The Edison Awards Lightbulb Series and Collaboratory will host Resilience in Community, a dynamic, cross‑sector conversation exploring how communities adapt, endure, and thrive in the face of constant change.
The free event will take place March 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Collaboratory. Registration is required.
Resilience in Community will explore how leaders build environments where people can withstand challenges and emerge stronger. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how cross-sector partnerships and community-driven approaches help communities withstand challenges.
“The conversation will highlight how resilience is not only a response to adversity, but a practice rooted in connection, shared purpose, and long‑term vision,” said Dawn Belamarich, President and CEO of Collaboratory.
Belamarich will moderate the panel, which brings together leaders from business, culture, science, and social innovation. Drawing from their lived experiences and professional expertise, speakers will explore the roles of leadership, innovation, cultural legacy, and collaboration in building stronger, more connected communities.
Featured Speakers
Benjamin Gulak, Founder & CEO, NALA
Benjamin Gulak is an award‑winning inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of NALA, a company focused on advanced mobility and engineering innovation. Gulak has been recognized globally for his ability to merge technology, sustainability, and human‑centered design. His work reflects a commitment to solving complex challenges through creativity and engineering excellence.
Bob Kendrick, President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Bob Kendrick is one of the nation’s leading voices on the history and cultural legacy of the Negro Leagues. As President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, he has expanded national awareness of the league’s impact on American history, civil rights, and community identity. Kendrick is a celebrated storyteller, historian, and advocate for preserving and sharing the stories that shape resilient communities.
Marco M. Muñoz, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives, Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard
Marco Muñoz serves as Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives at the Ragon Institute, a world‑renowned research center dedicated to immunology, infectious disease, and global health. His work bridges science, policy, and community engagement, advancing collaborative approaches to some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Muñoz brings a global perspective on resilience, public health, and scientific innovation.
Collaboratory is located at 2031 Jackson Street in Fort Myers. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Seating is limited and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
To register, visit: https://collaboratory.org/
ABOUT COLLABORATORY
Collaboratory is a regional community foundation with an evolved mission committed to coordinating the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040. Not alone, but with everyone—the entire community working together across all five counties: Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Collier.
Collaboratory provides community leadership, raises and coordinates funding, and disburses funds to organizations that are helping solve the problems our donors and the community have identified as priorities. Collaboratory also provides capacity building with training and resources for regional partners. Given the complexities of the social challenges in our region, Collaboratory ensures we are all working together and that every generous donor achieves the biggest impact with their funds. By using and sharing data to track progress, we ensure that donor dollars are best invested to move the needle on improving social issues.
Connection and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. Since 1976, we have made over $130 million in grants to individuals and organizations across the region to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. It is upon that legacy of a commitment to community we will collectively achieve our 2040 goal. To learn more and get involved, call 239-274-5900.
