About Aakash Patel

Aakash Patel has dedicated his career to linking business growth with community progress across the Tampa Bay region, supporting both emerging ventures and established organizations. He founded a consulting firm that helps companies understand how to introduce themselves thoughtfully, build trust, and develop long-term relationships with local partners. Through patient outreach and steady involvement in civic life, he has encouraged collaboration among businesses, nonprofits, and public institutions, helping create opportunities that respect both community needs and organizational goals.

 

Bridging Business and Community

 

Aakash launched Elevate Inc. in 2012 as a strategic business consulting company focused on public relations, community relations, targeted networking, and social media support. He has since helped more than 350 organizations strengthen their presence and build relationships that lead to measurable benefits. Drawing on earlier experience in journalism and hospitality, including time in a state capital news bureau and at a waterfront hotel and restaurant, he developed a practical understanding of communication, service, and the value of listening carefully to others.

 

Growing Networks in the Digital Space

 

Patel extended his work in business development when he became the founding business development director for an online professional networking platform that grew from a small group of users to more than one million members worldwide. In that role, he focused on designing outreach that connected professionals across regions and industries, making it easier for them to share ideas and opportunities. This experience reinforced his belief that both digital tools and face-to-face relationships can support long-term success for entrepreneurs and established leaders alike.

 

Contributions to Education and the Workforce

 

Aakash Patel has consistently supported educational and workforce initiatives, reflecting his belief that learning and opportunity should be available at every stage of life. He was appointed to a four-year term on the district board of trustees for a local community college, where he helps guide efforts to expand access and support student achievement. At the same time, he has served for many years as chairman of an early learning coalition in his county, focusing on school readiness and support for young children and their families.

 

Board Service and Civic Involvement

 

Aakash contributes his experience to a range of advisory and governance boards that focus on economic development, banking, tourism, and nonprofit strategy. Through service with regional economic and visitor-focused organizations, he works alongside civic leaders and elected officials to identify opportunities for investment, job creation, and educational advancement. These roles allow him to share practical insights from the private sector while also listening to residents and partners, helping shape initiatives that are grounded in community priorities and long-term regional needs.

 

Leadership Development and Public Safety Programs

 

Patel supports leadership learning and civic understanding through participation in regional leadership programs and public safety academies. By participating in initiatives such as local leadership groups and citizens’ academies focused on homeland security and federal investigations, he has gained a deeper understanding of how agencies, nonprofits, and businesses interact. These experiences also give him the chance to encourage others to engage in service, build their own leadership skills, and consider how their time and talents can help strengthen the broader community.

 

Public Engagement and Media Representation

 

Aakash Patel maintains an active presence in public communication, drawing on his background in journalism and public affairs to share thoughtful perspectives on regional issues. He has written opinion pieces for recognized publications and has appeared on broadcast programs discussing politics, policy, and community priorities. Through these activities, he aims to highlight local concerns, encourage respectful dialogue, and support a better understanding of how business, education, and government can work together to address shared challenges and opportunities.

 

Recognition, Service, and Ongoing Commitment

 

Aakash has received recognition from universities, business organizations, and media outlets for his leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic involvement, including honors as a rising young professional, an emerging leader, a businessman of the year, and an Apogee Award recipient. He has been named to a university’s young alum list, earned degrees in political science and English literature, and participated in a county commission campaign. His work with a Super Bowl host committee, a local film festival advisory board, and other community efforts reflects his ongoing commitment to collaboration, early learning, and economic opportunity in the Tampa Bay region.