LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting. The Metaverse will become the ultimate enabler. It will profoundly impact virtually all market segments, advancing the convergence of known technologies to levels that will rival the development of the internet. As expected, all major technology leaders are aggressively competing for prominence. Recently, Metaverse is under vicious attacks by those not understanding its limitless potential in other applications of its technology. It could revolutionize construction, health care, manufacturing and education, to name a few. Let’s not jump to conclusions. It’s time to learn its full potential, not limited to gaming and social media, to appreciate how it will benefit us all.

Debbi Hixon, member, Broward County School Board. This is the last week to submit a Big Idea for the FTX Million Dollar Hackathon. This contest is designed to find the best idea to improve mental and/or physical health and is open to young people aged 13-19 from MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The top five teams chosen will complete in a “Shark Tank” finale at the FTX Arena on Jan. 16, 2022, judged by Kevin O’Leary and other celebrities. All contestants who place in the top five will receive a $15,000 scholarship! One million dollars will go toward funding the top big idea.

For more information, visit ftxcharityhackathon.com.

Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe. On Sunday, the World Health Organization, along with other leaders in health, healing and the arts, will convene the first major global summit to act on the evidence base for health benefits of the arts. The event will be centered around three themed panels exploring the positive benefits of research, cultural practice and global policy in the arts and health.

The WHO said, “We are particularly pleased that museums are rethinking their missions to see themselves not simply as repositories of valuable objects, but as centers of creative engagement with their communities in the pursuit of promoting the well-being and health of the public.”

Eric Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl Committee. The 2021 Orange Bowl Creative Art Contest is ending. Kids of all ages in Broward and MiamiDade counties worked on their artwork for a chance to win prizes that include tickets to the upcoming Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl. The contest is a great way for Orange Bowl to engage with its community and impact kids throughout South Florida. The last day to submit entries is Friday, Nov. 19.

Kerry Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida The giving season is once again upon us. In November, some of the nation’s largest annual fundraising happens. Over 900 organizations in South Florida are taking part in Give Miami Day on Nov. 18. Shortly after comes Giving Tuesday.

This global generosity movement inspires millions of people to give money, time and kindness to causes about which they are most passionate. YWCA stands firmly in its mission to eliminate racism and empower women, participating in both charitable events. Let’s be mission movers.

Tom Shea,

Eagerly awaiting the signing of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, Florida anticipates $13.1 billion for rebuilding/modernizing highways along with another $245 million for bridge replacement and repairs. For decades, Florida received a C grade on its infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Additional funding will be used for sorely needed upgrades to improve transportation, increase EV charging stations, improve high-speed internet, defend against cyberattacks and fight climate change. Much-needed airport infrastructure upgrades will be allotted approximately $1.2 billion for development. Look for healthy job growth in Florida.

chairman & founder, Right Management.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida. Gov. DeSantis’ controversial nominee for surgeon general and Department of Health director, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, faces confirmation hearings before the Florida Senate in January. Those hearings are likely to be even more contentious than anticipated now that one media outlet is reporting the results of its investigation that he was not truthful in characterizing his credentials as a “frontline doctor” fighting COVID-19 at the UCLA hospital.

There are no hospital records corroborating his claim, and co-workers deny that he was involved in caring for COVID patients. Will senators demonstrate any independent judgment or just accept whatever the governor wants?

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale.

Nov. 20 and 21 is Pride Fort Lauderdale on A1A! Now in its 44th year, this festival is the longest-running LGBTQ+ celebration in Florida. Pride Fort Lauderdale has grown to represent the best of what our South Florida communities stand for: celebrating each other’s rich diversities, leading with love, acceptance and empathy in an inclusive, safe environment in the sun. Greater Fort Lauderdale Pride Inc. is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organizing this year’s festival and has deemed 2021’s theme, “Glitter and Gratitude” as we are able, once again, to celebrate with the community after a long and difficult year. For event details, please go to pridefortlauderdale.org