More than 360 area leaders in business, education, and government came together at Boar’s Head Inn to recognize outstanding technology achievements. The event, hosted each year by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC), was the largest in its history, having grown by 50% from last year. This year’s gala also featured an expanded awards program with nine total awards, seven of which are all-new, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the innovation movement and the region’s entrepreneurs.

The CBIC Gala was full of inspiring moments for the recipients and gala goers. Chief Visionary Officer of Charlottesville’s Coshx Labs, Cassandra Stish, emceed. Under the theme A Night of Inspiration, guests were able to mingle with award nominees during the event’s lengthened reception and be inspired by new ideas presented at Innovators Row, a showcase of 22 local companies and organizations demonstrating technological innovations, including AMPEL BioSolutions.

“Central Virginia innovators are inspiring others as new ideas are combined to create jobs and revolutionize entire industries. These tech innovators are generating prosperity for area families, schools, and organizations,” said CBIC Executive Director Tracey Greene, co-chair of the gala.

Educators Leveraging Learning Technology

The CBIC Educator of the Year celebrates area educators who are not only innovators themselves but also nurture the spirit of innovation in their students. Honoree Katina Dudley is an educator in the Albemarle County Public School system, at Monticello High School. She is the Director of the Health and Medical Sciences Academy (HMSA) and teaches AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology. After visiting the University of Virginia’s Medical School, she was inspired to teach kids through curriculum integration. The HMSA was established in 2012 – more than 100 students are currently enrolled and an additional 48 are set to enroll in the 2015-16 academic year. The HMSA curriculum is designed to provide students a foundation for post-secondary education or workforce readiness in certified health-related professions. Students explore core content with technology through integrated projects, case studies, and focused learning experiences. The UVA Research Park proudly sponsored the 2015 $2,500 CBIC Technology-in-Education Grant awarded to Dudley.

Since 2003, CBIC has gifted more than $30,000 to area teachers to help further the use of technology in classrooms.