By Tim Ryan
At Innovate Hampton Roads, we’re thrilled to spotlight a local gem that’s making waves far beyond our shores. Rubin, headquartered in Virginia Beach, just announced the winners of its 3rd annual America’s Next Great Intern contest, and the results are a testament to why Hampton Roads is a hub of innovation and opportunity.
This year’s contest saw hundreds of students nationwide showcase their writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills, with over 20,000 votes cast. Leading the pack is Rakshana Damodaran, a 9th grader from Fairfax County, VA, who clinched 1st place among high schoolers. Other standout winners include Shannon Jenkins from Iowa and Jordan Blair from Minnesota, with middle school stars like Zanae Dewar from North Carolina shining in the “Up and Coming” category. These young trailblazers embody the skills Rubin nurtures—skills that Hampton Roads employers crave in the next generation of innovators.
Why does this matter to our community? Rubin’s mission to equip students with employability skills through tools like Aspire (400+ career exploration videos), Propel (email etiquette training), and Emerge (600+ activities and assessments) isn’t just transforming classrooms—it’s fueling the entrepreneurial spirit right here at home. By fostering talents like Rakshana’s, Rubin strengthens the pipeline of creative, job-ready professionals who can drive Hampton Roads’ economy forward.
But Rubin’s impact doesn’t stop there. Fresh off this contest, they’ve inked a partnership with Miami Dade, the nation’s third-largest school district, to bring their cutting-edge training to thousands more students. This dual triumph underscores Rubin’s role as a national leader, born and bred in our backyard. For Hampton Roads, it’s a chance to celebrate a company that’s not only elevating education but also putting our region on the map as a cradle of innovation.
Mark your calendars—Rubin’s next contest kicks off in February 2026. For local educators and businesses, now’s the time to tap into Rubin’s resources. Book a demo at rubineducation.com and see how their tools can spark the next big idea in Hampton Roads. Together, we’re building a future where our students don’t just compete—they lead.
