“I would like to thank the entire O’Pake Team, the O’Pake Fellows and Graduate Assistants, Alvernia University, our dedicated partners and sponsors and the Berks County community because without them, all of the activity leading up to this award over the last three years would not have been possible,” said Ridley. The Technology Transfer Office has serviced 16 clients since its formal launch in June 2022 and O’Pake’s first patent was secured in Nov. The Financial Lending and Innovation Collaborative (FLIC) was also established in June 2022 and has provided over $60,000 in microgrant funding to 20 local businesses thus far. The Cultural Coalition, a volunteer-based, Berks County-focused, strategic planning and execution group that aids in identifying and attending to the City of Reading’s social and economic issues launched in April 2022. To date, 75 students have been trained and completed hands-on experiential learning through the O’Pake Fellows Program, which serves business incubator clients.
Under Ridley’s leadership as COO, Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute has served over 300 small and established businesses in and beyond Berks County since the inception of the SPARK Business Incubator in 2020. “His diverse and inclusive approach to this process will continue to benefit both our students and the greater southeastern Pennsylvania region.” “This award speaks to Rodney's role in developing distinctive, hands-on experiential learning opportunities for our students, leading the positive impact that the O'Pake Institute has had on economic development within the Reading and Berks County communities,” said Alvernia University President Glynis A.
Similar awards were given to leaders from Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific Region. This category specifically recognizes outstanding male leaders who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial acumen, leadership, and a profound impact on the Americas' entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ridley Sr., was awarded third place in the Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year in the Americas category at the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) Triple E Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 29 in Barcelona, Spain. From Left: Lizette Epps, Caitlin Long, Rodney Ridley, Michelle Conway ACEEU Triple E Awards recognizes university’s senior leader in Barcelona, SpainĪlvernia University Vice President of Research, Economic Development & Innovation, Chief Operating Officer of The O’Pake Institute & Dean of the College of STEAM, Dr.
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