The Power of Fusion: How Strategic Partnerships Accelerate Innovation and Workforce Impact

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Agenia Clark, President at Fisk University, and Kevin Thames, Vice President, AMERS Channel Sales at Equinix.The session brought to life the power of fusion through a fireside conversation highlighting what became possible when mission-driven institutions and industry leaders moved in true partnership. The speakers shared the story behind their collaboration to advance innovation, infrastructure, and workforce pathways. The discussion explored how Equinix’s strategic support extended beyond sponsorship to true co-creation—aligning institutional vision, corporate expertise, and long-term investment in talent. Together, Fisk University and Equinix were presented as a real-world example of how cross-sector partnerships can unlock new opportunities for students, strengthen workforce readiness, and scale impact in ways no single organization can achieve alone.