Innovation Through Leadership

Forward Thinking Initiatives (FTI) is dedicated to developing a more competitive emerging workforce by providing programs with a focus on youth entrepreneurship. Innovation through entrepreneurship is an essential component of maintaining a competitive US workforce.

FTI, has successfully introduced workforce trends into a curriculum available to creative teens in middle and high school through summer camp programs at MOSI. The curriculum stresses innovation, financial literacy and critical thinking.

FTI's philosophy of bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and ages in both school and community settings helps the students to appreciate diversity. It also promotes flexibility in approaches to problem solving.

Our partners have included the Florida High Tech Corrider, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Consortium for Economic Education, the school districts of Hillsborough and Manatee Counties, Creative Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, Florida Council for Economic Education, Brainstorm Institute, Junior Achievement, Community Tampa Bay, BizKids and Teen Wealth.

The Forward Thinking Initiatives Team

Debra Campbell, President, Forward Thinking Intiatives

Debra Campbell has over 20 years experience in economic development. She managed the international division for the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and headed the Asia Department for the Philadelphia Commerce Department before starting her own economic development consulting company.

Ms Campbell has consulted for eight counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has worked with organizations such as Dunn & Bradstreet, The Florida High Tech Corridor, The Tampa Bay Partnership, Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, Evans and Associates and the Hillsborough County School District to provide quality programs in leadership, entrepreneurship and economic development.

Ms Campbell has experience teaching 5th grade through high school, is a member of the National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education and serves on the Advisory Board of Creative Tampa Bay.

Shane Scott, FTI Entrepreneurship Instructor. Mr Scott is also Co-Founder of Teen Wealth.

Donna Manion, FTI Development Director. Ms Manion is the Executive Director of Creative Tampa Bay and was Director of Human Resources for the Tampa Tribune, News Channel 8 and TBO.com.

Brian Collins, FTI Curriculum Consultant. Mr Collins is President of the Brainstorm Institute in Orlando, Florida.

Mike Evans, FTI Development Consultant. Mr. Evans is President of M. Evans & Associates, Inc. in Odessa, Florida.

Digital Aspire. Digital Aspire works closely with FTI in maintaining their web site.

Forward Thinking Initiatives would like to thank Alan Weimer, Founder of BizKidz, for his inspiration and guidance.