Kent Slowinski

Background

About Kent Slowinski

We have all been impacted by the coronavirus. Our lives are changed forever. Our hearts go out to those who have lost family, friends and co-workers. With several effective vaccines, people are going back to work and school. Some economists estimate a full economic recovery might take five to seven years. Although many businesses have been forced to cut back or close, many businesses have been more profitable during the pandemic, by using digital technology more effectively. Today, we can code, develop prototypes, start businesses, design websites, make products, sell online and share our expertise with others. Digital technology has changed the way we do business. Over the past two years, Mentors+Makers (M+M) has developed several innovative ideas for new products and services. M+M provides resources and opportunities for creative people to start, manage and scale sustainable businesses, through a network of Innovation Labs, that are convenient to the people who live, work, and study in DC, Maryland and Virginia. M+M provides opportunities to learn about digital fabrication, including high-tech tools, such as laser cutters, CNC routers and electronics, as well as traditional tools for woodworking, metalworking and textiles. A non-profit arm encourages donations to support scholarships, paid internships and apprenticeships for K-12 students in underserved communities. M+M creates synergy by mentoring, networking and partnering with businesses, universities and government agencies, with a special focus on digital technology, media, fabrication and bio labs. Makerspaces have evolved from arts and crafts at schools and libraries. mHUB is a 63KSF hardtech development center in Chicago, with more than 70 corporate sponsors. Artisan's Asylum partnered with Harvard to provide 53KSF of digital fabrication for artists. Open Works is bringing manufacturing back to Baltimore, with 35KSF of digital technology. An $11.5 million investment by the Deutsch Foundation generates annual returns of more than $14 million. To learn more visit The District understands the value of Innovation Spaces, as documented in DMPED's "Makerspace Report:" https://dmped.dc.gov/page/innovation-space-and-marketplace-report-developing-makerspace-district Innovation Labs is for creative people of all ages and skill levels. Please join us to help us form partnerships with schools, businesses, government agencies and foundations, as we build a diverse, inclusive and equitable community.