PBºN Episode - 19

Summary

This podcast episode features an interview with Kate Arza, President and CEO of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. Arza discusses her personal background, including growing up in Jupiter, her service in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, and her transition back to civilian life. She emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans and their often difficult transitions. The main focus of the conversation then shifts to the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, highlighting its current status as the second busiest science center in the country and its ambitious $100 million expansion project. The new facility, set to open in late 2026, will feature state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, including a large aquarium with unique features, and will significantly enhance its educational offerings, particularly in STEM fields. Arza also shares insights into her leadership style, the value of effective communication, and her personal philosophy of service.

Key Topics

• Kate Arza's Background:

  • Grew up in Jupiter, Florida, with strong family roots in the community.

  • Attended the Naval Academy, recruited for swimming.

  • Served almost seven years in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), driving large amphibious assault ships, primarily in Asia.

  • Experience included a tense encounter with a Chinese submarine in the South China Sea.

  • Stresses the strong camaraderie developed with fellow service members.

  • Transitioned back to civilian life around 2009-2010 during a recession, noting the challenges many veterans face.

  • Advocates for veterans' employment and supports organizations like the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, emphasizing understanding over pity for their sacrifices.

  • Highlights the higher rates of divorce and suicide among veterans, stressing the need for community support and engagement.

• Leadership Style:

  • Describes her leadership style as "firm but fair."

  • Evolved from a "harsh" military approach to a more empathetic and understanding one due to personal life experiences.

  • Emphasizes the importance of empathy, caring, and compassion in leadership, leading to high staff retention at the Science Center.

• Cox Science Center and Aquarium:

  • Current Status: Second busiest science center in the country by visitors per square foot, despite being only 50,000 sq ft.

  • Expansion Project:

    • 100millioncapitalcampaigntoexpandto100,000sqft,with100 million capital campaign to expand to 100,000 sq ft, with 100millioncapitalcampaigntoexpandto100,000sqft,with81 million already raised.

    • Groundbreaking scheduled for April, with a projected opening in late 2026.

    • The new facility, named the Johnny and Terry Gray Surgical Institute, will be a major STEM school, similar in size to the Orlando Science Center.

    • Named after initial $20 million donor Howard Cox (no relation to Cox Media Group), who was drawn by the center's service to underserved kids.

  • New Features & Exhibits:

    • Expansive 5,000 sq ft lobby with hanging submersible, rocket engine, great white shark model, and a model of Saturn.

    • Ken Keney Griffin Aquarium: One of Florida's largest aquariums, telling the story of water from the Everglades, culminating in a 100,000-gallon tank.

    • Unique interactive features: Marine biologists will feed sharks in real-time while interacting with audience questions via specialized scuba gear.

    • Shark and stingray touch tanks, opportunity to feed stingrays.

    • Focus on coral conservation with displays of artificial, real, Caribbean, and Pacific corals.

    • Digital Exhibit Gallery: 6,000 sq ft interactive room with 40-foot ceilings, reacting to temperature and emotions, featuring rocket launches and animal creation. Incorporates brand-new technology not yet seen in other science centers.

    • Steam Studio: Integrates arts into STEM with kinetic sculptures and stained glass, offering an art component to exhibits.

    • Full-scale Restaurant: With catering capabilities for up to 500 people, enhancing facility rental opportunities.

  • Educational Role:

    • Works closely with the school district as the informal science education aspect.

    • Provides equipment and capabilities (e.g., advanced dissections, 3D printing, coding classes) not available in classrooms.

    • Offers programs in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and coding.

    • Aims to prepare children for future jobs that don't yet exist.

  • Events & Programs:

    • Stays open until 10 p.m. on the last Friday of each month.

    • Features one of South Florida's largest observatories for stargazing.

    • Popular venue for weddings (aquarium, planetarium, observatory).

    • Current traveling exhibits include the Titanic (until end of April), followed by dinosaurs in the summer, and Jurassic Park animatronic dinosaurs in the fall.

    • Remains open and operational during construction.

• Personal Philosophy & Advice:

  • Defines service as feeling complete when helping others, driven by gratitude for opportunities.

  • Advises aspiring leaders to become effective communicators, highly recommending Toastmasters for public speaking skills development.

• Daily Life:

  • Prioritizes family (kids' drop-off/pick-up).

  • Busy schedule booked weeks in advance, focused on donor.