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The Innovation Action Network (IAN) of the Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement is a visionary collective of change makers and leaders working to execute the vision of the IIGE, which is a globally engaged campus. The IAN extends the mission of the IIGE’s Community Advisory Board which is to connect classroom to the world. IAN members bring diverse skill sets and lived experiences to IIGE’s projects and programs, helping students flourish, learn and grow.
- Mentorships
- Internships
- Site visits
- Distinguished Speaker Series
- Global Classroom panels
- Innovation and design projects
Innovation Action Network Members 2024-2025
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Rachel Askew
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Rachel Askew
Rachel Askew is the Founder and Managing Partner of Strategy and Innovation at NEXT Consulting, an organizational consulting firm known for implementing and facilitating the Pierce County Business Accelerator and other industry diverse projects that support communities of color.
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Philip Jacobs
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Philip Jacobs
Philip Jacobs is the founder and CEO of Rebel Firm, a consultancy and production company that equips leaders through 1:1 consulting/coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, panels, music performances, books, and other various forms of content.
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Michael Jordan
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Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is a DEAI/business consultant with proven leadership experience creating value at the intersection of economics, racial justice, policy development, human centered design, operations, and business development. Michael sits on the boards of The Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force and The Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective.
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Simon Krystman
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Simon Krystman
Simon Krystman has been launching businesses for over 35 years, with a focus on entrepreneurial, tech startups. Simon is the co-founder of 12Ronnies, a unique set of platforms for founders, inventors and creators to launch their startups with customers and CrowdPatch, a free community crowdfunding platform.
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Grant Twyman
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Grant Twyman
Grant Twyman leads Strategy & Operations at NEXT Consulting and is the Director of Equity and Community Engagement at Clover Park School District. He serves on the boards of the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition.
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William Factory Small Business Incubator (WFSBI)
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WFSBI
William Factory Small Business Incubator (WFSBI) turns interest into action by promoting access to financial capital, connecting global and local clients and community members, and producing incubator talks and workshops. WSFBI aims to transform the incubator into a dynamic global network of startup resources including partnerships.
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John Wolfe
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John Wolfe
John Wolfe is chief executive officer of The Northwest Seaport Alliance where he sets the organization’s vision and strategy. He is on the boards of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the Washington State Fair Board, Federal Maritime Commission’s Export Innovation Team and Maritime Innovation Advisory Council for the Department of Commerce.