UPWARD CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 16th | 8am - 4pm | THE POLSKY EXCHANGE NORTH

UPWARD convenes 200+ entrepreneurs, SMB and C-suite executives, and workforce development professionals to explore the latest trends in workforce efficiency, economic development, AI, and quantum computing on September 16th at the Polsky Exchange North at the University of Chicago.

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2025 Speakers

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Candice M. SmithGlobal Engineering Executive

Ryan Lafler President and CTO | Quantum Corridor, LLC

Dr. Fouad BousetouaneCo-founder & Chief AI Officer | InterspectAI, Inc.

Stuart PinoCEO | QodeX Quantum

Bashir MuhammadCEO, Net-Telligence Group (NTG)

Martina MatthewsFounder, Miss ChatGPT101

Emil AldaddahCo-founder | CIO | Partner | Momentum Wealth Management

Tess KatulaPartner | SearchWorks, LLC

Temitayo Ade-OshifogunVP, AI in Operations | JPMorgan Chase

April WelchAssociate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives | Illinois Tech

Bevon JosephFounder & CEO | Bevon Joseph Consulting

Payal Patel Founder & CEO | Audacity Communications

Ahmed Flex OmarCEO | FlexTech AI

Ishani Patel, MS, FACHEUChicago Medicine

Stephanie YousifSenior Account Executive at Built In

Kevin DavenportFounder & CEO | The Ideal Candidate

Ryan MarksOwner Operator | Legacy Hospitality

Aliyah KizilbashCEO | TaxBack

Amadou DiawGlobal Commercial Leader | Honeywell IGS

Jeff CohnFounder & CEO | C4 Technology Group

Michael A. FosterSenior Sales Manager | The Whitehall Hotel

Paul Vabkos Chief Revenue Officer | Confidencial.io

Sommy IraniCo-Founder & CFO | HiFi Social

Nick FarinaCEO | EeroQ Quantum

Join us at the UPWARD Conference, where innovators, leaders, and changemakers come together to inspire and create impact. Become a sponsor and showcase your brand to a dynamic audience while supporting meaningful conversations and collaborations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something big!

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Join our LinkedIn group to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and stay updated on the latest from the UPWARD Conference. Be part of the conversation and grow your network with industry leaders and innovators!

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“Great healthcare leaders turn their vision into care, and care into change.” - ⁠Ishani Patel, MS, FACHE

Section Administrator, Peds Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Neurology | UChicago Medicine
⁠

"The future of work must be built with intention—not just automation. AI and tech can widen opportunity or deepen inequality. My mission is to ensure we’re building systems where skills, not privilege, determine success."- Bevon Joseph

Founder & CEO | Bevon Joseph Consulting | Co-Founder, Campus Coin Invest

"As you think about esports, consider the game of chess. There are many skills developed through chess that strengthen mental agility, that show the value of practice, and skills that allow people the joy of competition while training them to gain the resilience to deal with loss. Esports develops all these and more. The digital playing ground is where the incredible sagas and emotional journeys are playing out as we speak, it is vital that we create supportive environments to let the next generation soar."- April Welch

Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives | Illinois Tech

"If your business has data and money, you are a target. Work with us to ensure that your business has the right Cybersecurity protection."- Bashir Muhammad

Account Executive | Net-Telligence Group (NTG)

"Every industry is adapting tech and artificial intelligence into their day to day operations. I feel grateful that I get the opportunity to work with SF tech founders helping them place engineers that are the brains behind it all!"- Tess Katula

Partner | SearchWorks LLC

Contact

Polsky Exchange North
1452 E. 53rd St.
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
United States

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