Light bulb, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from zetson’s photostream

Luminari is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to connect like-minded visionaries to bring ideas to life. It’s a place where designers, artists and creatives can work with entrepreneurs and professionals. Scientists and teachers can connect with event planners and connection makers to create a plan and put it into action. Their ultimate goal is to “broaden minds and inspire innovation.”

An example of one of their projects is a program called “I Want to be an Ambassador.” Last year, they conducted an 8-day camp for teens organized with the University of Pittsburgh Honors College which concentrated on building negotiation, analysis and communication skills culminating in a two-day trip to Washington, D.C. where students met with actual diplomats. Councilman Bill Peduto has also worked with Luminari founding member Hilda Pang Fu to help mentor young Pittsburghers to become civic-minded individuals.

Luminari is always looking for new ideas and innovators from many disciplines to become part of their “inspiration lab.” You can find out more about their work at luminari.org.