March Lunch and Learn- Partnership for Inclusive Innovation

The March Lunch and Learn will introduce participants to the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a public private partnership that is catalyzing innovation for shared economic prosperity across Georgia and the Southeast. Managers of the Student Engagement, Workforce Development, and Community Research pillars will describe their programs, introduce attendees to opportunities for funding, mentorship, active programming, and other ways coalition members can collaborate with the Partnership.

Sectors that may be interested:

Social impact

Public and open innovation

Local Government

Higher Education

AI manufacturing

IT & cybersecurity

CleanTech

Supply chain & logistics

Bios:

Cody Cocchi

Dr. Cody M. Cocchi (co-key) serves the state of Georgia as the Student Engagement Manager with the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation. Dr. Cocchi is a Georgia native, received all his education in Georgia, and is enthusiastic about facilitating high-quality, collaborative experiences for students to live, grow, and thrive within the state.

As the Student Engagement Manager with the Partnership, Cody acts as an innovation catalyst for all Georgia communities by supporting student internships through the signature program, the PIN Summer Internship. By placing the best and brightest students with organizations throughout the state and region, these communities and organizations have an opportunity to innovate, build capacity, and impact the lives of those they serve.

Clarence Anthony Jr.

Clarence Anthony Jr. is the Workforce Development Manager for the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN). As part of PIN's mission to build public-private partnerships in Georgia, Clarence seeks to engage public-private employers in the state to connect them with early career talent. Clarence has about 10 years of experience in career services in higher education through his work at Columbia University, the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, and Georgia Tech. Clarence is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and Columbia University, and is a current MBA student at Georgia Tech.

Katie O’Connor

Katie O’Connor, AICP, is the Community Research Manager with the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN). In this role, she is responsible for advancing community research through meaningful engagement between municipalities and researchers, utilizing the Community Research Grant and similar programs as a vehicle to improve the human condition.

Before joining the Partnership and Georgia Tech, Katie served as Deputy Director of Community Development and Senior City Planner for the City of Woodstock. Katie earned both her Master of Design for Sustainability and Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She earned the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) credential in 2017 and is an active member of the Georgia Planning Association.