Super Bowl ad Promotes Need for Broadband

Heidi Bruce, Broadband Illinois
Published: February 2, 2015

During Super Bowl XLIV, Microsoft asked The real question that needs to be asked, as well as answered, is what is it that we can do that is unique, that is impactful?

Estella Pyfrom, a retired 50-year veteran of Florida's Palm Beach County School District, had a simple dream to answer that question. 

"I had an idea, a bus that brings technology to kids that need it most."

The dream is now a reality thanks to Estella's Brilliant Bus, an old school bus converted to a state-of-the-art mobile technology-learning center. Estella drives the bus to the most poverty-stricken areas of local communities to share technology and teach digital literacy skills to area youth. 

Estella herself was a novice when it came to computer skills before she launched her non-profit in 2009. Now 78 years old, Estella gets joy from inspiring and teaching. 

"If you dream big enough and believe in your dreams, you can make it happen."

Estella builds the confidence of her young students in a simple way. They follow the mantra: "When I look in the mirror, what do I see? A brilliant mind looking back at me. "

Microsoft showcased Estella's work in the recent Super Bowl ad and interested parties can contribute to Estella's crowdfunding paltform to continue the work of the Brilliant Bus.