Microsoft, National Journal and The Atlantic convene ‘A New America’ town hall focused on Millennials and entrepreneurism

On Tuesday, Microsoft, National Journal and The Atlantic presented the second in their series of traveling town halls exploring the issues and challenges facing the next generation at The University of Texas at Austin.

With its open and collaborative business climate, Austin has been transformed into a hotbed for new business, thanks in part to the growing population of Millennials. Tuesday’s discussion featured insight from local entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials on the impact and challenges of the Millennial generation.

The event kicked off with welcome remarks from hosts Ed Ingle, managing director of government affairs at Microsoft; Dr. Juan Sanchez, vice president of research, The University of Texas at Austin; and Johanna Derlega, general manager, National Journal LIVE.

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Ed Ingle, managing director of government affairs at Microsoft kicks off “A New America: How Millennials are Sparking Change” at The University of Texas at Austin.

Wendy Spencer, chief executive officer, Corporation for National and Community Service, participated in a keynote interview with Ron Brownstein, editorial director, Atlantic Media, on the need to foster innovation and encourage entrepreneurism in today’s youth.

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Wendy Spencer, chief executive officer, Corporation for National and Community Service, participates in a keynote interview with Ron Brownstein, editorial director, Atlantic Media, at “A New America: How Millennials are Sparking Change” at The University of Texas at Austin.

The keynote interview was followed by a panel highlighting Millennial entrepreneurship featuring Jae Kim, founder and owner, Chi’Lantro BBQ; Grant Heimer, director, Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency and a student at The University of Texas Austin; Ali Mavrakis, chief financial officer, Basedrive and a student at The University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Bob Metcalfe, professor of innovation and Murchison fellow of free enterprise, The University of Texas at Austin; and Rudy Rodriguez, managing partner, Team Venti.

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Dr. Bob Metcalfe, professor of innovation and Murchison fellow of free enterprise, The University of Texas at Austin; Rudy Rodriguez, managing partner, Team Venti; Grant Heimer, director, Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency and a student at The University of Texas Austin; Ali Mavrakis, chief financial officer, Basedrive and a student at The University of Texas at Austin; Jae Kim, founder and owner, Chi’Lantro BBQ with moderator Ron Brownstein, editorial director, Atlantic Media during “A New America: How Millennials are Sparking Change” at The University of Texas at Austin.

How to start, sustain and succeed as a young entrepreneur in the thriving Austin startup community served as the focus of the second panel discussion. Panelists included Isaac Barchas, associate director, Austin Technology Incubator; Margo Dover, executive director, Skillpoint Alliance; The Honorable Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio), member, Texas House of Representatives; Jason Seats, managing director, TechStars; and Michele Skelding, senior vice president of Global Technology Strategies, Austin Chamber of Commerce.

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The Honorable Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio), member, Texas House of Representatives; Michele Skelding, senior vice president of Global Technology Strategies, Austin Chamber of Commerce; Jason Seats, managing director, TechStars; Margo Dover, executive director, Skillpoint Alliance; and Isaac Barchas, associate director, Austin Technology Incubator with moderator Ron Brownstein, editorial director, Atlantic Media during “A New America: How Millennials are Sparking Change” at The University of Texas at Austin.

At Microsoft, we believe that encouraging innovation and fostering entrepreneurship is important for the success of the country. That is why we are committed to helping connect young people with opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship through our YouthSpark program. Under this initiative, through programs such as BizSpark, we assist young, visionary entrepreneurs in starting new businesses by providing software, support, visibility and connections to industry.

To learn more about this Town Hall event, please visit http://www.nationaljournal.com/events/a-new-america-how-millennials-are-sparking-change-20140325 and join us on Twitter via the hashtag #MillennialPathways.

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