Big Bet: Create an innovation economy that creates opportunity for all by leveraging community legacy and strength.
Project: Tulsa Innovation Labs shifts economic development from a deficit mindset to leverage community strengths to foster innovation and create opportunity. Tulsa is transforming from the oil capital of the world to a leader in reliable, sustainable energy, aerospace and autonomous flight, and advanced manufacturing. By investing in workforce/talent, capital/entrepreneurship, and place/infrastructure, it drives innovation that creates high quality jobs, fosters an inclusive environment, and supports the job-creators of the future.
Jennifer Hankins is supporting Tulsa’s entrepreneurs, workforce, and infrastructure through workforce training, attracting and developing new businesses, and supporting industry needs such as the energy transition. In her role, she has secured over $89M in federal funding and serves as RECO and RIO for major initiatives. With 15+ years of experience, she previously led entrepreneurship work at the Tulsa Regional Chamber and across Oklahoma and Kansas City.