Department of Architecture Senior Instructor and FIU Changemaker Fellow, Malik Benjamin, recently received recognition as a ‘Community Genius’ by national social innovation network, BMe Community.
BMe Community acknowledged ten black men and social entrepreneurs at the 2nd annual Miami Community Genius Award Ceremony on June 21, 2017 at the Chapman Conference Center in Miami-Dade College Wolfson campus. The awardees received $10,000 for their dedication to serving their local community and bettering South Florida. Recipients are given this award to apply to their local, community enriching projects.
This year, Benjamin was one of ten distinguished ‘Community Geniuses’ acknowledged by BMe Community. Benjamin, 39, is the Managing Director of the Institute of Collaborative Innovation, founder of Creative Mornings Miami and a distinguished educator at FIU’s Department of Architecture. He plans to contribute the money received to continue his initiative of forming a powerful network of local designers, developers, entrepreneurs and leaders in Miami.
Benjamin, amongst the rest have played a prominent role in aiding local residents to thrive and succeed in South Florida. BMe Community recognized these men not only for their philanthropic and nurturing efforts, but also for being local leaders in our communities.
Congratulations to Malik and all awardees!
The following a list of the ten 2017 Community Geniuses in South Florida:
Malik Benjamin
Managing Director of the Institute of Collaborative Innovation, founder of Creative Mornings Miami
Mario Bailey
Senior Government Relations Consultant of Becker and Poilakoff, Founder of Mary’s Kids
Chad Cherry
CEO of Refresh Live Café Inc.
Damian Daley
Founding Partner of Wilson Daley PLLC/Vice Chair of Board of Directors of Catalyst Miami
Oliver Gilbert
Mayor of Miami Gardens
Sir Charles Hill
Managing Director of EchoTech Vision Foundation
James Mungin
Technical Director of the African-Heritage Cultural Arts Center
Dawyen Sekajipo
President/CEO of Sekajipo for the People Productions, LLC
Kevin Smith
Director of Smith Capital Investments
Rev. Joaquin Willis
Pastor of the Church of the Open Door
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