Mindy Manes

Mindy Manes works with some of the world’s most innovative organizations in her role as Chief Operating Officer of the Edison Awards, where she manages and directs all aspects of the Edison Awards--the "Oscars of Innovation"--where innovators and their innovations are honored and recognized. Her past experience includes over eight years at Johnson County Community College, one of the top ten U.S. community colleges where she served as the Innovation Strategist; this included producing multiple platforms for ideation work, connecting JCCC to outside groups for powerful inter-organizational collaborations, while concurrently supporting the development of three newly-created divisions. These divisions included Sustainability, Learner Engagement and Corporate Outreach & Strategic Partnerships. While in this position, Mindy helped to serve over 30,000+ students.