Carlene Cassidy, CEO of the The Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation spent a day at RA+DI with FIU President Kenneth Jessell, CARTA Dean Brian Schriner, Oliver Ionita of FIU Development, Commissioner Daniella Jean, David Anasagasti, Dr. Jacek Kolasiński & the RA+DI Team, current Fellows, and esteemed alumni. It was a day to celebrate 7 years of the Ratcliffe Foundation’s dedication to our mission to support creatives in expanding their entrepreneurial potential through collaboration, co-creation, 1-1 mentoring, and real-life practices. Commissioner Jean issued a Proclamation from the City of North Miami Beach in recognition of the Ratcliffe Foundation’s profound impact on FIU education and the creative sector in South Florida. (see full text below).

Director Kolasiński gave a tour of the facilities and the RA+DImade Exhibition of artifacts from 7 years of Fellowships. The faculty team, Neal Ramsay, Dimitry Saïd Chamy, Maggie Salas Amaro, and Octavio J. Visiedo, introduced the RA+DI fellows and alumni who presented their work.

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“Thank you for hosting an incredible day of learning, connecting and showcasing your past & present artists. The students are well prepared to have a positive impact on society. The amazing and talented faculty, staff and mentors are doing a phenomenal job setting these creative entrepreneurs up for success. The FIU leadership team is also making a significant contribution to this transformational program. I don’t know of another university president who would spend an entire day with students, faculty, staff and guests. Finally, the unexpected recognition from the county commissioner (who also spent the entire day with us) was a clear indicator of the respect the community has for FIU.

It was an honor and pleasure to spend time in the Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator with incredibly talented and creative people dedicated to having a positive impact on the World.

It is easy to understand why Carole Ratcliffe was enthusiastic and complimentary about this program. She would be pleased with it’s growth and success. I am looking forward to my next visit!”

— Carlene Cassidy, CEO, The Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation

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Proclamation of Achievement

Whereas, it is with immense pleasure and admiration that we gather here today to celebrate the phenomenal impact of the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation; and

Whereas, this esteemed foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit within the academic realm; and

Whereas, their profound dedication to the creative sector at Florida International University has ignited a transformative wave of entrepreneurial education, empowering countless individuals, including a diverse and inclusive cohort of students, to explore, innovate, and excel; and

Whereas, through their visionary support, the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation has become a beacon of inspiration, nurturing the growth of aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, and providing them with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape; and

Whereas, their firm belief in the power of education and the limitless potential of creative minds has proven instrumental in shaping the next generation of visionary leaders, who now possess the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset to drive positive change in our world, representing a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences; and

Whereas, the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation’s profound impact is a testament to their boundless generosity, firm dedication, and their relentless pursuit of empowering all students, irrespective of their background, to achieve greatness; now, therefore,

Be it proclaimed, on this joyous occasion, that we, the grateful beneficiaries of their benevolence, honor and celebrate the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation for their remarkable contributions to entrepreneurial education within the creative sector at Florida International University, which has not only empowered students from diverse and inclusive backgrounds but also fostered an environment of unity and collaboration; and

Let it be known that their exemplary support has unlocked doors of opportunity for students of all walks of life, ignited a spirit of innovation, and created a legacy that will continue to shape and inspire generations to come; and

May their remarkable efforts continue to uplift, empower, and transform lives, as we express our deepest gratitude for their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurial excellence, with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion at its core.

May this proclamation serve as a testament to the extraordinary impact of the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, and may their contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of entrepreneurial education within the creative sector, while embracing the richness of diversity and the inclusivity that fuels innovation and progress.