Innovation has been a foundational principle I’ve seen throughout my life. As the first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from Cuba, I learned early on from my parents and grandparents how creative, innovative thinking can help me navigate everyday obstacles and unpredictable circumstances. This drive to continuously innovate and think bigger propelled my success throughout my high school career and my college days, and it continues to inspire me in my professional life and guide my leadership as the CEO & President of eMerge Americas today
In particular, my father, Manny Medina, has always been an inspiration to me and instilled values that have been instrumental to my success. Yet, no amount of preparation and encouragement can fully prepare one for the obstacles faced as a professional with a mission to transform an industry. In my own professional career, I’ve found the road to success isn’t always smooth and often requires boundary-pushing and outside-the-box thinking.
At eMerge Americas, we have become a leader in Miami’s tech ecosystem by embracing innovation and driving change through partnership, connection, and collaboration. Through our annual conference, networking events, and beyond, we foster connections between government, higher education, startups, investors, and corporate enterprises, amplifying stories and cultivating a culture of collaboration and curiosity. Through our work, we inspire individuals to think boldly, help scale their ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the tech industry.
One area of significant growth is in artificial intelligence and virtual reality. These technologies have already begun to shape how people interact with the world around them. Some people outside of the sector may be skeptical about these innovations, and this is precisely why our role as innovation leaders is so important. We get to explore these uncharted territories and imagine the future that others may not be able to see yet – and to paint the picture of this future for everyone. Melissa Medina has over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, operator, investor, community leader and philanthropist. A native to Miami, FL, Melissa Medina is Co-founder, CEO & President of eMerge Americas with a mission of helping transform South Florida into a global tech hub. The eMerge Americas signature event, launched in 2014, is a global tech conference held annually at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
