Join i.c.stars for a morning breakfast tech symposium featuring networking, a powerful panel discussion and series of actionable breakout sessions.
The event will bring together HR and tech leaders for a dynamic morning of conversation, exploring how organizations can prepare their teams for what’s next through intentional upskilling and reskilling, people-centered talent strategies, and thoughtful adoption of AI, cloud, and emerging technologies. Through candid discussion and shared insights, attendees will leave with practical takeaways for building adaptable, future-ready teams while keeping people at the center of innovation.
Your pass includes access to a panel discussion and engaging breakout sessions as well as coffee, light breakfast, and top notch networking. Event proceeds go to support i.c.stars.
Running Schedule (to be updated in coming weeks)
8:00 AM – Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:35 AM – Introduction: Elle Ramel, Chief of Staff and Inclusive Partnerships, World Business Chicago
8:45 AM – Panel Discussion: Future-ready talent, emerging technology adoption, and practical strategies
9:45 AM – Networking Break
10:00 AM – i.c.stars overview, Arely Dorsey, Talent Placement
10:05 AM – IT Leader Ventas, Inc i.c.stars Partnership Overview
10:10 AM – Cycle 59 Intern Project Presentation
10:30 AM – Ecosystem Partner Breakout
Breakout 1- Jane Hamner, Centric Consulting & Co-Founder, ARA & Brandy Todd, McCann Partners – “Attract. Retain. Advance. Women in a Tech-Driven World”
Breakout 2 – Sally Martin, TalentFish Co-Founder & AITP Chicago President – ” The Human Edge: How to Hire and Get Hired in the Age of AI”
11:15 AM –Keynote: Miriam Warren, Chief Culture Officer, Yelp
11:45 AM – Closing Remarks
End of Event Networking
Introduction:
Elle Ramel, Chief of Staff and Inclusive Partnerships, World Business Chicago
Closing Keynote:
Miriam Warren, Chief Culture Officer, Yelp
Breakout Room Topics (more to be added in coming weeks):
Technology Leaders in attendance (more to be added in coming weeks):
Yemi Akisanya, VP of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and People Experience, Axon
Mary Basani, Associate Director of Global Data Product Delivery, Vantive
Brandon Burbridge, VP Deputy CISO, Reyes Holdings
Gopinath Cataram, Head of Corporate Technology, William Blair
Tom Cesario, VP of US Operations and IT, Radio Flyer
Julianna Cole, VP of Data and Information Systems, ACCME
Natalie Dyon, Senior Director, Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance, Reyes Holdings
Keith Evans
Faisal Gharui, CIO, Illinois Housing Development Authority
Craig Hamill
Tammie Hardrick, Assistant Director, Resiliency and Control, Illinois Housing Development Authority
Kaitlyn Hasley, Sr. Director of Technology Design & Delivery, TrueBlue Inc.
Jerry Horn
Nathan Jones, Sr. Director, Emerging Digital Experiences & Innovation, College of American Pathologists
Jack King, American College of Surgeons
Mandi Komas
Teri Lonergan
Ann Madea, CIO, Simmons Bank
Carl McDonald, CISO, Reyes Holdings
Ben McInturff
Shikha Mehta, Sr. Technology Leader – Credit Card Application & Customer Experience, Capital One
Amita Nekkanty, Consulting Director, Technical Portfolio Management, CNA Insurance
Nishant Pandey, Director of CardTech (Acquisitions), Capital One
Dayo Popoola, CIO, Thresholds
Lucas Puzan, CIO, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Moira Quiroga, Head, N..A. P&BB Testing & Enablement, BMO
Anand Ramikrishnan, Director of Data Services, Platform & Delivery, Vantive
Jack Recinto, Director of Applications, Ice Miller LLP
Kevin Steele, CIO, Feeding America
Tim Turner, VP of Business Insights & Data Analytics, Thresholds
Joe Viola, Head of Global Infrastructure, Cloud and IT Operations, Morningstar
Travis Von Alst, Sr Manager of Data Governance, Reyes Holdings
Frank Yanan, SVP of GIS Business Information Security Officer, Bank of America