Math Undercover: Finding Clues of Math in Everyday Life
2025-03-29 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33630, United States
Welcome to Math Undercover: Finding Clues of Math in Everyday Life! Join us at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library for a fun and interactive event where we uncover the hidden math all around us.
Awareness: We will hold an exclusive screening of the award-winning film “Counted Out” by Director Vicki Abeles that investigates the math that undergirds our society and the impacts the lack of numeric literacy has on our nation.
Advocacy: After the film, we will hold a Community Math Town Hall where attendees will engage in a facilitated discussion about why so many students don’t see themselves as “math people” and what we can do to change it.
Activities: Concurrent with the film, we will engage middle grades students (6th-8th) and others in hands-on activities designed by subject matter experts to investigate how math is used across various careers and industries.
Other bonuses include: a Math Photo Op Booth for attendees to share on their social media, swag bags, games, and more!
Subject Matter Experts:
Larsha Johnson, CEO of Bits4Bots, LLC- A hardware tech electronics company with a STEM focus. She will be discussing the math behind circuits, electronics and more!
Adrienne Falcone Godsell, The Food Whisperer- A wholistic chef and cooking show host who will share about how math is used in the culinary arts.
Vanel Marc– a middle school educator who has developed gamification tools to help students learn algebra.
Miranda Johnson, Founder of The Mirajo Collective- will introduce how to use financial budgeting tools to buy a home in a fun and engaging activity!

Prosperity Through Technology (St. Pete Edition) Day 1
2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Campbell Park Recreation Center, 601 14th St S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Your Guide to Money, Ideas, and Opportunity
Prosperity through Technology is a game-changing, two-day event designed for everyone who wants to improve their life, start a successful business, or find a better job in today’s economy. Forget complicated tech talk—this summit is about real-world tools, clear guidance, and accessible resources that lead to economic growth and stability. Whether you are a senior citizen, a job seeker with zero computer experience, a creative with a business idea, or someone running a long-time business, this event is for you.
You will choose the path that fits your goals:

The Talent Track: This path is for anyone looking to land a great job or transition to a career with higher pay. We start at the very beginning with Basics in Digital Literacy—teaching you how to use computers, the internet, and essential workplace tools without the stress. You will learn simple ways to use AI tools like Gemini and Co-pilot to make your job search easier, and get expert help with your resume and interview skills. We focus on building the confidence and basic knowledge needed to secure high-demand jobs.
The Entrepreneur Track: This path is your direct map to launching, growing, and funding your business idea. You’ll learn how to take a simple concept and turn it into a validated plan, and discover proven strategies for getting your first customers. Most importantly, you will connect with experts to unlock grants, capital, and investment to help your business thrive.

Join us to break down barriers, meet people who can help you, and find the resources available right here in St. Pete to help you secure a brighter financial future. Your journey starts with one decision—and it’s easier than you think.
This event is your roadmap to success, providing the hands-on demos and curated connections you need to start implementing change immediately.
To maximize your hands-on learning, all attendees (Talent and Entrepreneur Tracks) must bring a digital device. Please bring a laptop, a large tablet (e.g., iPad/Surface), or a latest-generation smartphone. This is essential for participating in practical exercises, prompts, and accessing digital tools and resources throughout the two days. If you do not have one, please let us know.
For Entrepreneur Track attendees, having a laptop or tablet is strongly encouraged to follow along with business growth tools and financial planning sessions.
See schedule below. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prosperity-through-technology-st-pete-edition-tickets-1785431917929.

Time
Track
Session
Description
Speaker

9:10 – 10:00 AM
Joint
AI Unlocked: What It Is, How to Use It, and Why It Matters Now
Demystify Artificial Intelligence. This non-technical session will explain the core concepts of AI and immediately show you how to use tools like Gemini or ChatGPT to write better resumes and emails, or generate quick business ideas. Learn the essentials every professional needs to know.
Ora Tanner

10:10 – 10:45 AM
Joint
Finding Your Fit: Tech Roles, Transferable Skills, and the New Workplace
Tech is more than just coding. Learn about high-demand roles like Project Manager, Business Analyst, and Cybersecurity Specialist, and discover how your current, non-tech skills can be your strongest asset for a seamless career transition.
Saleema Bennett

10:50 – 11:50 AM
Joint
Money Talks: Master Your Personal Finances for Professional Freedom
Financial stability is the foundation for career change and entrepreneurship. This expert panel will share actionable strategies for budgeting, building credit, managing debt, and planning for wealth, giving you the confidence to invest in your future.
Broderick Scott (mod), Gilene Janvier & Rolanda McDuffie

12:00 – 12:50 PM
Joint
Lunch & Learn: LinkedIn Blueprint—Optimizing Your Professional Presence
Turn your LinkedIn profile into a networking powerhouse. We’ll show you how to use keywords to attract recruiters and partners, craft a compelling professional narrative, and effectively use LinkedIn’s tools to research companies and opportunities.
Ebony Vaz

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Entrepreneur
The Startup Sprint: Essential Strategies for Launching a New Venture
Learn the critical first steps for turning an idea into a legitimate business. We cover legal structure, branding basics, defining your minimum viable product (MVP), and creating a clear action plan for your first 90 days.
Lloyd Reshard

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Talent
Digital Citizen 101: The Basics of Cloud, Files, and Digital Safety (Part I)
The foundational workshop for non-tech career seekers. You’ll master essential digital skills, including how to use cloud services (like Microsoft Azure) to store and share files, organize your digital workspace, and protect yourself with core cybersecurity practices.
Nyjel Dukes

2:35 – 4:00 PM
Entrepreneur
Idea to Income: Generating and Validating Your Business Concept
Stop guessing and start confirming. This deep dive teaches you how to identify market needs, brainstorm high-potential ideas, and use Lean Canvas principles to test and validate your business concept before you invest time and capital.
Lloyd Reshard

2:35 – 4:00 PM
Talent
Digital Citizen 102: Workplace Tools and Professional Networking (Part II)
This session builds on your foundational skills, focusing on the tools used in modern remote and hybrid work (Slack, Teams, Zoom). Learn how to effectively use digital communication and collaboration apps, and how to use data (like simple spreadsheets) effectively in any role.
Nyjel Dukes

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prosperity-through-technology-st-pete-edition-tickets-1785431917929.

Beyond the Block: From Code to Capital
2025-11-15 10:00 - 13:00 | The Skills Center, 5107 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL, 33610, United States
Join us for “Beyond the Block: From Code to Capital,” a dynamic event designed to empower the Black community in the Tampa Bay Area with the knowledge and tools to build wealth through technology. It is hosted in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Urban Futures Festival, founded by the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project, held in November.
This isn’t just a discussion; it’s a strategic roadmap for the future. We’ll explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Digital Currency, showing you how to turn these cutting-edge technologies into real-world opportunities.
Our event features three expert-led panel discussions, a startup showcase, and a focused networking session. You’ll gain practical insights on:

From Prompts to Profits: Demystifying AI and learning how entrepreneurs and creators can use it to automate tasks, generate ideas, and create new revenue streams.
Building Your Digital Footprint: Exploring how to sell in the metaverse and monetize virtual goods and services using AR and VR.
Code to Capital: Using digital currency to secure payments and create a financial history that can help you qualify for essential banking services, loans, and grants.
Startup Showcase: See firsthand how local startups are leveraging these technologies to innovate and thrive.

Don’t be left behind in the digital economy. Join a community of tech professionals, leaders, and enthusiasts ready to build the future.
Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Location: The Skills Center 5107 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33610
Ready to build the future? Register now.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-block-from-code-to-capital-tickets-1681136728209
Event Agenda: Beyond the Block: From Code to Capital

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Registration & Brunch Bites
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Welcome & Vision Setting (Dr. Wanda Eugene)
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Presentation 1: AI & The Creative Economy (Rose Lejiste, Martika Jones?, Ora Tanner)

Topic: From Prompts to Profits: Leveraging AI for Business & Content Creation
Description: This panel will demystify Artificial Intelligence, moving beyond the buzzwords to show how entrepreneurs, small business owners, and content creators can use readily available tools to automate tasks, generate ideas, enhance marketing, create new revenue streams, or excel on the job.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Discussion 1: Immersive Worlds & Digital Commerce (Derek Watford, Ebony Vaz)

Topic: Building Your Digital Footprint: Selling in the Metaverse & Beyond
Description: Explore the practical applications of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in the new digital frontier. Our panelists will share insights on creating virtual storefronts, developing platforms for digital services, and monetizing virtual goods.

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Panel Discussion 2: Building a Financial Foundation with Digital Currency (Gilene Janvier, Tarneisha Peters, Tabrisha Ruby)

Topic: Code to Capital: Securing Your Financial Future
Description: This session closes the loop, focusing on the critical link between technology and financial empowerment. We will discuss the importance of secure digital payments and how meticulous digital record-keeping is essential for building a solid financial history. Discover how this foundation can help you qualify for banking services, loans, and grants, providing your business with the necessary capital to grow.

1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Startup Showcase

Description: Learn how startups in the Tampa Bay area are using these technologies.

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking & Connecting

For more information, contact Black Innovation Leaders of Florida at (813) 515-0150 or visit blackinnovationfl.org.

Prosperity Through Technology (St. Pete Edition) Day 2
2025-12-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Campbell Park Recreation Center, 601 14th St S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Your Guide to Money, Ideas, and Opportunity
Prosperity through Technology is a game-changing, two-day event designed for everyone who wants to improve their life, start a successful business, or find a better job in today’s economy. Forget complicated tech talk—this summit is about real-world tools, clear guidance, and accessible resources that lead to economic growth and stability. Whether you are a senior citizen, a job seeker with zero computer experience, a creative with a business idea, or someone running a long-time business, this event is for you.
You will choose the path that fits your goals:

The Talent Track: This path is for anyone looking to land a great job or transition to a career with higher pay. We start at the very beginning with Basics in Digital Literacy—teaching you how to use computers, the internet, and essential workplace tools without the stress. You will learn simple ways to use AI tools like Gemini and Co-pilot to make your job search easier, and get expert help with your resume and interview skills. We focus on building the confidence and basic knowledge needed to secure high-demand jobs.
The Entrepreneur Track: This path is your direct map to launching, growing, and funding your business idea. You’ll learn how to take a simple concept and turn it into a validated plan, and discover proven strategies for getting your first customers. Most importantly, you will connect with experts to unlock grants, capital, and investment to help your business thrive.

Join us to break down barriers, meet people who can help you, and find the resources available right here in St. Pete to help you secure a brighter financial future. Your journey starts with one decision—and it’s easier than you think.
This event is your roadmap to success, providing the hands-on demos and curated connections you need to start implementing change immediately.
To maximize your hands-on learning, all attendees (Talent and Entrepreneur Tracks) must bring a digital device. Please bring a laptop, a large tablet (e.g., iPad/Surface), or a latest-generation smartphone. This is essential for participating in practical exercises, prompts, and accessing digital tools and resources throughout the two days. If you do not have one, please let us know.
For Entrepreneur Track attendees, having a laptop or tablet is strongly encouraged to follow along with business growth tools and financial planning sessions.

See schedule below. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prosperity-through-technology-st-pete-edition-tickets-1785431917929.

Time
Track
Session
Description
Speaker

9:10 – 9:50 AM
Joint
Your St. Pete Network: Connecting with Local Community Resources
Learn where to go after today. Experts from local partners will give a rapid-fire overview of the free support, capital, and training programs available to help you launch your business or transition into a tech career*.

10:00 – 10:55 AM
Entrepreneur
Scaling Smarter: Leveraging Lean Stack and Marketing for Growth
Move beyond the launch phase. This session introduces the tools and lean methodologies that allow small businesses to grow efficiently, focusing on scalable processes and effective digital marketing strategies to reach more customers without overspending.
Lloyd Reshard

11:00 – 11:55 AM
Entrepreneur
Process is Power: Setting Up Systems to Handle High-Growth
You can’t scale chaos. Learn how to create simple, repeatable processes for common business tasks, from client onboarding to product fulfillment, ensuring your business is ready to grow without breaking your budget or burning you out.
Rose Lejiste

10:00 – 11:55 AM
Talent
Accessing the Cloud: Pathways to In-Demand Tech Careers
A dedicated training session that shows you how knowing cloud infrastructure works for career tracks like App Development, Banking Tech, and Customer Assistance, showcasing real-world paths to a high-paying tech job.

12:05 – 12:55 PM
Joint
Lunch Hour: Mind Over Matter—Mental Wellness for Innovators
Career change and entrepreneurship can be stressful. Join this candid chat and guided exercise to learn stress-reduction techniques and mental health strategies essential for sustaining motivation and resilience on your journey to success.

Dr. Sh’nai Simmons

1:05 – 2:05 PM
Entrepreneur
Funding Your Future: Capital, Grants, and Strategic Investment
Demystify small business funding. Learn the difference between grants, loans, and equity investment. Experts will explain what funders are looking for and how to strategically prepare your business to be “fundable”.
Gary Flowers

1:05 – 2:20 PM
Talent
AI in the Driver’s Seat: Mastering Workplace Tools (Co-pilot, Gemini, ChatGPT)
Learn to work with AI, not against it. This hands-on session focuses on practical skills for using Generative AI tools like Microsoft Co-pilot and Gemini to dramatically increase your productivity, a skill employers are actively seeking.
Ebony Vaz

2:10 – 3:10 PM
Entrepreneur
Procurement Power: Navigating the Small Business Contract Ecosystem
Accessing large contracts is a key to scaling. Learn the steps to contract readiness and how to navigate the complex world of local, state, federal, and corporate procurement to secure lucrative business opportunities.
Rose Lejiste

2:25 – 3:15 PM
Talent
Your Next Job Starts Now
Stop sending out generic resumes. This intensive workshop will teach you how to tailor your resume for tech roles, highlight transferable skills, and how AI can help improve interviewing techniques and more as you prepare to land your first tech role or move to a new one.
Jesus Vidaurri

3:20 – 3:55 PM
Joint
From Intent to Impact: Shifting to Action and Implementation
You have the knowledge—now what? This session provides a motivational and practical framework for turning the ideas and lessons from the last two days into a measurable action plan for your career or business, ensuring momentum continues long after the event.
Servola Frazier
