Round 2: Titans of Tech Nominees

We are accepting nomination submissions for our 2023 Titans of Tech. Every week or so we will share some of the submissions we’ve received. If you don’t see your nominee this week, keep an eye out for the following week. Keep reading to see some of the inspiring folks who have been nominated already and click the button below to nominate someone who inspires you!

Round 2 NOMINEES

Jorian Wilkins

“Jorian Wilkins has worked tirelessly in the last 18 months to advocate for more funding for the downtown district of Santa Cruz. The assessment that funds our organization and district was severely underfunded, because the funding source was 30 years behind the current economic basis. As a result, the staff was severely underpaid, stretched thin with resources and limited in launching the types of programs the district so desperately needed like improved clean & safety initiatives. Jorian launched a successful marketing campaign to persuade the majority of stakeholders in the district (city council, city management, 500 downtown businesses) that increase of fees were necessary to the vitality of our downtown district. Her strong leadership, strategic planning abilities and charismatic partnership skills, are absolutely the reason why our district's campaign for better funding was approved by the City Council and downtown businesses. The district will now have funding to provide better, safe, cleaning and welcoming services. In addition, all of the free community events that the Downtown Association puts on will no longer operate at a deficit and more programs will be launched to bring vitality to our downtown district consisting mostly of small local businesses.” -

Clint Cowden

“Dean Clint Cowden should be nominated as a Titan of Tech due to his exceptional leadership in career technical education and workforce development. As the dean of these crucial areas for Hartnell College, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to the college's mission of delivering career technical education, job training, and workforce development. Clint oversees the operations of the Alisal Campus and plays a pivotal role in planning, evaluating, and developing CTE programs. His ability to coordinate across various components ensures student and program success.

Furthermore, Clint Cowden keeps a keen eye on the evolving workforce needs in the region and actively recommends adjustments to the college's portfolio of offerings to meet those needs effectively. He also manages the California Community College's Strong Workforce Program and future CTE-related initiatives, showcasing his dedication to advancing workforce development.

Additionally, Clint fosters collaboration with other local and regional educational institutions, contributing to the college's overall success in meeting its workforce development goals. His supervision and evaluation of employees in his purview underscore his commitment to excellence. Clint Cowden's exceptional leadership and contributions to the field make him a strong candidate for the nomination as a Titan of Tech.”

Ed (Richard) Green

“It’s a rare individual whose work can bring peace to a grieving family, solve cold crimes, play a role in Nobel-winning research, and fuel a growing local industry. Ed Green, associate professor of biomolecular engineering in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, has founded, or co-founded, no fewer than three companies in Santa Cruz. Astrea Forensics applies DNA technology to forensics identify human remains and suspects, Dovetail Genomics, now part of Cantata Bio, provides tools for researchers’ understanding of human, plant, and animal diseases and genomics, ClaretBio’s tools are the key to extract useful information from degraded DNA samples.

Green developed his interest in paleogenomics and ancient DNA while working with Nobel laureate Svante Pääbo at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. It was there that he discovered a new way to extract and sequence ancient DNA leading to headlines for making the genetic connection between Neanderthals and early humans. Solving the technical challenges of sequencing small amounts of highly fragmented DNA from ancient bones was the foundation of his highly impactful work in forensic genomics.

Ed Green received his B.S. in Genetics at the University of Georgia in 1997 and Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2005.”

Want to hear more about their inspiring stories? Make sure to RSVP to attend Titans of Tech!

WEEK 1 NOMINEES

Annie Morhauser

“Creating art from the heart has always been her passion. Her “special tech” in glasswork has found a place in the hearts and homes of newlyweds and the world.”- Matthew Swinnerton

Marco Rolandi

“Marco developed the world's 1st compostable/biodegradable foam that replace EPS (Styrofoam) and EPE (Expanded Polyethylene)!” - Toby Corey

Tammie Weigl

“Tammie has served Santa Cruz County for many, many years and has been at the forefront of broadband expansion. Working with local ISPs and the Central Coast Broadband Consortium, Tammie has done as much to expand digital access in our region as any individual. She is the definition of a public servant and a true titan of local tech.” - James Hackett

Juliane Farrand

“Juliane Farrand, Head of People, should be a 2023 Titan of Tech for being the backbone of Joby Aviation’s success from the very early days of when we were just beginning.” JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation

Please note that not all nominees will be selected as Titans. Nominations will be reviewed by Santa Cruz Works board. We will announce the Titans in December!

Want to nominate someone?

Sign up using the Nomination Form. Please double check that your nominee has not already been selected as a Titan of Tech in the past.

Interested in tabling at our upcoming event?

If you’re a partner, please email malina [at] santacruzworks.org to let us know you would like to table at Titans of Tech. If you’re not a Santa Cruz Works partner, please sign up for a one-time tabling fee (Networker Tier).