Karisa Tashjian serves as the Senior Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships for Digitunity, a nonprofit organization working to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity and its predecessor organization, National Cristina Foundation, have advanced digital equity through device ownership. In her role, Karisa helps to create cohesive, integrated systems that are locally informed, human-centered and sustainable. She advises states and counties on strategies that address supply, preparation and deployment of devices. Her work also includes elevating and sharing best practices, piloting new approaches and fostering win-win partnerships.

Prior to joining Digitunity, Karisa served as the Director of Education at Providence (RI) Public Library for 17 years. In this role, she provided strategic leadership to the library’s educational, workforce development and technology initiatives.

Karisa earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from George Washington University, where she specialized in Secondary Education, Social Studies, and English as a Second Language and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Clark University. She serves as board member of the Library Board of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning.