Last year challenged us. It forced us to be resilient and creative in ways we could not have imagined. Though there is work to be done, the Innovation District looks forward to the possibilities of 2021 with renewed hope and optimism. This year we will accelerate the integration of ocean and human health, expand our marine science and resiliency expertise, launch innovative tools to strengthen STEAM workforce development, and increase diversity in the District's workforce and suppliers.
Reminder if you missed it in our December newsletter - St. Petersburg Innovation District released a report at the end of 2020 that reviewed what has been accomplished over our first four years. Link to the St. Petersburg Innovation District 2020 Report.
There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation.
Congratulations to Sarah Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for being named a 2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honoree. We are also thrilled that Sarah has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Innovation District.
Even with an extra day in the month, I am running late with the February newsletter. Its been a busy and exciting time. Last Tuesday we announced a new project - Catching the Blue Wave: Accelerating America’s Ocean Economy.