Chicago, July 31, 2023— i.c.stars announced today that CEO Sandee Kastrul will be inducted into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame at the In-Gala on August 3rd. Ms. Kastrul was one of four distinguished leaders in innovation who were honored for their accomplishments in Chicago’s innovation community.
Ms. Kastrul, i.c.stars founder and former teacher, brings a personal awareness of the range of problems and barriers faced by marginalized communities. Her continued relationships in underresourced neighborhoods help assure that program goals remain relevant and impactful. “Diversity is the ultimate driver of innovation” said Kastrul. “Through technology training, community leadership, and wraparound support, we prepare young adults for the jobs and opportunities of the future. We help employers see the value in non-traditional talent pipelines—value to their bottom line and our society. It’s a win-win approach that helps build Chicago’s innovation community.”
“The Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame annually celebrates leaders in the Chicago region who have a longtime commitment to innovating in their industries,” said Luke Tanen, President and CEO of Chicago Innovation. “Not only is Sandee an innovator herself by starting and leading i.c. stars for decades, she has created countless more innovators in our city by training and investing in entrepreneurial talent every day. Chicago is a more innovative, inclusive and welcoming community because of Sandee and i.c. stars.”
About Chicago Innovation
Chicago Innovation, established in 2002 as the Chicago Innovation Awards, has grown from a single awards ceremony to a year-long series of events and activities designed to educate, connect and celebrate all innovators in the Chicago region. The organization’s vision is to ensure that innovation is for everyone, and its expansion has included the Chicago Innovation Women’s Mentoring Co-op to support female innovators, the Chicago Student Invention Convention to teach innovation to students in K-8th grade, Ageless Innovators to combat ageism through inter-generational co-mentorship, and The Ladder to support Black and Latine innovators in Chicago. For more information, visit www.chicagoinnovation.com. To follow on social media, visit Twitter (@Chi_Innovation) and Facebook sites.
About i.c.stars
Inner-City Computer Stars is an educational and workforce development organization offering technology training, leadership development, and career readiness support to inner-city young adults. i.c.stars helps break the cycle of multi-generational poverty, limited horizons, and dead-end jobs. It also helps companies fill the growing number of tech positions while addressing the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. I.c.stars nurtures leaders who will stay in their neighborhoods, support the local economy, and build stronger communities. Our goal is opportunity, economic mobility, financial well-being, and equity for all. Learn more at www.icstars.org