Miami, Feb. 17, 2022 – Saif Ishoof has been named the inaugural Presidential Innovation Fellow at Miami Dade College (MDC). In his new role, Ishoof will provide guidance on creating transformational partnerships in the Miami tech ecosystem to equip students with the skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing career landscape.
Ishoof is the founder of Lab22c where he serves as a thought partner to companies and funders looking to grow and scale their impact, and reach in Miami’s innovation ecosystem. He previously served as the Vice President for Engagement at Florida International University and as the founding Senior Advisor for Innovation & Technology to City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
As VP for Engagement, Ishoof built transformational partnerships for FIU and generated more than $70 million to fuel institutional impact. In his role as the founding Head of Mayor Suarez’s Venture Miami team, he worked to assist scores of companies and funds that have relocated to Miami. Ishoof also advised on several signature projects in the frontier technology domain in support of Mayor Suarez’s vision of Miami as the ‘capital of capital.’ Prior to FIU, Ishoof served as the founding Executive Director of City Year Miami.
Ishoof has been recognized with several prestigious distinctions including as a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a scholar of the German Marshall Fund. Ishoof is a frequently sought-after advisor and board member to venture & private-equity backed companies. He is also a speaker and writer on subjects ranging from innovation, talent, American competitiveness, the #FutureOfWork and Web 3.0.
Ishoof earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and his juris doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.