Sean Wilkerson is a dedicated Innovation Outreach Specialist at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In his role, Wilkerson collaborates closely with USPTO colleagues, federal agency partners, national organizations, and industry leaders to design and implement programs and initiatives that provide innovation resources to a diverse range of individuals and organizations. His work focuses on supporting independent inventors, small businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, underresourced communities, and universities, ensuring that they have access to the tools and support needed to thrive in the innovation ecosystem.
With a wealth of experience in outreach and program development, Wilkerson has been instrumental in creating and leading various initiatives at the USPTO. He played a key role in establishing the Veterans Innovation, Hispanic Innovation, and Proud Innovation annual programming, which aim to support and empower individuals from underrepresented communities in the innovation space. Additionally, Wilkerson leads the programming for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium and is actively involved in the development and management of the Empowering Women’s Entrepreneurship (WE) programming, which seeks to promote gender diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
Wilkerson’s journey at the USPTO began in October 2008 when he joined the Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) as an education program specialist focusing on international programming and outreach. Over the years, he has taken on various roles within the organization, showcasing his versatility and commitment to driving innovation and collaboration. From 2012 to 2014, Wilkerson served as the program manager for the Select USA Summit, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the structure and outreach efforts of this government-wide program under the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In 2015, Wilkerson worked with the New York engagement team to manage and develop the Future of Urban Innovation Startups Summit in partnership with Columbia University and the USPTO, highlighting his ability to foster partnerships and drive impactful initiatives. He later transitioned to the Office of the Undersecretary, where he served as an acting Regional Outreach Officer for the Southwest Regional Outreach Office, focusing on establishing connections and engaging stakeholders in the region.
Prior to his tenure at the USPTO, Wilkerson held positions at the National Association of Homebuilders in Washington, D.C., and Accenture in Reston, Virginia, where he honed his skills in event management and program development. His diverse background and wealth of experience have equipped him with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in his current role as an Innovation Outreach Specialist at the USPTO.
In conclusion, Sean Wilkerson’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting diverse communities in the entrepreneurial landscape is evident through his impactful work at the USPTO. His collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and passion for empowering individuals from all backgrounds make him a valuable asset to the organization and a driving force behind the success of various innovation initiatives.
