boca raton Archives - Junior Achievement of South Florida

By Brittany Sylvestri
Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University recently named the recipients of its fourth annual Research Park Annual Awards. The awards celebration will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Addison, 2 East Camino Real, Boca Raton. Tickets cost $125 per person.

The Research Park awards recognize distinguished contributions to the Research Park’s mission to create and sustain the ideal environment for innovation and invention, maximizing the academic and entrepreneurial talent and regional resources in South Florida to accelerate economic development and prosperity.

“The Research Park at FAU Awards highlight the work of our stakeholders to make the South Florida region more innovative and competitive in the knowledge economy and this year’s recipients personify the mission of the Research Park at FAU, each one is innovating and bringing new forces to bear which enrich our region,” said Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park at FAU.

The award recipients for 2019 are:

Distinguished Entrepreneur: Rodrigo Griesi is one of the driving forces behind DECORA, a Brazilian startup that was recently acquired by Creative Drive, a content creation engine. Griesi’s involvement at the Research Park at FAU and his participation in its economic gardening initiatives helped the company get noticed and acquired by Creative Drive in 2018. He has 20 years of experience building and running new businesses in the technology industry. Griesi started at DECORA in its early stages, as an angel investor, then became the country manager, bringing DECORA’s services to market.

Distinguished Researcher: Borko Furht, Ph.D. has several patents pending and interesting corporate interactions that will leverage patents. Furht is a faculty member in FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science and is the site leader for the NSF-funded Center for Advanced Knowledge Enablement, which has been joined by several Research Park at FAU companies. His current research is focused on software designed for the next stage of video compression technology.

Distinguished Organization: Junior Achievement of South Florida is training the next generation of business leaders and employees by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. Its mission is to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement delivers more than 20 unique programs to 50,000 students in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Distinguished Leader: Honorable Michael Udine is the District 3 commissioner in Broward County, a position he was elected to in 2016. He advocates for innovation and knowledge-based economic development, supporting regional organizations’ initiatives. When introduced to one of the Research Park at FAU’s entrepreneurs he immediately started business development for him. In addition, Udine is a director at Legacy Bank of Florida, a small community bank assisting small businesses in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

To purchase tickets to attend the event, click here. For more information about the Research Park at FAU, visit research-park.org.

Annual Light Up The Night Raises Funds And Awareness For Junior Achievement of South Florida

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida raised more than $30,000 at its recent 5th Annual Light Up The Night event held on Tuesday, March 13, at Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar in Boca Raton, FL.

Three outstanding couples were honored this year for their support to Junior Achievement. They were Ryan and Merideth Leeds, Mark and Sharon Warren, Steve Nudelberg and Michelle Esposito.

“It is a passion for both Michelle and myself to work with the kids Junior Achievement serves. They inspire to be entrepreneurs and are eager to learn. When you get to do what you love with the people you love, that’s what I call success,” Nudelberg said.

The evening also featured: food provided by Rapoport’s Restaurant Group (Henry’s, Deck 84, Burt & Max’s and Prezzo); fashion by Gent Row, Beyond Proper by Boston Proper and Kendra Scott; exotic autos from Excell Auto Group; music; and networking.

Many thanks to the sponsors, including IMI, EY, Capitol Lighting, Coastal-Pacific Wine and Spirits of California, Motiv8, On the Ball Marketing, WZZR Real Radio 94.3, iHeartRadio, Simply the Best Magazine and Eye On South Florida. Also thanks to the committee members: Junior Achievement of South Florida Board Members Chris Cavanagh, Jim Constantine, Alan Gross and Mitch Welin; honoree Ryan Leeds; and Casa de Montrecristo by Prime Cigar owner David Resnick.

“Our Light Up The Night is an effort for us to connect with businesses and leaders in the south Palm Beach County area. It’s was a tremendous fundraiser and opportunity to raise awareness of our three pillars of education – entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO. “We were thrilled to honor these special couples for their dedication to our programs. Thank you to everyone who came to Light Up The Night!”

CLICK HERE to read article on Eye on South Florida.

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Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® to Celebrate 2019 Awards

Eye on South Florida March 2018: Annual Light Up The Night