Making Friends and Building Community: Finding a Mission in Making

Ian Cole is one of the founders of The Maker Effect Foundation (TMEF) in Orlando, Florida. TMEF's mission is to "activate and amplify the efforts of makers as they learn, build, and work together" in Central Florida. TMEF produces Maker Faire Orlando, a 15k attendee, two-day celebration of making and invention now in its 11th year. TMEF also manages MakerFX Makerspace, a 6500 sq.ft. community-driven makerspace in South Orlando, the Robot Ruckus combat robot program, and more.

After years of chasing educational, personal, and professional goals, Ian felt unfulfilled and looked for a way to make a difference in his community. By connecting with makers in Central Florida and around the world, Ian was able to take his passion for making things with friends and grow the maker movement in Central Florida.

By sharing his story, Ian hopes to help others connect their skills and passions with a mission that leads to fulfillment.

Ian Cole is an avid learner who has spent his career working at the intersection of technology, marketing, and leadership in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. In his role as the Chief Innovation Officer for Give Kids The World (GKTW) in Central Florida, Ian is responsible for the creation and execution of initiatives designed to deliver unforgettable experiences for critically-ill children and their families. This includes capital, construction and technology projects around the 89-acre campus.

Ian received his Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from Florida State University, and his Master of Business Administration from Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.

As part of his community service, Ian has also founded and led several non-profits related to STEM / STEAM education including The Maker Effect Foundation (Orlando, FL), where he currently serves on the board and as part of the production team for Maker Faire Orlando and the leadership of MakerFX Makerspace (Orlando, FL).

This event will be online via Zoom, and tickets will be Pay-What-You-Wish.

The suggested price for this talk is $15. Refunds up to 24 hours before the event. Event page with Zoom link will become available 1 hour before the event begins. Recording will be available to ticket holders for a minimum of 30 days after the event.

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