The recent event titled “Google Chief Technologist & Mayor Francis Suarez,” held at Miami Dade College on October 21, 2025, spotlighted Miami’s evolving leadership in AI education and innovation, featuring insights from key tech and civic leaders.
Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist for Learning and Sustainability at Google, shared a compelling vision of AI as a partner in human progress. With over 20 years of experience at Google, Gomes emphasized that “the human skills are critical, and it’s the humans that are going to change the world,” highlighting initiatives like the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC), which received a $2 million investment from Google.org to expand AI workforce training across 20 states—serving more than 31,000 students with over 10,000 hours of training. Gomes also discussed advancements in multimodal AI learning tools that make education more interactive and accessible.
Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez, elected with 86% support and known for his focus on innovation, reflected on Miami’s ambitions to be a global tech hub. “We need to unify around momentum and movement and talent,” Suarez stated, highlighting the city’s efforts to foster an ecosystem that integrates education, industry, and policy. His remarks also included a personal story about how AI tools helped him prepare for an international speech: “Before she finished introducing me, they wrote the speech, I delivered the speech word for word, I had people cry in the audience.” Suarez envisions AI as a disruptive force that can boost productivity, creativity, and opportunity for Miami’s residents.
Madeline Pumariega, the first female president of Miami Dade College, emphasized Florida’s leadership in education. She discussed the state’s Universal School Choice initiative, which empowers families by allowing funding to follow students to schools of their choice, fostering healthy competition among institutions. Pumariega also called for early AI integration into K-12 education, especially in middle school, to close learning gaps and prepare students for a future driven by technology.
Adding to the community’s energy, Chairman Elijah John Bowdre, while not a formal contributor to the day’s discussions, connected with fellow members of Miami’s vibrant tech community. “He said hello to his colleagues and the city’s citizens, who are all excited about building Miami into a tech and innovation epicenter as he runs for Miami’s next mayor, succeeding Suarez,” noted event attendees. Bowdre’s engagement reflects the city’s expanding leadership pipeline focused on future growth and resilience.
The event reinforced the importance of developing supportive frameworks rather than overregulation, aiming to position Florida as a leader in responsible AI adoption. The discussion highlighted ongoing partnerships — like Google’s $2 million grant to Miami Dade College, which is driving innovation and skills development — crucial as Miami aims to become a major hub for AI talent and entrepreneurship.
For additional information, explore Miami Dade College’s website, Mayor Suarez’s profile, and Madeline Pumariega’s profile. Chairman Bowdre’s community connections can be followed here.
This gathering affirms Miami’s trajectory toward becoming a global leader in AI education and innovation, with community and civic leadership playing vital roles in shaping the city’s future.
