Women in Policy – How to Get Involved
Featuring Guest Speaker:
Annette Taylor
Deputy Secretary, Division of Broadband & Digital Opportunity
North Carolina Department of Information Technology
Join BPW/Triangle for an engaging fireside chat with Annette Taylor, Deputy Secretary for the Division of Broadband & Digital Opportunity at the North Carolina Department of Information Technology.
Annette’s talk, “Women in Policy – How to Get Involved,” will explore how women can play an active role in shaping policy, advancing leadership, and driving meaningful change in both business and community spaces.
During the conversation, we’ll discuss topics such as:
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Why women’s engagement in policy is especially important in today’s economy
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How women can step into leadership roles at every level
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Setting and achieving policy-making goals that make a difference
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Key areas where women’s advocacy can influence public policy
Attendees are encouraged to submit discussion questions in advance by October 18 to programs@bpwraleigh.org.
Annette’s extensive experience spans public service and women’s advocacy. She currently leads statewide initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide and serves as Chair of the North Carolina Council for Women.
About the Division of Broadband & Digital Opportunity
Connect with Annette on LinkedIn
Bio:
Annette Taylor
Chair, North Carolina Council for Women NC Council for Women | NC DOA
Deputy Secretary, Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity
Annette Taylor was first appointed to the NC Council for Women in 2017, by Governor Roy Cooper and in 2021 invited to serve as Chair. She has served on numerous nonprofit and public boards, including the Domestic Violence Commission, and the Advisory Board of the Public Administration Department at her alma mater NC Central University. She is also a member of the NC Women’s Business Center, of the National Institute for Minority Economic Development. The NC Council for Women recently released its latest report in its Status of Women Series, focused on barriers to women’s economic security. The Status of Women in North Carolina: Investing in Economic Opportunity | NC DOA
In her professional capacity, Taylor is working across the state to close the gaps for the 1.1 million people on the side of the digital divide. She was appointed as Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Opportunity in March 2025. She joined the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity in May 2022 as the director of the former Office of Digital Equity and Literacy. This Office was established, in 2021 by Governor Roy Cooper, as the first of its kind in the country. Governor Roy Cooper and now Governor Josh Stein have made equitable access to high-speed internet and digital literacy resources, a top priority, to ensure all North Carolinians can learn and work remotely, as well as access critical resources online.
Taylor previously served as the Director of Community Engagement for former U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield, leading congressional initiatives across 14 counties in the 1st Congressional District, including Durham. She led efforts to educate consumers about the Affordable Care Act, to ensure all North Carolinians have access to quality and affordable healthcare. Annette has more than 25 years of community service and civic engagement in both public and private sector roles and in the philanthropic arena directing resources to organizations across North Carolina.
Annette has a B.A., in Communications from North Carolina Central University and a M.S. degree in Organizational Leadership from Pfeiffer University. She is a graduate of the Leadership North Carolina Class 31, where she was awarded the 2024 Stanley Frank Award.
Please bring a friend or colleague to this meeting; you’ll be helping your career AND helping another woman’s success as well!
