Connie Lewin is an accomplished strategist with a proven track record in building impactful programs, partnerships, and networks. She is the Managing Director at the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the discovery and commercialization of technologies that address critical local challenges. MDIA bridges the gap between the private and public sectors by investing in growth-stage technology companies.

As the Managing Director, she leads the strategy and execution of its primary programming, the Public Innovation Challenge, and plays an active role in the organization's strategic direction. MDIA has approved more than $1.1 million in investments across 11 companies, with seven portfolio companies actively pilot-testing their technologies with our Miami-Dade County partners, including Miami International Airport and PortMiami. Connie's journey in the social impact sector began as an early member of the founding team of Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE).

Here, she played a key role in addressing the unique issue of menstrual hygiene management through a social enterprise model in Rwanda. Her journey continued as the Director of Individual Philanthropy at Local Initiatives Support Corporation, where she secured multi-million funding to catalyze national solutions to advance racial equity and economic mobility. Connie received an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University and an MBA from the Simon School at the University of Rochester. She derives her best education from talking with those sitting beside her on the bus, plane, or train while traveling.