Innovation Zone Contact Listing

Mike Schmit

President
WESTERN REGION ROBOTICS FORUM INC

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http://wrrf.org/about

It is my firm belief that experience based learning programs, directed at science and technology, are an effective means to fill the lagging pipeline of college graduates in the engineering, math, science and technology fields. My 12 years of involvement in FIRST has borne this out. I have seen many students who were not interested in engineering turn to this field in their college studies as a result of their experience in FIRST. I am a working software engineer in Silicon Valley, and have spent the past 12 years working with a FIRST team in San Jose. As a result of my experience with these teams, I decided help the WRRF make this type of learning experience available to more students in the San Francisco Bay Area and the state. I'm sure that by working together, we can nurture and grow experience-based learning programs that will benefit both education and industry, and the community at large. I am looking forward to working with you to further this goal.

“FIRST is more than robots. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills.

Kids often come in not knowing what to expect – of the program nor of themselves. They leave, even after the first season, with a vision, with confidence and with a sense that they can create their own future.”

– FOUNDER, DEAN KAMEN

Kim Small

Executive Director, West
NFTE

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https://www.nfte.com/
747-292-1902
kim.s@nfte.com

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a global educational nonprofit focused on bringing the power of entrepreneurship to youth in low-income communities. NFTE’s rigorous programs are taught by a highly trained Teacher Corps, and NFTE students are supported by a diverse Volunteer Corps drawn from the local community, including business leaders and entrepreneurs. Since its founding more than 30 years ago, NFTE has trained thousands of teachers and educated more than a million young people worldwide.

Brent Freeman, Chair - Bay Area Advisory Board


Founder & President - Stealth Venture Labs

https://www.nfte.com/

Announcement of Stealth Impact Lab (501c3 associated with Stealth Venture Labs)
Great concept!
"https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brentjfreeman_stealth-impact-lab-501c3-launch-fundraiser-activity-6894830333229977601-YZ4O?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web

Kenny Tucker works with Post Secondary Programs

Albert S. Wright

Chief Community & Corporate Engagement Officer
United States Technical Education Center

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https://ustec.org
408-464-4350
albert@ustec.org

Status
Met with Albert and Stephen at USTEC on 08/10/2022.

Next Steps

Interested in solving problems that matter? Welcome to WSI.

NFTE's World Series of Innovation invites young people to get involved in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sharon Miller

Chief Executive Officer
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

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https://rencenter.org/
sharon@rencenter.org

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How Contact Discovered
Renaissance fuels community vitality by empowering under-served individuals to start businesses that bring jobs, character, and sustainable economic health to the local economy.

Status
07-01-2022 - Zoom call with Sharon and Tim Russel

Next Steps

Amanda Anthony

North County Business Resource Center Manager
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

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https://rencenter.org/
amanda@rencenter.org

Status
Led tour of Center in South San Francisco - 7/29/22

Next Steps

TechTogether has been acquired by Major League Hacking!

Tim Russell

Program Director
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

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https://rencenter.org/
trussell@rencenter.org

Status
Set up visit to Renaissance centers in South SF visited center on 7/29/22) and East Palo Alto.

Email to meet with Chappie sent 11/18

Hi Tim, I wanted to reach out on behalf of Vice Mayor Jones regarding the San Jose Community Innovation Hub (One Page Description, More Detail). Could we schedule a meeting so Vice Mayor can share his vision and enlist your support to broaden access to innovative technologies throughout San Jose? Hope you're doing great and anticipate a wonderful holiday! Thanks. Michael

Next Steps
Connect with Renaissance representative in San Jose and learn about Prosperity Lab connection.

Looking forward to our next 30 years of impacting Bay Area communities, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is poised to help thousands of individuals achieve personal, financial, and social transformation through the power of small business. A success story of our own for the past three decades, Renaissance has helped open more businesses than any other non-profit in the Bay Area, and according to the Aspen Institute, posts the best record for business longevity. From inception to business planning, access to capital and resources, and ongoing assistance that growing businesses require, Renaissance fuels community vitality by empowering under-served individuals to start businesses that bring jobs, character, and sustainable economic health to the local economy.

Stephen M. Samuel

President - Design Visionaries
United States Technical Education Center

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https://ustec.org
408-781-3955
Steves@DesignViz.com

Status
Met with Albert and Stephen at USTEC on 08/10/2022.

Next Steps
Email sent for meeting with Chappie - 11/21/22

Hi Stephen and Albert, I wanted to reach out on behalf of Vice Mayor Jones regarding the San Jose Community Innovation Hub (One Page Description, More Detail). Could we schedule a meeting so Vice Mayor can share his vision and enlist your support to broaden access to innovative technologies throughout San Jose? Hope you're doing great and have wonderful plans for the Thanksgiving holiday! Thanks. Michael

Dr. Ayodele Thomas

Executive Director, Board Member
Green Scholars
408-757-0477

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayodele-thomas-phd-56015b2/

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How Contact Discovered
Referred by Chappie Jones

Status
Left voicemail to set up meeting.

Next Steps