In Caroline’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
The highlight of FCI for me has been mentoring cohorts of students. Helping someone simultaneously do something positive for people in Florida and reach their potential as a professional is a dream come true. I hope to mentor hundreds more students as they embark on tech, research, and community engagement projects for social good.
HOW TO SUPPORT CAROLINE: Please mentor our students and/or donate to FCI! Since we started FCI in 2020, I’ve raised nearly $100,000 and have always been a volunteer so all our money can support students. However, I’m starting to get very stressed with the amount of mentoring the students ask for and the grind of raising the money to support them. Please help me!
In Nicole’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
Through FCI, I discovered my passion for mentoring early career technologists. It’s so rewarding to see their research strengthen and turn into an implementable idea. I love FCI’s open ended, people-centric approach, which I get to see in action during CityCamp and our data walk events.
HOW TO SUPPORT NICOLE:
I’ve spent the last five years working in the federal government on broadband policy, managing interagency projects, and communicating about data in plain language. I’m looking for my next opportunity involving civic tech or progressive campaigns, with a product, research or digital strategy role. If you’re looking for anything in that realm, I’d love to connect!
In Zach’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
FCI has been instrumental in realizing my passion for assisting students as they strive to use technology to empower the community in which they live. My entire experience with FCI has been eye-opening, as I consistently see incredibly talented individuals implement clever, community-oriented software systems. The Florida Community Resource Map and the team behind it are a shining example of what is possible in this space. FCI provides me with ample opportunity to use my technical knowledge for the public good, which is incredibly fulfilling.
HOW TO SUPPORT ZACH:
Please reach out to me about mentoring and volunteering to support these students as they work to give back to the community. I am always looking to expand my profesional network, and that network is always available as a resource for FCI.
In Aniqa’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
FCI has been a life-changing experience! Before FCI, as a first-gen student, I had no idea civic tech existed or that technology could be a tool for better public service. Through contributing to FCI’s research, I’ve learned how to listen and build WITH, not FOR, communities.
From my first days as an intern to now serving as a board member, FCI has been a space of learning and growth. It’s hard to imagine who I’d be today without the experiences and values that I gained through FCI!
HOW TO SUPPORT ANIQA:
I am actively exploring graduate programs in public policy and data science. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn – whether it’s to share your lessons, resources, or your grad school experiences. Any tips or advice would be appreciated!
In Leila’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
FCI has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on substantive policy research and action—but the highlight over even these highlights has been FCI’s people. These are some of the most outstanding, intelligent, kind, and genuinely good-hearted people I’ve ever met, and knowing from experience that they’re out here is a major reason to keep the faith in a bright, bright future!
HOW TO SUPPORT LEILA:
Grabbing more policy or public-affairs mentors for our students would be amazing! I’d also love to connect with those in the legal profession working with an international bend.
In Erin’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
The highlight of working with FCI is watching the growth of our public affairs team. Since joining FCI as an intern in 2022, I have watched the relationships built by the FCI team flourish. The team has helped me grow as a professional and I have had the privilege to support other students in doing the same. One of my favorite moments was the team’s trip to Miami to build relationships with community leaders on Give Miami Day. Now as a board member, I am even more grateful for every person who takes the time to hear our story.
HOW TO SUPPORT ERIN:
As a recent graduate of the University of Florida with experience in social media strategy, account management, and government relations, I am looking for professional opportunities within Central Florida. My goal is to hone my communications skills in strategic and creative ways that uplift these growing communities.
In Aidan’s words…
FCI HIGHLIGHTS:
My time with FCI has been characterized by intense personal and professional growth. Leading and assisting development efforts on the Florida Community Resource Map was instrumental in unlocking my confidence as a software developer, and witnessing the first-hand impacts of civic tech has empowered me to better serve my community. Moreover, working with FCI has allowed me to connect with brilliant, like-minded individuals who are just as passionate as me about deploying technology to address problems in their community.
HOW TO SUPPORT AIDAN:
I am always open to learning opportunities and experiences and always searching for new skills and interests. Feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn if you have anything to share!
FCI’s Volunteers, Alumni & Friends
FCI’s volunteers and extended network make all of our work possible. Volunteers each have impressive professional records and skillsets, which they generously use in their contributions to FCI’s work. Below is a partial list of our active volunteers, alumni, and friends:
Anna Lanzino
Graduate Student Fellow
Anna Lanzino is a Masters student in Information Management and Systems at UC Berkeley where she focuses on information law and policy, civic technology, cybersecurity, and privacy. She graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Computer Science in 2021. She worked as a software engineer between graduating from UF and going to UC Berkeley.
While an intern with FCI, Anna created the project Gobituary and has continued to lead it as Product Manager, cultivating relationships with the City of Miami Cemetery and building the app.
Chris Battista
Founder, Former President
Chris is a research scientist, public sector management consultant, and technology entrepreneur who grew up in Florida and was previously based in Washington, DC. He has served clients ranging from U.S. federal government research and development agencies to eminent national educational nonprofits to cutting-edge multimillion-dollar Silicon Valley startups. In addition to his professional work, Chris started a successful educational community organization that partners with the Alachua County public school system to expand access to hands-on science for underserved students. He is currently a Principal at Plainspoken Digital.
Gloria Li
Volunteer, Co-Founder
Formerly based in Tallahassee, FL, Gloria is a lifelong Floridan who is passionate about connecting diverse audiences, including young voters, to the democratic process. Her background in media and policy enables her to effectively leverage digital tools to drive citizens from awareness to action. She received a Master’s in Data Science degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where she conducts data-driven research on energy policy. Her skills are perfectly suited to FCI’s data-driven media projects.
Davis Jackson
Volunteer, Co-Founder
Davis is a seasoned digital communications strategist with an expertise in social media and political campaigns. He has executed digital campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, Political Action Committees (PACs), national nonprofits, and local municipalities, and routinely manages budgets of more than $100,000 per campaign. He co-founded FCI to leverage his digital media skills for the public good.
Neil Blackmon, Appellate Attorney, Election Law; Kramer, Greene, Zuckerman, Greene, and Buchsbaum
Maya Punjwani, Communications Associate at The UN Foundation
Sara Henley, Policy Analyst at Florida Association of Counties
Alyson Knowles, Software Engineer at American Express
Raj Shah, Software Engineer at Amazon Web Services
Meera Rubinchik, Analyst & Designer, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Emily Porat, Analyst & Designer, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Molly Lowder, Campus Coordinator at Levine Music
Louis De Tilly, Software Developer
Julie Cox, Graphic Designer
Beatriz Ramon, Public Policy Fellow, US Senate Judiciary Committee