Aakash Patel

Aakash launched his consulting company in 2012 as a strategic firm focused on public relations, community relations, targeted networking, and social media. Through this work, he has assisted more than 350 companies in forming meaningful connections that lead to tangible benefits. Earlier in his career, he gained experience as an editorial assistant in a state capital newsroom and as a public relations coordinator for a major hotel and restaurant, learning that thoughtful communication builds trust and creates opportunity.

Patel extended his business development leadership into the digital space when he joined a professional networking platform as its founding business development director. During his time there, the platform grew from a small group of users into a community of more than one million members worldwide. The experience gave him a deeper understanding of how relationships form online and how technology can support professional growth. It also reinforced his long-standing interest in connecting people and organizations in practical, mutually beneficial ways.

Aakash Patel has consistently focused on education, startups, and workforce preparation alongside his consulting work. His dedication to education was recognized in 2021, when the Florida governor appointed him to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees for a four-year term. He has also served since 2014 as chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, supporting efforts that expand access to early learning and help families build strong foundations for future academic and career success.

Aakash has contributed his experience to numerous advisory and governance boards that focus on economic development, banking, and nonprofit strategy. He has served on the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors and on the Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Board, where he worked closely with community leaders and public officials. Through these roles, he has helped support initiatives that promote education, tourism, job creation, and long-term community improvement, always with an eye toward collaboration and shared outcomes.

Patel maintains an active role in leadership and civic programs that encourage community understanding and public safety awareness. He has participated in Leadership Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, the Homeland Security Investigation Citizens’ Academy, and the FBI Citizens’ Academy, gaining insight into regional issues and public service. With a background in journalism and public affairs, he has written opinion pieces for recognized publications and appeared on television programs such as PBS WEDU’s Florida This Week and Bay News 9’s In Focus, discussing topics important to the region.

Aakash Patel has been honored with multiple recognitions for his work in business growth, leadership, and community involvement, including Florida State University’s Thirty Under 30 list, an emerging leader award from the Tampa Bay Chamber, a businessman of the year honor from an Indo-US chamber, and an Apogee Award from a regional business and wealth magazine. He has supported major events through service with the Super Bowl LV Host Committee and the Gasparilla Film Festival Advisory Board. Across all of his roles, he remains focused on strengthening Tampa Bay through education, economic opportunity, and collaborative community leadership.