Text version of this issue (556 words)
Extracted from the PDF so the issue is searchable and can be read by a screen reader. The newsletter is a magazine layout, so side-by-side boxes can interleave here. The PDF above is the correct reading order.
NEWSLETTER - MAY 2026 Rhova – Transforms sound into physical sensation, creating a more immersive and inclusive way to experience music and movement. Rhea Rachala, Sampurna Saiganesh, Sarayu Karedla, Yashika Garg (Strawberry Crest HS & Middleton HS) SPECIAL AWARDS SPECIAL AWARDS SPECIAL AWARDS ClearVision AI – Adaptive, real-time visual enhancement that helps users navigate the world with greater clarity, awareness, and confidence. Samuel Crockett, Pranav Manthena, Adriana Atanasova (Palm Harbor University HS & Eastlake HS) Tonya Whitlock, CEO of The Inclusive Hive, is a visionary community leader who transforms and empowers individuals of all abilities to live, connect, and thrive. We look forward to a continued partnership. Guilherme Sesternhein of Amazon Web Services is an exemplary mentor whose expertise and guidance empower SharkMakers participants while consistently instilling the program’s core values. SEASON 2025-26 SEASON 2025-26 AWARD WINNERS AWARD WINNERS SEASON 2025-26 AWARD WINNERS Pathable – Smart, real-time navigation that empowers people to move through any environment with confidence and ease. Aarush Shah, Jiya Patel, Ritchel Mesidor, Tapfuma Mayida (Palm Harbor University HS & Eastlake HS) Cassandra Bernard, Tony Greene, Robyn Mussler, Scott Vejdani & Chris Wilson — the powerhouse team behind the SharkMakers magic and growth! EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION NAVA – Simplifies financial management into a more intuitive, accessible experience that builds confidence and independence for all users. Anushka Srivastava, Charvi Sunkari, Sahiti Yarlagadda, Swara Dhamane (Strawberry Crest HS)
For the 9th year, we’re honored to have Kevin Harrington continue to support this journey with us. It’s an incredible moment for Pathable as they step into this opportunity, gain real experience, sharpen their pitch, and level up their skills in a way that only comes from moments like this. PoweredUp Pathable will be exhibiting at PoweredUp, an annual technology and innovation conference hosted by Tampa Bay Tech, showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the tech industry. Register and join us: https://tampabay.tech/poweredup-tech-fest/ SharkMakers Finalists: Designed for All. Built for Real Life. This crew has been the best! These finalists aren’t just solving for accessibility—they’re raising the bar for how great products should work for everyone. With a focus on thoughtful, human-centered design, they’re building solutions that are intuitive, adaptable, and built for real-world use, proving that when you design better, you serve everyone better. May 20th What’s Coming Up? May 27th Pitch to Kevin Harrington MAY HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS MAY HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS Miami Pitch-Off As the finalists prepare for their upcoming trip on June 1–2, they’re stepping into one more real-world experience to sharpen their skills and push their ideas further. All six teams will travel to Miami for an all-expenses-paid Pitch-Off, presenting to a new panel of judges for the chance to earn an additional $2,000 in prize funding. We’re excited to welcome YOORZID to the SharkMakers business community as a sponsor. Through this partnership, we’re expanding cybersecurity awareness and opportunities for our students, helping them build the skills to better protect themselves from scammers, digital threats, and evolving online risks, equipping them with knowledge that extends well beyond the program. To our mentors, the secret sauce - thank you for showing up, leaning in, and investing your time and expertise to shape the next generation of SharkMakers. Mahaffey Theater NEWSLETTER - MAY 2026 EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
