This past Thursday, I had the distinct honor of presenting some of the awards at the MassTLC Leadership Awards. This event is a true celebration of the tech industry and the innovation we drive for Massachusetts. I was excited to present two awards in particular:
- Emerging Executive of the Year: Naomi Fried, Boston Children’s Hospital – very proud that Microsoft will be hosting the second annual Hacking Pediatrics: Hackathon 2.0 event in October at Microsoft New England, driven by Naomi’s Team!
- Distinguished Leadership Award: David Petty, Computer Science Teacher, Winchester High School – David’s students helped me to present his award and he shared his wisdom with the audience. In the words of Kelly Powers, last year’s Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year:
“David’s speech was outstanding recognizing the works of others in the state to promote CS Education and asking the audience to continue to advocate and support efforts to increase access to CS Education for all students and all schools! He put on the table the idea of making CS Count for a High School Math or Science grad requirement, and the need for CS licensure. David reminded the audience about National CS Edweek and the hour of code and encouraged them to get involved!”
Two other awards to note:
- The 2014 Commonwealth Award: Governor Deval L. Patrick. MassTLC recognized Governor Patrick for his leadership in refocusing the priorities and brand of Massachusetts around an “innovation agenda” for the future.
- Hugh Herr, Director, Biomechatronics Research Group, MIT Media Lab – made some fantastic remarks, you’ll see some quotes from the storify below.
Special thanks to the Mass TLC for helping us all to pause and look around at the innovation economy that is growing around us in MA – I’m so proud to be part of it!
