As a forward-thinking company deeply committed to fostering innovation and developing talent, we at Orange Sparkle Ball take immense pride in our longstanding partnership with the Georgia Tech Industrial Design program.
Having hired numerous graduates from the Georgia Tech Industrial Design program, we've witnessed firsthand the caliber of education and the depth of skill cultivated within its walls. Beyond recruitment, we actively engage with the program by serving as guest reviewers for classes, offering real-world insights and perspectives to students, and contributing to their academic and professional development. Additionally, our involvement extends to serving as judges for prestigious awards, including Make 10 and the Student Merit Awards, recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of students. This multifaceted collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting the growth and success of the Georgia Tech Industrial Design program's educational mission while simultaneously enriching our own workforce with exceptional talent.
MAKE 10
OSB team members Diego Perez and Hannah Ranieri evaluating student work as judges during the Make 10 Awards.
Orange Sparkle Ball has demonstrated its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship by supporting Georgia Tech’s Make 10 class focused on product design, manufacturing, and sales for the past 10 years. Through a close partnership with Steve Chininis, the professor leading the course, the company has provided invaluable resources and expertise to budding entrepreneurs. In addition to offering guidance throughout the product development process, Orange Sparkle Ball has judged and sponsored the award for the best products developed in the class. This collaborative effort not only enriches the educational experience but also cultivates a vibrant ecosystem that paves the way for future entrepreneurial success.
OSB Innovation Strategist Diego Perez shares his experiences engaging with his alma mater:
“Ever since my graduation in 2017, I have always wanted to stay linked with the Industrial Design school and program at Georgia Tech. Luckily, through Orange Sparkle Ball, I've discovered a means to not only uphold that connection but also to actively engage in their events. I've had the privilege to serve as a guest speaker in classes, as well as to judge and support both the Make 10 class and the student merit awards. Having undergone similar experiences myself, I understand the profound value of feedback that we can provide and its pivotal role in shaping the aspirations of future Industrial Designers.”
– Diego Perez, OSB Innovation Strategist
OSB team members Diego Perez, Ashley Touchton, and Hannah Ranieri attend Launchpad, an end-of-semester showcase where Industrial Design students display their work from the past semester.
“Over the 8 years since my own graduation and the start of my career at Orange Sparkle Ball, working with students, peers, and professors at the Georgia Tech College of Industrial Design has continued to be a rewarding and invigorating experience. It is amazing to stay connected to the incredible drive and talent coming from the school, but also forging relationships with the professors both in and outside of the classroom. In addition to having hired many talented GTID grads and supporting entrepreneurship through sponsorship of Make 10, we have also had the pleasure of partnering closely with Steve Chininis on several client-facing, manufacturing projects over the years and continuing to learn alongside his incredible expertise. I am looking forward to the start of the Alumni group, and reconnecting with more of my peers and professors in an actionable way!”
– Ashley Touchton, OSB Partner and Innovation Strategist
OSB team members Diego Perez and Amy Qu speak with current Georgia Tech Industrial Design students at the school’s first ever Industrial Design Career Fair.
“It wasn’t too long ago that I was a student in the Georgia Tech Industrial Design program, so having the opportunity to return in different capacities and maintain a close connection to the school has been a great experience. Through Orange Sparkle Ball, I’ve had the opportunity to be on the flip side of reviews and guest lectures, and I feel extremely fortunate to see the talent coming out of the program up close. Additionally, I am helping to launch the (newly formed) Georgia Tech Industrial Design Alumni Association, serving as the Vice President of the organization, and we’re starting to grow a more connected network of GTID alumni and helping them stay connected to the program as well. All of these experiences offer a great perspective of the practice of design in general and the way it’s evolving so quickly year to year.”
– Hannah Ranieri, Innovation Strategist
Through this relationship, we have established a framework that not only benefits our organization in terms of talent acquisition but also allows us to actively engage in shaping the next generation of industry leaders. At Orange Sparkle Ball, we view this partnership as a symbiotic relationship built on shared values of innovation, excellence, and a commitment to shaping a brighter future, and we look forward to partnering for years to come.
Written by Hannah Ranieri, Innovation Strategist
