across sectors to develop actionable strategies that strengthen our economy and improve lives.”
“Mercy University is proud to host the 2nd Annual CONVERGE Conference alongside Westchester County, the Westchester County Association, and The STEM Alliance,” said Susan L. Parish, PhD, MSW, President of Mercy University. “This event reflects our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and preparing the next generation of leaders. At Mercy, we believe education is a bridge to the future—and we are proud to be a strong partner in training the workforce of tomorrow through hands-on learning, forward-thinking programs, and strategic industry partnerships. Together, we’re not just talking about the future—we’re building it.”
Westchester Recognized for National Digital Inclusion Leadership
As part of the day’s celebration, Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, presented County Executive Jenkins and Bridget Gibbons, Director of Economic Development, with their Trailblazer Award — recognizing Westchester County’s leadership in bridging the digital divide through initiatives like Connect Westchester.
The NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers are local governments that lead by example — intentional, invested, and committed to advancing digital equity while demonstrating how municipalities can build inclusive, connected communities.
This work has already touched thousands of lives across the county. Since its launch, the Connect Westchester partnership — led by WCA, Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance — has achieved measurable, meaningful impact:
- 5,000 households reached
- 1,000+ program participants
- 780+ residents trained and equipped with digital devices
- 275+ receiving free or low-cost internet service
- 345+ homes connected with broadband access
“CONVERGE represents the next step in our regional strategy to position the Hudson Valley as a hub of innovation, talent, and opportunity — what we like to call Quantum Valley,” said Gibbons. “Our work with WCA, STEM Alliance, and RPI is helping ensure that all communities benefit from these transformative technologies.”
“At The STEM Alliance, we believe that digital inclusion isn’t charity; it’s economic infrastructure and talent pipeline development,” added Margaret Käufer, President of The STEM Alliance. “It’s exciting to see how Converge builds on our digital inclusion work to imagine a future where everyone in our region has the skills, access, and opportunity to succeed in a tech-driven world.”
Join the Effort
The WCA encourages professionals and organizations interested in shaping the region’s digital future to join its Digital Committee, which advises on and advances initiatives like Connect Westchester and Converge. To learn more and get involved, visit www.westchester.org.
Photo captions
- Conference partners: Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; John Kolb, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Michael Romita, WCA; Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County; Margaret Käufer, The STEM Alliance; Susan Parish, PhD, Mercy University; Chris Fisher, Cuddy + Feder
- Panel moderator WCA Vice Chair: Chris Fisher, Cuddy + Feder
- Keynote John Kolb, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Award presentation: Margaret Käufer, The STEM Alliance; Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County; Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker; Angela Siefer, National Digital Inclusion Alliance; Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; Michael Romita, WCA