Future Tampa Bay
Business Hall of Fame
This program highlights the accomplishments of our youth and the promise they hold as future entrepreneurs, business leaders, and hopefully, Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame Members.
Winners receive $1K Cash!
Many of our local students are already productive members of their school, responsible consumers, entrepreneurs and even wise investors. To be young and full of hopes and dreams is one thing, but to be young and full of action, commitment, and success is something else entirely.
This award, given at the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, is intended to encourage the ideas, potential, and talent of our youth by honoring them in a setting in which they can see their own future, one in which they are surrounded by the most accomplished business leaders in the Tampa Bay area.
The Future Hall of Fame Student:
Is a student in 6th – 12th grade living the in the Tampa Bay Region
Possesses a strong entrepreneurial vision
Demonstrates academic success
Is active in their school and/or community
Must be able to attend the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame on
Friday, May 22, 2025 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 WINNER
NAME: Dakshesh Kaki
SCHOOL: Middleton High School, Tampa
GRADE: 11
GPA: 7.51 GPA
HOW HAVE YOU SHOWN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS?
Since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by robotics and technology. That passion has shaped my skills and fueled my commitment to creating opportunities for others. As Chief Operating Officer of Middleton Robotics, I oversee operations for our $28,000 nonprofit—managing finances, sponsorships, and budgeting to ensure sustainability. Beyond managing numbers, I believe leadership is about empowering people. I co-directed a summer camp that introduced over 100 young engineers to programming and mechanical engineering, and led a STEM initiative at the Pasco County Black Heritage Festival to reach underrepresented communities. To support these efforts, I raised over $1,000 in a month through strategic corporate outreach. I also led a roundtable discussion on the social impact of robotics and helped organize the VOICE & AI Conference 2024. Whether through organizing initiatives, securing funding, or mentoring others, my goal remains to create lasting change and open doors for the next generation of innovators.
COMMUNITY/SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT :
Through my role at Middleton Robotics, I lead and expand STEM education, entrepreneurship, and outreach across my school and community. Managing logistics and financial direction for nearly 120 members, I ensure the sustainability of our programs. I directed a summer camp for 100+ students, building a tiered K-8 curriculum, securing robotics kits, and managing 25 volunteers. I partnered with USF’s Mechatronics program to expand access to robotics education, notably through outreach at the Black Heritage Festival. I also co-founded an entrepreneurship program within MATA, a cultural association for Telugu immigrants, mentoring students and judging business pitches. Through all these efforts, I strive to make STEM and entrepreneurship more accessible and impactful for students and communities around me.
The honoree will be recognized with a $1000 cash prize and trophy at the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame.
