WILMINGTON, Del. — November 19, 2025 — Leaders from across Delaware’s business, nonprofit, and civic communities gathered last night for the Reinventing Delaware Dinner, hosted by former Delaware Governor Jack and Mrs. Carla Markell and presented by the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF). The high-energy evening brought together innovators from every corner of the state to share bold, practical ideas to move Delaware forward.

The dinner marked the launch of Reinventing Delaware 2026,, a statewide initiative that transforms promising ideas into actionable projects through mentorship, collaboration, and capacity-building support. Over the coming months, the PDFF committee will select the most viable ideas to advance through the program, culminating in the announcement of the Top Idea of the Year in June 2026.

PDFF Board Chair Thère du Pont reflected on the legacy behind the event’s spirit of innovation.
“Of all the events we host as a foundation, this is the one Dad would have loved most,” du Pont said. “He championed what he called ‘Damn Right Ideas’—bold, clear, common-sense solutions that anyone can understand in 30 seconds. Reinventing Delaware embodies that spirit. Each idea shared here has the potential to make someone in the room say, ‘Damn right, we should go do that.’”

This year’s program calls for innovative solutions in economic development, education, workforce development, advancing the Delaware brand, attracting younger talent, and creating jobs that make Delaware a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Former Governor Jack Markell emphasized how Reinventing Delaware builds on a tradition of civic collaboration and forward thinking. “The DuPont family’s legacy has long shaped Delaware’s progress, from our schools and roads to the values we share as a community,” Markell said. “Pete du Pont carried that legacy forward as governor, reminding us that constant reinvention is essential. The best ideas don’t come from the top down, they come from the people who live and work here.”

Carla Markell echoed that sentiment, highlighting what she called “the Delaware way.”
“Our greatest strength is that we work together,” she said. “Reinventing Delaware captures that collaborative spirit and shows how our shared commitment can turn big ideas into real progress.”

Committee members guiding this year’s selection process include:
Thère du Pont, PDFF Board Chair
Jacqueline Disabatino Flowers, PDFF Board Member
Stephanie Johnnie, PDFF Executive Director
Lynn Roberts, Program Manager
Scott Malfitano, Chair of the Delaware Workforce Development Board and Vice President at CSC
Ted Lauzen, Partner at Grey Fox
Yvonne Deadwyler, President and CEO of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

The Reinventing Delaware program has a history of helping promising ideas grow into lasting initiatives. Past top ideas include the Delaware Health Empowerment Coalition, Aternium, Spotlight Delaware, Intern Delaware, Tovoia, and Zip Code Wilmington. Years later, these projects continue to shape Delaware’s economy and community landscape.

Sponsors and partners who share Pete du Pont’s and PDFF’s belief in innovation and entrepreneurship are invited to support this year’s program. To learn more, contact Lynn Roberts at [email protected].