FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, FL
November 10, 2017
Hillsborough County Commission Candidate Aakash M. Patel Wins Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award
Hillsborough County Commission District 1 Candidate and local entrepreneur Aakash M. Patel was awarded the Deanne Dewey Roberts Award at last night’s Emerging with Influence dinner. The event, held at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, was the signature event for the Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay organization, which is the young professional program affiliated with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
Patel is humbled to receive an award carrying Deanne Dewey Roberts’ name: “It was Deanne’s advice in 2010 that guided me to think about helping our city and making a difference,” he shared in his acceptance speech in front of 200 attendees.
Lilly Ho-Pehling, one of Patel’s closest mentors who nominated Patel for the award, is proud to see the Deanne Dewey Roberts award bestowed on him: “I look forward to his continued success in making a difference in our community,” she shared. Patel will donate the $1,000 associated with the award to the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, a board to which he was appointed to serve as Chairman by Governor Rick Scott in 2014.
Deanne Dewey Roberts founded the Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay program in 2004 because she understood the importance of recruiting and retaining talented, young leaders in our area. The award which was founded in 2012 recognizes one individual for their service and dedication to the business community in order to help shape Tampa Bay’s future. Aakash M. Patel has been an active member of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay since his graduation from Florida State University in 2006. A driven life-long learner, Patel is a graduate of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Tampa, FBI Citizen’s Academy, Tampa Police Citizen’s Academy, and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s Mayor’s Neighborhood University.
In 2015, Patel was installed as an Honorary Commander to the 6th Air Mobility Wing Director of Staff for a two-year appointment, something Aakash takes seriously, as his love for Tampa Bay is only rivaled by his appreciation and respect for those who bravely serve our county.
Patel had voting rights as a UT Board of Trustee when he served as Chairman of The University of Tampa (UT) Board of Counselors in 2015-2016. Under his leadership, the organization grew from 62 to 105 members; the largest historical growth in membership and in revenue (2015-2016). The organization also rose over $50,000 which contributed to scholarships for University of Tampa athletes.
In 2017, Aakash M. Patel has launched his campaign for Hillsborough County Commission for District 1. #Patel2018 is focused on solutions to the day-to-day concerns that affect all residents of Hillsborough county, from transportation, education, economic development, tourism, and public safety.
About Elevate, Inc.
Elevate, Inc. was founded by Aakash M. Patel in 2012. The strategic business consulting firm believes in the power of a firm handshake, being present and having a genuine interest in others. Elevate, Inc. provides business development consulting and is in the business of helping clients learn, connect and grow throughout the Tampa Bay region. Today the company employs six individuals and maintains in office in the Westshore district.
