Admittedly, that sense of “do I really want to get off the couch” crept into my mind on the day… but I had committed to attending Maker Day hosted by the Museum of Makers and Innovators (MOMI), and I didn’t want to go back on my word.
So I made the trip to Newark… and I’m glad I did!
Newark Symphony Hall (Newark Performing Arts Corporation) felt like a fitting location for the day, and this would become even more apparent as I watched the children and families move from exhibit to exhibit, getting hands-on, and learning. It’s a landmark steeped in history, but thanks to the leadership, and obvious love, of Talia Lauren Young, it is also clearly a place with an incredibly bright future. It was no surprise to see Tai Cooper there in support, another powerhouse whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in Newark and beyond. I’m proud to say I knew them both when… 😊
Just two weeks after sitting down with Sara Sorenson and Marnie Kaplan to learn about the vision for MOMI, something I honestly had no idea New Jersey, the Innovation State, was lacking, I had the opportunity to see that vision come to life. Meeting Jacqueline Eyl, whose enthusiasm is absolutely infectious, reinforced that energy. And I’m grateful to Ari Fox for bringing me into the conversation.
The highlight of the day for me, and what really brought it all together, was the time spent with Jeff Grayzel, Lt. Gov. Dale G. Caldwell, MBA, Ed.D., and James Howard. Together, we had a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion about how the energy behind MOMI can, and must, extend beyond the concept of a museum.
Because the real goal isn’t just to build a museum, it’s to build a movement.
A movement rooted in the belief that when you bring together creativity, innovation, and community, in a way that celebrates diversity and inclusion, you can unlock real opportunity, helping cities like Newark, and communities across New Jersey, become even better places to raise families and build the kind of future we all want to be part of.
Events like this don’t just happen; they are built by people who truly believe in what they’re doing, and next time, I promise, I won’t need any encouragement to get off the couch!
