Better Futures Institute

In this episode, Geekdom CEO Charles Woodin dives into the future of Geekdom and its mission to fuel growth at every stage. Through programs like ID8, Cultivate, Shape, and Grow, Geekdom is dedicated to helping founders go beyond the launch and reach the next level. As Charles shares, it’s all about building a lasting impact and guiding founders from idea to established brand. Imagine a startup born at Geekdom evolving into the next big thing—maybe even the next USAA or HEB. Tune in to Episode 3 for insight into how Geekdom is creating a thriving ecosystem for tomorrow’s leading innovators! Let’s hear from you: Which stage of growth do you think is the most challenging for startups? Rob Wicall | #BetterFutures #CivicTech #StartupGrowth #GeekdomSA #FounderJourney #SanAntonioStartups #InnovateSA #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #TechEcosystem

Our Civic Tech Scholars had an amazing time today touring 300 Main with David Robinson Jr. ! During the downtown discussion, they explored the heart of San Antonio and gained valuable insights into urban development and the future of our city. It's these kinds of experiences that shape the next generation of leaders, giving them a hands-on understanding of how civic tech and city planning come together to create a brighter future. #BetterFutures #CivicTech #LeadershipInAction #SanAntonio #DowntownTour #UrbanDevelopment

At Better Futures Institute, we’re not just building skills—we’re shaping future leaders who understand their communities at a deeper level. Chloe Bruno’s time as a Civic Tech Scholar wasn’t just about learning; it was transformative. From engaging with city officials to tackling real issues in San Antonio, she’s gained leadership and problem-solving skills that will drive real change. This is what Better Futures is about: pushing boundaries, understanding inequities, and creating leaders ready to make a real impact. #BetterFutures #LeadershipInAction #CivicTech #SanAntonio #CommunityDriven #BFIScholars

Last week, our Civic Tech Scholars had an incredible experience touring Brooks and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)! During a discussion led by Chief Strategy Officer Connie Gonzalez they explored Brooks' history and current developments while also learning how the EOC supports city operations like 311 and emergency responses. This behind-the-scenes tour offered our scholars a unique perspective on how San Antonio stays connected and resilient, inspiring them to think critically about technology’s role in shaping our city’s future. #BetterFutures #LeadershipInAction #SanAntonio #BrooksTour #EmergencyOperations

Our Fall 2024 Civic Tech Scholars kicked off their semester with a team-building experience at Ruby City! They explored the incredible art collection and learned about the rich history behind this visionary space. The scholars engaged in meaningful discussions on civic engagement and community involvement, reflecting on how their internship experience will shape their leadership skills and career paths. Art, community, and leadership – the perfect combo for growth! Stay tuned as they continue their journey of impact and innovation. #BetterFutures #RubyCity #CivicTech #LeadershipInAction #TeamBuilding #Sanantonio #leadership

In Episode 2 of Better Futures, we sit down with Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom to dive into the incredible impact Geekdom has had on San Antonio's entrepreneurial ecosystem. For over 13 years, Geekdom has been a place where dreams take shape—transforming challenges into opportunities, and helping founders find a path to prosperity. Whether it's raising that first dollar or hiring that first employee, the magic of Geekdom lies in its ability to empower people on their entrepreneurial journeys. What's the most powerful way to support aspiring entrepreneurs? Let us know below! Head to https://lnkd.in/gsFixqn4 to learn how to get involved! Rob Wicall

We’re thrilled to welcome our Fall 2024 Civic Tech Scholars— Choudhry A., Chloe Bruno, Roel Jaramillo and Richard Powell! 🎉 These emerging leaders are already driving change in our community through technology and civic engagement, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have this semester! We have some incredible events lined up to kick off their journey: •A team-building artwalk at Ruby City, where we’ll discuss civic engagement and career aspirations. •A tour of Brooks with Chief Strategy Officer Connie Gonzalez, exploring community development and city operations. •A downtown tour with David Robinson Jr., discussing San Antonio’s future while overlooking the city. Let’s give a warm welcome to these future leaders as they embark on their exciting journey! 👏 #CivicTechScholars #BetterFuturesInstitute #Fall2024 #sanantonio

From serving in the military to leading Geekdom, Charles Woodin’s journey is a testament to the power of investing in communities and nurturing innovation. After witnessing the decline of Detroit and Flint, Charles found purpose in shaping San Antonio’s future, helping turn Geekdom into a hub for tech and entrepreneurship. But the mission goes deeper—it’s about revitalizing the heart of the city and creating opportunities for future generations. Could this be the blueprint for other cities? We want to hear from you: What’s the most crucial factor for fostering innovation in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments, let’s discuss! Geekdom | Charles Woodin | Rob Wicall #BetterFutures #Geekdom #InnovationInAction #sanantoniotexas

From serving in the military to leading Geekdom, Charles Woodin’s journey is a testament to the power of investing in communities and nurturing innovation. After witnessing the decline of Detroit and Flint, Charles found purpose in shaping San Antonio’s future, helping turn Geekdom into a hub for tech and entrepreneurship. But the mission goes deeper—it’s about revitalizing the heart of the city and creating opportunities for future generations. Could this be the blueprint for other cities? We want to hear from you: What’s the most crucial factor for fostering innovation in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments, let’s discuss! #BetterFutures #Geekdom #InnovationInAction #sanantoniotexas

South Texas is at a turning point, with Latinos fueling both population and job growth in the region. The South Texas Triangle, home to nearly a fifth of the state’s population, has added over 500,000 people and 316,000 jobs in the last decade. Yet, deep-rooted inequalities persist—Latinos earn just 59 cents for every dollar white families make and are three times more likely to live in poverty. To unlock the full potential of this vibrant region, we must invest in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Latino communities. By confronting these challenges, South Texas can build a more equitable and prosperous future. What do you think is the most important area to invest in for South Texas' future? #SouthTexasGrowth #LatinoEmpowerment #EconomicEquity