Above: Shaun Tai (left), teaches a former army veteran (right) how to look for employment online

A lifetime resident of Lafayette, Shaun Tai is the founder and Executive Director of Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC), a grassroots organization that teaches professional computer skills to economically-disadvantaged citizens in Oakland and the East Bay.

"Growing up in Lafayette taught me the importance of giving back to those who have been less fortunate," said Tai. "We're able to participate in a wide range of opportunities made available online, but many people in Oakland have a hard time just getting Internet access. I know that for my mom and our family business, we'd be in trouble without the customers we get from the Internet."

In one year, Tai's organization has made a significant impact in the Oakland community. This month at a neighborhood event in West Oakland, ODALC organized youth activities teaching digital photography skills. In June, ODALC partnered with Yelp.com and taught online marketing to Oakland's struggling small business owners.

To learn more, please visit www.odalc.org.