Tech Conversations at FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator

What is Universo Curioso? In this conversation, Noelia Gonzalez shares her journey from journalism to working with NASA, highlighting her role in the Universo Curioso podcast. She discusses the podcast's mission to educate and inspire the Hispanic community about science and technology, the innovative approaches they take in storytelling, and the importance of representation in STEM fields. She also offers advice for aspiring scientists and reflects on the future of the podcast.

The #Filmgate podcast episode with Diliana Alexander explores how technology—especially artificial intelligence—is reshaping filmmaking and storytelling. Alexander, the co-founder and executive director of FilmGate Miami, discusses how creators can use emerging tools like AI, VR, and immersive media to expand the boundaries of film and reach new audiences.FilmGate Miami is a nonprofit creative organization based in Miami that supports filmmakers and digital artists through education, labs, festivals, and collaborative projects. Its mission is to empower media creators and grow Florida’s creative ecosystem by focusing on film, immersive storytelling, and creative AI technologies.

In this episode of Inside the Story, award-winning journalist and educator Stephanie Bertini joins the conversation to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism and journalism education. From the newsroom to the classroom, Bertini shares how AI tools are influencing reporting, storytelling, and verification—while underscoring the continued importance of ethics, critical thinking, and human judgment.The discussion also highlights her award-winning investigative and storytelling pieces, offering insight into how strong reporting fundamentals remain essential, even as technology evolves. This episode goes inside the story to examine how journalists can embrace innovation without losing sight of their core mission: telling truthful, impactful stories that serve the public.

We welcome FIU Alum, Ana Cristina Cash sharing her journey as a creative artist and entrepreneur, from early musical influences and writing her own songs to performing on the Opry stage. She discusses the importance of authenticity, mentorship, and balancing life with career, while giving a glimpse into her upcoming album and cookbook.

In this episode, we feature Eddy Arias — author, former media executive, entrepreneur, and adjunct professor. Together, we explore the world of his latest novel Alicia: Who is she, really? Without giving too much away, we trace the story’s emotional journey — from Claire and Alicia’s connection to the haunting, cliffhanging moment of her disappearance."Who in the world am I? Ah,that's the great puzzle" Alice, Alices Adventures in Wonderland

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation about his fascinating journey — from starting out as a nuclear physicist to discovering architecture, then moving to Texas and later exploring London’s fashion scene. We talk about his bold decision to move to Miami, his experiences working as a fashion designer, and his thoughts on fast fashion and sustainability.He shares insights on the competitiveness of the fashion industry, the brands and personalities he’s designed for, and how he’s now exploring the intersection of fashion and technology through AI. We also chat about his role as a fashion instructor at Miami Dade College and what led him to join the Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator.

Our guest in this conversation is Teri Arvesu Gonzalez, Founder of The Tag Collab, a dynamic platform that brings together diverse ventures and ideas. In this episode, we explore MOXY—an app built to simplify democracy and strengthen civic engagement. By delivering news from multiple perspectives, MOXY helps bridge divides and combat polarization. The platform empowers users to follow their local representatives, stay informed, and participate meaningfully in the political process. At its core, MOXY champions civil discourse as the foundation of a healthy democracy, using data to hold leaders accountable while leveraging AI to enhance journalism and creativity. We also examine how relationships and social capital remain vital forces driving the media industry forward.

Welcome to  Tech Conversations, where we explore the evolving intersections of creativity, technology, and the human experience.In this episode Dr. Jacek J. Kolasiński, is delving into one of the most urgent and intriguing topics of our time: artificial intelligence—not just as a tool, but as a presence reshaping how we remember, how we design, how we teach, and how we connect.Joined by Daniel Sanchez, CEO and founder of Reekolect Corp, whose work focuses on AI-driven memory preservation and emotionally intelligent avatars…And Professor John Stewart, an architect and educator whose students are learning to collaborate with AI agents that imagine life in the year 2070.Together, we’ll reflect on the possibilities and pitfalls of AI—its role in preserving the past, shaping the future, and teaching us something about what it means to be human today.Let’s begin.

In this episode of Tech Conversations, Galo Arellano shares his journey from a young journalist to a prominent figure in traditional and digital media. He discusses the impact of significant news events on his career, the transition from traditional journalism to digital platforms, and the challenges of misinformation in the age of technology. Galo also delves into his entrepreneurial venture, The Joys Bag, inspired by his love for dogs, highlighting the importance of passion and personal experience in business.

In this episode of Tech Conversations, Our fellow Daniela sits down with RA+DI Alumni Brianna Page, a rising entrepreneur and director of the Bandhwari Women's Project. Brianna traces her path from Miami to FIU, where her studies in business sparked her entrepreneurial drive. She shares how she has turned ideas into action through leadership roles, community initiatives, and her work with the Bandhwari Women's Project, including the success of their recent fashion show. Brianna also emphasizes the value of networking, mentorship, and innovation in shaping her entrepreneurial journey, while outlining her vision for building impact-driven ventures in the nonprofit sector.

Actor Peter Dager joins us to share his journey into the world of acting, from the audition process for his role in STICK to the unexpected lessons he’s gained through golf. He opens up about the art of character development, why understanding a character’s backstory matters, and how he brought his character Santi to life. Peter also reflects on the challenges actors face in the industry and leaves aspiring performers with practical, inspiring advice.Season 2 of STICK coming soon! Hosted by: Maggie Salas Amaro

Meet Ray Elman, he founded Inspicio now Art Speak in 2015 . This talk dives into his creative journey, how ArtSpeak came to life, and the role of storytelling in preserving cultural legacy through art and conversation.Hosted by Maggie Salas-Amaro

Meet local artist Ricky G . Ricky G is a dynamic artist blending pop art with street art, creating bold, expressive works that resonate with energy, culture, and personal storytelling. With a background as a tattoo artist and street artist, Ricky G has spent years translating raw emotions and real-life experiences into visual form. His art is a fusion of vibrant colors, iconic imagery, and urban aesthetics, reflecting the stories of people, places, and moments that have shaped his journey.Inspired by Van Gogh’s raw emotion, Dalí’s surrealism, Banksy’s bold social commentary, and Warhol’s pop culture aesthetics, Ricky G’s work bridges the gap between fine art and street culture. His vision is to create art that is not only visually striking but also deeply relatable—pieces that spark conversation, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impact.By merging the influences of pop culture with the grit of street art, Ricky G continues to push boundaries, crafting works that are both personal and universally resonant.

Alumni spotlight with Jerónimo Mura Emmy Award-winning journalist Jerónimo Mura takes us on a journey from reporting on the frontlines of war to covering local news and politics in Washington, D.C.In June 2025 he won an Emmy as part of the Univision Washington, DC team for the story on Joe Vogel: From Uruguay to Maryland's Youngest State Delegate.

Bringing the outside in- AI in visual arts Hosted by Jacek KolasinskiOur conversation explores how technology, memoryand materiality intersect with technology. Bringing the Outside In explores how our homes become vessels for cultural memory and identity. The show transforms Green Space Miami into an immersive environment where installations and large photographs featuring complex arrangements of rescued flowers, ancestral textiles, and cultural artifacts merge, transporting the viewer between interior and exterior worlds. Layered visual languages speak of preservation, migration, and the fluid definition of home, suggesting that “home” is not a fixed place but a constant dialogue between memory, identity, and the spaces we inhabit.

What is Pininfarina? In this episode, we feature Paolo Trevisan, VP of Design at powerhouse Pininfarina, as we take a journey to his beginnings and to explore the evolving relationship between design and artificial intelligence. From the brand’s iconic automotive heritage to its forward-thinking innovations in architecture and mobility.Hosted by Jacek Kolasinski

We’re celebrating 100 years of the City of Coral Gables—and the future is looking brighter than ever. But what exactly are SMART city initiatives?Joining us for this conversation with Raimundo Rodulfo, Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Coral Gables and .hosted by Maggie Salas-Amaro In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge technologies being adopted and the city’s short- and long-term goals on its journey to becoming a fully connected, SMART city.

We welcome back Author and Professor Dr. Amanda Lotz. Why a Third Book—After Mass Media?In today’s streaming-driven world, audiences are engaging with content in entirely new ways, from binge-worthy originals to global titles that were once out of reach. While traditional broadcast and cable haven’t disappeared, they’re now part of a much bigger media puzzle. So how does it all fit together—and what comes next?Hosted by Maggie Salas-Amaro.

Beneath the surface.... sharks and more... Host Maggie Salas-Amaro sits down with Dr. Michael Heithaus, Vice Provost of Environmental Resilience and the BBC Campus at Florida international University.The conversation explores Dr. Heithaus' groundbreaking research on sharks and the innovative projects underway at the BBC campus. Together, they delve into the powerful connection between conservation science and climate action—revealing how protecting sharks plays a vital role in safeguarding our planet.

Stephanie K. Nihon is an award winning producer and casting director at LFD Productions. Nihon is known for being the creator, co-writer and producer of the award-winning TV Series called 'Goombay Kids' that has had 4 seasons to date. 'Goombay Kids' is an island adventure series (ages 5-9yrs) airing on the Happy Kids, Roku, AmazonFire, AppleTV , YouTube Kids, Xumo, Redbox, BatteryPop, OurTV and more.This talk was hosted and edited by our fellow: Daniela Zulueta