"Innovators of the Month" highlights our newest Members of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana for use by the media serving Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke Counties. The Society celebrates Fellows and Chanute Prize recipients, but also recognizes other Members of "The 2013 - 2014 Class." The Society shares their inspiring stories of innovation in each monthly edition. The Society is part of the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center of Ivy Tech Community College Northwest. For information, contact O'Merrial Butchee, Director, Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at (219) 981-4942, or John Davies, Assistant Director, at (219) 981-1111, Ext. 2292.
Era Twyman, Gary Literacy Coalition, NASA Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), Team Member
The Gary Literacy Coalition (GLC) led the first amateur radio experience between an urban school district and the International Space Station involving students from four Gary schools, said Era C. Twyman, executive director. "Although this has occurred elsewhere, this opportunity had never made available for urban students," Ms. Twyman said. In fact, hundreds of proposals are submitted, but only 25 to 30 requests are accepted. Recognizing that literacy is "foundational" to all disciplines as well as science, the NASA approved the coalition's request about a year ago for 12 students selected by their teachers to speak directly with astronauts in the space station 230 miles high traveling at approximately 17,500 miles per hour. Called the NASA ARISS Contact experience, the radio contact which lasted about 10 minutes, occurred at the Bernard C. Watson Academy for Boys.
Led by (GLC) mentor Roy Gillis and three other Amateur Radio Operators, the students asked questions of Astronaut Roy Marshburn on May 8, 2013. Also on board were astronauts Chris Hadfeld and Roman Romanenko. About 35 students from Watson, Frankie Woods-McCullough Academy for Girls, New Tech Academy and Lew Wallace STEM Academy attended, along with Gary officials. This was also a first for elementary, middle and high school students to participate in an amateur radio experience with the space craft. "The students were mesmerized," Era added.
Micky Gallas, CEO & Founder, TipTeeToe Ladies Golf Shoes, 2013 - 2014 Member
Micky Gallas, broker owner of Micky Gallas Properties and CEO of TipTeeToe Ladies Golf Shoes, Long Beach, invented and commercialized the first and only wedge sole golf shoe on the market for women. The product is patented and is "USGA Conforming." Equipped with an elevated heel, this shoe is the only legal, wearable training aid. This golf shoe improves a player's balance, weight transfer, and "allows the player to make a strong move on the ball." Micky is a single mom who founded this family-owned company involving sons Jordan, Sean and Braedan. The company was launched in 2010, based upon an idea two years earlier from playing golf wearing open toe wedge "slides."
She said, "I instantly played better and I knew it was the shoes." In the early days, all three sons were involved, which Micky describe as "the best part" of this experience. Jordan is now head of sales and with his brothers, helped introduce the shoes at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida. Jordan came up with a new shoe with a lower heel, but one that still gives players an advantage. This shoe was sanctioned by the United States Golf Association (USGA). "For the past five years, we have moved from an idea, to a patent, to overseas production, and now a final product," she said. LPGA player Victoria Elizabeth wears the shoes on tour. For details, click on www.tipteetoe.com.