My Nonprofit Reviews

East Lake High Schools FIRST Robotics Competition team #79, Krunch, has been an iconic STEM education program in Pinellas County, FL and an inspiration to youth and adults alike. As former Regional Director for FIRST program in Central Florida, I could always rely on Team Krunch to share back their learning experiences with intelligence, warmth and dedication, exemplifying all the best that FIRST has to offer, living proof of the effectiveness of mentor supported, project based learning. More importantly, the overall character and success of the team, its members and its alumni, is a tribute to the amazing and dedicated leadership gifted to these students. Now, in my capacity as program director of the nonprofit Foundation for Community Driven Innovation, I know I can still rely on the great students and mentors of Team Krunch for help in sharing their learning experiences, demonstrating their technical expertise and helping wherever needed. If Pinellas County, and the East Lake community itself, values its future, and wants to develop and retain talented next generation science and technology leaders, it need look no further than supporting that talent development right at East Lake High School.

With a big mission and on a small budget, FCDI with its all volunteer board and strong collaborative spirit, continues to maximize community impact in the Tampa Bay area, helping direct the investment of over $100,000 in the last six months into area youth and workforce development programs and projects. In addition to growing the ROBOTICON Tampa Bay event, which draws 3000 people annually to this high energy STEAM education showcase at the University of South Florida Sun Dome Arena, FCDI is developing a precedent setting facility called the Tampa Bay Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center to serve K-20+ with academic and career pipeline opportunities. We look forward to continue doing great work with our amazing partners, and improving academic and economic outcomes for youth throughout Tampa Bay and Florida!

One of the most exciting and effective programs FCDI helps organize is ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, a youth STEAM education showcase, where students on FIRST K-12 robotics teams can come together to practice, build, and learn about college and career opportunities from partner organizations like the University of South Florida, and SolidProfessor. FCDI also provides fiscal support for area FIRST teams, and helps produce Gulf Coast Maker & Comic Con, all programs and experiences that help engage and empower people to be makers of their own futures. With more than 80% of funds going into programs, FCDI is a great community resource with proven impact. I'm happy to give the nonprofit my highest endorsement.

The Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI) is a new nonprofit but with an experienced and reputable board that has a demonstrated and well documented history of collaborative and successful community involvement. Committed to transparency and unwaveringly mission focused, FCDI is on track to meet or exceed 2015-16 program goals is excited to take its place among the charitable organizations making life better for Hillsborough County and Florida residents.

In a surprising turn around this once open, creative and highly collaborative nonprofit has become closed and insular, adopting a top down administrative model that through micromanagement and attrition has effectively cut off communications within the community and with program partners. Additionally, there are now serious potential conflict of interest concerns with a too close affiliation between the nonprofit and a for profit venture from whose offices the nonprofit now operates. Sadly, I urge caution to potential partners and constituents, and certainly to donors.

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