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thesharkmakers.com l Contact: sharkmaker@connectit360.org or (727) 742-7332 NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2026 EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION SEASON 11 2025-26 Student Registration SharkMakers Extended!!! You asked, we listened. Thanks to an overwhelming Student Kickoff Recap response, SharkMakers registration is extended for a Our Student Kickoff ignited the limited time. Only a few spots remain, so act fast! new season, welcoming Deadline Jan 12th students into a bold, high- energy space where creativity Workshop 1 : All About the Customer comes alive, collaboration Jan 13th With Jacque Madison (Accenture) as a fuels big ideas, and purpose- speaker, students dive into customer driven innovation takes center Accenture personas and human cenetered design. stage. Workshop 2 : Product Strategy The energy surged as the program shifted into a powerful Jan 27th With Nisha Patel (Tampa Bay Product panel discussion featuring leaders at the intersection of Group) as the speaker, teams bring technology, innovation, and disability advocacy. Clayton Vaco ideas to life through use cases and Clemens (Project Focus), Anitra Pavka (Atypical Consulting), customer journey mapping. Jeremy Rivera (Deque), and Luke King (Aerotek) brought the conversation to life, sharing personal stories from their work and offering real-world insight into what inclusive innovation Get Our SharkMakers Merch Now! truly looks like in action. During this time, teams worked through their Idea Blueprint, beginning to shape and refine their product concepts with SharkMakers recently released a new episode of the focus, creativity, and purpose, Teen Innovators Podcast featuring Kurt Heitmann, CEO setting the foundation for a of RHS-TV and CP Communications. In this engaging meaningful and innovative conversation, Kurt shared his perspective from the season ahead. The SharkMakers other side of the panel as a SharkMakers “shark,” journey is officially underway! offering insight into what it’s like to evaluate student innovations and mentor young entrepreneurs. He also discussed his thoughts on the Welcoming Back SharkMakers rebrand and how it reflects the program’s growing vision Lauren Churchill! and impact. We’re excited to welcome back Lauren Watch Now! Churchill, an NGT360 alumni and Hall of Famer as our new Media and Operations JANUARY HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS Specialist. As a past participant and intern, Lauren brings a unique perspective, making her an invaluable addition to the team. In her new role, Lauren will support program operations while leading media initiatives that help share the powerful stories of our students and their innovations.
