Text version of this issue (813 words)
Extracted from the PDF so the issue is searchable and can be read by a screen reader. The newsletter is a magazine layout, so side-by-side boxes can interleave here. The PDF above is the correct reading order.
thesharkmakers.com l Contact: sharkmaker@connectit360.org or (727) 742-7332 NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2026 EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION SEASON 11 2025-26 Run For Your Honey 5K and Fun Run SharkMakers participated in the Run For Feburary Recap Your Honey 2026 at Rowlett Park in Tampa, hosted by The Hive Inclusive Workshop 3 @ Principal Community. This month at SharkMakers, Guilherme Sesterheim and David Malone from Amazon Web Services led an insightful This inclusive 5K and Fun Run supports workshop on UI/UX design, architecture, and security. individuals with disabilities by Guilherme emphasized the importance of user experience promoting accessibility, community and clarified the difference between UI and UX, encouraging connection, and affordable inclusive teams to simplify navigation and thoughtfully map out the housing initiatives — creating a place user journey step by step. David highlighted the importance where every member can grow, find of building a strong architecture with security embedded at purpose, and thrive. the foundation — and how those early decisions directly impact a product’s ability to scale and grow. Trident Winner (2nd Time): Pathable Workshop 4 @ Vaco Workshop 4 at SharkMakers focused on marketing strategy and pitch preparation, featuring insights from Tony Greene, who shared valuable advice on building scalable ideas and communicating impact with confidence. Teams participated in mentor rotations, receiving targeted feedback and hands- on guidance to refine both their product and pitch. Cassandra Bernard worked closely with students to strengthen their pitch decks — sharpening problem statements, clarifying value propositions, and elevating their visual storytelling. Trident Winner: ClearVision AI The SharkMakers Pitch Tank brings together business leaders, aspiring founders, and the USF entrepreneurship community to explore the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and accessibility. The event features Our leader, Robyn Mussler, will be at the SETA 2026 dynamic panels, interactive exhibits, and live student pitches Spring Conference, taking place March 1–4 at the followed by Q&A. An experience you won’t want to miss! Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. 5 PM - 8 PM 27 th Location: On the afternoon of March 2nd, she’ll present "Sharkmakers: Empowering the Next Generation MARCH 802 E Whiting St. Tampa Workforce" HTTPS://BIT.LY/SHARKMAKERS-PITCH-TANK
thesharkmakers.com l Contact: sharkmaker@connectit360.org or (727) 742-7332 NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2026 EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION What’s Coming Up? March Celebrations Women’s History Month March This workshop focuses on advanced During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the strength, methodologies and final pitch Workshop 5: leadership, and enduring contributions of women who shape our preparation as teams gear up for Pitch communities and inspire future generations. We honor the March 10th Tank. Hosted at RHS-TV, the same studio innovators, advocates, educators, and changemakers who are where the final pitches will take place, creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. students have the opportunity to rehearse Developmental Disabilities Month in the real environment. Game on! Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us that SUBMISSION & FUNDRAISING DEADLINE! inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity should be the standard, not the exception. We celebrate the talents, achievements, and Teams must complete all deliverables and March 12th contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities and meet their fundraising goals. reaffirm our commitment to building communities where everyone Good luck to all the teams! can thrive. Finalists Announced! SharkMakers Message Pillars: Which five teams will move forward to Leadership | Innovation | Accessibility | Building the Future March 13th compete for the grand prize? Leadership that Opens Doors: Celebrating women leaders, mentors, Pitch Tank is a collaboration with the USF and students stepping forward Nault Center. Finalist teams will deliver Innovation for Everyone: Inclusive, March 27th accessibility-first design and human- their pitches, followed by a live Q&A centered technology session. Open to the public — a must- Building the Future: Youth are see event! shaping the future now! Workshop 6: The final workshop of the season: Mock International Women’s Day, March 8th Pitches! Teams engage in intense March 31th Women in Action: Led by Robyn, preparation for their final presentations, supported by our women mentors getting ready for showtime! (see names below), powered by 12 incredible women interns, and representing 50% of our student Support Our Teams! participants. In doing so, you are helping our Our Women Mentors: Cassandra Bernard, Angelica Chadwick, Yadira Caro, Yasmine Gardiner, Brenda Morrell, Robyn Mussler, Nisha Patel, Lauren Vahle (not in picture: students gain real-world business Anjali Leon, Phara McLachlan, Mayra Harley) experience, fueling their creativity and World Down Syndrome Day empowering them to bring their ideas We celebrate the beauty, abilities, and extraordinary to life. Together, we are developing impact of individuals with Down syndrome. Every the changemakers of tomorrow. life brings unique gifts, and true inclusion means recognizing value, voice, and opportunity for all. In the words of our founder’s sister, Susie, we celebrate “Make My Day” — a reminder to live each day with purpose, rooted in compassion, courage, and showing up fully as yourself. MARCH HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS Tune into our latest episode
