Río Hondo College will host the Rio Innovates Symposium on April 24, 2026, a one-day event designed to connect education, industry, and community partners through innovation and workforce collaboration.
The symposium will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the college’s L Tower, fifth floor, located at 3600 Workman Mill Road in Whittier. Organizers describe the event as a space for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and exploring pathways that link education to evolving workforce demands.
Event Highlights Innovation And Career Pathways
The Rio Innovates Symposium will center on entrepreneurship, invention, and collaboration across sectors. College officials state the event aims to bring together students, educators, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and develop practical connections.
Programming will include presentations and discussions focused on emerging trends in education and workforce development. Organizers say the goal is to support regional economic growth by aligning academic programs with industry needs.
Community members and business leaders are invited to attend, reflecting the college’s effort to expand engagement beyond campus and into the broader San Gabriel Valley.
Keynote Speaker And Featured Sessions
The symposium will feature a keynote address by Dr. Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Foundation. Her work focuses on advancing invention education and supporting innovation in learning environments.
Additional sessions include “Storytelling, Innovation and Career Pathways,” led by Marley Parker, and a presentation on Qualcomm’s The Inventor’s Patent Academy by Dr. Breann Branch.
Participants may also join the Venture Valley Game, organized by The Singleton Foundation. The interactive session offers a simulation-based experience focused on entrepreneurship, with opportunities to compete for financial prizes. Attendees must be 18 or older to participate.
Another session, “An Entrepreneurs Journey and First Patent,” will feature Lizette Espinoza, JD, and Giuseppe Veneziano, who will discuss their experiences navigating innovation and intellectual property.
Attendance And Registration Details
The Rio Innovates Symposium is free to attend, though registration is required in advance. Interested participants can RSVP at https://gorio.page/innovation-2026.
Organizers state that continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered attendees. Faculty members may also receive flex credit for participation.
College officials note the symposium reflects Río Hondo College’s continued focus on innovation and workforce readiness. The event is expected to draw participants from across the San Gabriel Valley, offering opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
The Rio Innovates Symposium aims to strengthen connections between education and industry while supporting pathways for students and professionals in the region.
