On January 15, 2025, at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, the Monterey Bay Area’s aerospace sector took center stage as Josh Metz, Executive Director of the Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) initiative, received the 2024 Titans of Tech Award from Santa Cruz Works. This recognition celebrates not only individual excellence but also the transformative impact of the DART Initiative under Josh’s leadership.

A Vision for Aerospace Career Pathways

Josh Metz has been at the forefront of shaping a vibrant aerospace ecosystem in the Monterey Bay region. His work with DART has focused on creating equitable career pathways in aerospace technology for local communities, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. By fostering access to education, training, and high-quality job opportunities, DART has empowered individuals to pursue careers in the rapidly expanding fields of drones, robotics, and automation technology.

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Josh during his acceptance speech. “But this recognition belongs to the entire DART team and the community of partners who believe in the power of collaboration to create opportunities and drive innovation.”

Building Bridges Across Sectors

At the heart of DART’s success is its commitment to cross-sector partnerships. By bringing together educational institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies, Josh has spearheaded initiatives that not only address the workforce needs of the aerospace sector but also create lasting economic impacts for the region. Programs such as the annual LIFT Summit and targeted workforce development initiatives have placed Monterey Bay on the map as a hub for emerging technologies.

Under Josh’s leadership, DART has secured significant investments and resources to support its mission. These include funding for workforce training programs, opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge aerospace technologies, and events that connect local talent with global innovation networks.

Recognizing Regional Excellence

The Titans of Tech Award highlights the critical role of leaders like Josh Metz in advancing technology and economic growth in Santa Cruz and the broader Monterey Bay Area. The award also underscores the region’s growing reputation as a nexus for aerospace innovation and talent development.

As the DART initiative looks to the future, Josh and his team are focused on scaling their efforts, ensuring that the benefits of aerospace growth extend to all members of the community. With a vision rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, DART continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and technologists.

Congratulations to Josh Metz on this well-deserved recognition! This milestone serves as a reminder of what is possible when vision, dedication, and collaboration come together to create lasting change.