Meyers Awarded FLATE’s Distinguished Manufacturing Partner Service Distinction

FSU InSPIRE’s Director of Education and Workforce Talent, Carrie Meyers, was awarded FLATE’s Manufacturing Partner-of-the-Year for Service. Industry partners and secondary and postsecondary educators across the state of Florida have been formally recognized by FLATE for 19 years. A part of the FloridaMakes network, FLATE helps expand and develop Florida’s manufacturing workforce and supports manufacturers with a strong STEM pipeline. As the winner of FLATE’s Distinguished Manufacturing Partner Service Award, Meyers embodies their commitment to exceptional technology education and career readiness for the expanding advanced manufacturing workforce.

“These awards honor excellence in all aspects of manufacturing education—from classroom instruction to innovative activities that bring together industry, students, and educators,” said Danielly Orozco-Cole, Associate Director of Technology Education and Workforce Development at FLATE. “Carrie’s efforts support the continuous improvement of academic programs that are also aligned with industry needs. We commend Carrie on the meaningful impact she has and continues to make in advanced manufacturing education in Northwest Florida.”

Meyers will be formally awarded at the Florida Association for Career & Technical Education (FACTE) Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Orlando where she will also participate in a Best Practices Award Winners panel.

“Carrie and the entire workforce development team have driven measurable outcomes in professional education that are highly relevant to our local businesses,” said InSPIRE’s Executive Director, Drew Allen. “She consistently supports regional educators in sparking an interest among their students in manufacturing career pathways while initiating a dramatic shift towards industry-driven curriculum and employer-driven workforce development. It’s sincerely gratifying to see all her efforts and dedication formally recognized.”

FLATE acknowledges three categories of distinction including Post-Secondary and Secondary Educator-of-the-Year in addition to Manufacturing Partner-of-the-Year. Winners are selected by an Award Committee that includes industry representatives, Florida Association for Industrial and Technical Educators (FAITE) board members, past awardees, and members of the FloridaMakes Workforce Leadership Committee.

“I’m truly honored by this recognition from FLATE and its partners who are all supportive of educational innovation throughout Florida,” added Meyers. “Our vision is to arm teachers with knowledge, tools, and the hands-on experience needed to prepare their students for futures in manufacturing, technology, and engineering. Our team is always working towards creating a substantial and lasting influence on the educational and economic landscape throughout Northwest Florida.”