When the pandemic struck, Orlando’s nonprofit Maker Effect Foundation had one question:

“How can we help?”

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Their solution: creation of the Maker Effect COVID-19 Maker Response Team.

And using their 3D printers, laser-cutting and various other skills, they’re now making and delivering provide personal protective to healthcare professionals.

Maker Effect Foundation is more than well-equipped for this task.

Their mission is to amplify and activate the efforts of makers.  In normal times, carrying out that mision involves producing the annual Maker Faire Orlando, and hosting the MakerFX Makerspace Program.

Today, they achieve that goal by coordinating and facilitating a response to the need for face masks, shields and other protective gear.

“I know somebody who can make just about anything you can think of,” says Maker Effect Foundation President Candy Cole.

We caught up with Candy for a quick interview just before she delivered more masks to the Atlanta Fire Department.  Candy shared the story of the Maker Effect COVID-19 Maker Response Team and some of her experiences since they’ve begun.  She also offered resources, if you’d like to help!

On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

• How Candy (and her family!) first became involved in the maker movement;

• How the Maker Effect Foundation came to create their COVID-19 Maker Response Team;

• What the Maker Effect COVID-19 Maker Response Team had already accomplished, at the time of our conversation;

• How businesses (local and otherwise) stepped up to support them in their work;

• What Candy’s average workday is like, with the Maker Response Team;

• A great link where you can get involved, no matter where you are geographically (and here it is!);

• The maker lesson Candy especially values, from working with the Maker Response Team;

• What current needs Candy expects will still be present, as time goes on;

• What she has found especially inspiring, as the Maker Response Team has gone about their work.