Chief Technology Innovation Officer
Living amidst the iconic surroundings of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, Dino Miele is an eminent personality in the innovation ecosystem. He is passionate about empowering inspired founders, connecting potential investors, and encouraging technologies that accelerate startup growth. He serves as the Chief Technology Innovation Officer in his hometown, Niagara On The Lake. He is also a sports enthusiast with a special love for soccer, hockey, football, and cycling. As a dynamic 'give first' leader, his philosophies integrate a spirit of perseverance and professionalism in his actions and decisions, propelling his individual and organizational objectives.
The Story of An Innovation Builder
Miele is the proud founder and Special Advisor of the Spark Innovation Educational Centre Inc. (a not-for-profit incubator) and Spark Enterprises Inc. (a for-profit accelerator). These community-based centers support startups and founders to explore innovative ideas, launch products, and grow their businesses. His dedication has contributed to building this dynamic and collaborative ecosystem focused on digital transformation technologies.
Dino has the honor of co-founding the Niagara Falls Ryerson Innovation Hub, a collaborative effort with Toronto Metropolitan University's DMZ (Formerly Ryerson University) and the City of Niagara Falls. He works with dedication to bridge the experience of established entrepreneurs with the drive of young founders. His current endeavor is a Cross-Generational startup accelerator that facilitates synergies between experienced entrepreneurs and ambitious young minds.
A Rich Career of Serving Society Through Technology
Miele's stewardship as the Chief Information Officer for the District School Board of Niagara spanned 38 years. During this tenure, he facilitated the ICT ecosystem to support student achievement, reinforcing his dedication to education and learning opportunities with digital technologies. This highlights his profound commitment and professionalism to transform the lives of young minds.
Dino is deeply committed to transforming education through innovation and technology, and he firmly believes in the potential of EdTech and STEAM education as catalysts to empower the next generation of learners and entrepreneurs. Through his work, he aims to inspire educators and students to embrace new possibilities, foster creativity, and develop a lifelong love for learning. His mission is to have communities, and businesses join him on this exciting journey as he reimagines education and shapes a brighter future for our students and communities.
As a passionate tech instructor and innovator with a Master of Education degree, his expertise lies in creating cutting-edge educational technology (EdTech) innovations, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, and soft skill micro-credentials for educators and students.
Part of his legacy encompasses initiatives like Girls-Learning-Code, Technovation, Women in Tech, Black Youth, and Cyber-Senior programs. His endeavors include STEAM (STEM) learning programs, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students and educators. In addition, Dino Miele helps the "Youth 2 Action program" introduce newcomer youth (14-24 years old) to various volunteer and civic engagement opportunities through event planning, project coordination, and skills training workshops.
Dino is a good-standing member of notable organizations like the CIO Association of Canada (CIOCAN), which represents CIOs, CISOs, and I.T. Executives in Canada. He is also a member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), a not-for-profit, self-governing organization in Ontario, Canada. It is a professional association that promotes the interests of engineering and applies science technicians and technologists to industry, educational institutions, government, and the public, Forbes Business Council, Global Entrepreneurship Network, and 'Beyond Startup Niagara.' He remains a source of inspiration in Canada through his exceptional dedication and professional expertise.
As the co-founder of several community-based innovation centers, he has spearheaded initiatives that empower educators and students alike in computer programming and skilled trades. Mainly through his present program, "Beyond Startup Niagara," he and his team have produced micro-credentials courses dedicated to bridging the gap in technology, innovation, intrapreneurship, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
One notable contribution was the creation of the Ultimate Gaming Challenge, a unique platform that combines game-based learning, critical thinking skills, design thinking, problem-solving, coding, and gamification challenges. This immersive environment enables students to learn hands-on while developing essential 21st-century skills. By harnessing the power of gaming, we strive to make education more engaging, interactive, and impactful.
Combining Sustainability with Passion: Indoor Farming
Miele's hobbies echo his values of sustainable living. He practices indoor farming with aeroponics and microgreens, combining his love for the environment with the thrill of cultivating fresh, nutrient-dense greens. This intriguing hobby aligns with the principles of zero-mile agriculture, echoing his zeal to minimize environmental impact while contributing to global efforts to reduce hunger. His sustainable and space-conscious cultivation endeavors stand as a testament to his innovative approach toward societal concerns, as does his professional life.
Integral Role in Social Upliftment
Dino extends his contributions to society through volunteering for various causes. He has been actively involved with charities like 'Socks and Snacks' and the 'United Way' which aim to provide food and clothing to people experiencing homelessness. He also volunteers with renewing computer tech, helping under-represented individuals (i.e., single mothers, black youth, etc…) and economically disadvantaged youth with STEAM workshops, refurbished computers, and laptops.
Future endeavors align with his commitment to social upliftment. He plans to launch experiential education through STEAM programs to provide elementary school students from lower economic backgrounds with opportunities for critical thinking and design learning. Another noteworthy project is tackling the community's first Impact Hub to provide skilled trade apprenticeship students with soft skills to augment their employability and entrepreneurial abilities.
Dino A. Miele C.E.T., Bsoc, M.Ed.
Dino Miele has a demonstrated history of working in the I.T. business and innovation management sector, health and business industries, experiential education, and regional innovation startup centers. He is skilled in Corporate Strategy, Business Alignment, Operational Management, Cloud and Network Services, Cyber Security, Educational Technology, Design Thinking, I.T. Service Management, Team Building, Coaching, and Business efficiencies. Strong business and I.T. alignment. High-performing organizational leadership style. Leadership strategy. He is removing obstacles and barriers to improving business and people performance.