THE HUMAN-AI LOOP & THE FUTURE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
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Conference Schedule
8:00 AM | Registration & Coffee
8:30 AM | Opening Keynote: The Human-AI Loop & The Future of Work | Ahmed Flex Omar
8:45 AM | The State of Cyber: Threats, Trends, and the Global Stage | Bashir Muhammad (Moderator), Paul Vabakos, Amadou Diaw, Payal Patel
9:45 AM | Quantum Leap: A Panel Chat on Quantum Computing's Tech and Business Frontiers | Stuart Pino (Moderator), Ryan Lafler, Jeff Cohn, Nick Farina
10:45 AM | Coffee Break
11:00 AM | Algorithmic Accountability: Ethical Governance & Explainability in Financial AI | Temitayo Ade-Oshifogun (Moderator), Emil Aldaddah, Aliyah Kizilbash
11:45 AM | Lunch & Networking
12:45 PM | Workforce for Tomorrow: Building Talent and Opportunity in the Digital Age | Tess Katula (Moderator), Stephanie Yousif, Kevin Davenport
1:30 PM | Evolutions in Ed. Tech: Driving Future-Ready Learning Solutions | Candice Smith (Moderator), Ishani Patel, Dr. Fouad Bousetouane, Bevon Joseph
2:15 PM | Coffee Break
2:30 PM | WORKSHOP | Connected Intelligence: Amplifying Human Connection with AI | Temitayo Ade-Oshifogun (Facilitator)
2:30 PM | The Human Touch: Workforce and Customer Journeys in Hospitality | Martina Matthews (Moderator), Ryan Marks, Michael Foster, Sommy Irani
3:15 PM | Creative Economies: Leveraging New Tech and Opportunity in Gaming & Media | Ahmed Flex Omar (Moderator), April Welch, Stuart Pino
4:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Dismissal | Ahmed Flex Omar
Mission/Vision Statement
UPWARD is dedicated to fostering a forward-thinking dialogue on the evolving relationship between human intelligence and artificial intelligence in the workforce. Our mission is to equip entrepreneurs, executives, and workforce development professionals with the insights, strategies, and connections necessary to navigate the future of work. By bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators, we aim to drive meaningful discussions on AI’s ethical implications, economic potential, and transformative impact on workforce efficiency and development.
Conference Goal
The goal of UPWARD is to provide a dynamic platform where professionals can explore the intersection of AI, quantum computing, and workforce development. Through expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and cutting-edge research presentations, attendees will gain actionable knowledge to integrate AI-driven solutions into their organizations. By fostering collaboration and innovation, UPWARD seeks to empower businesses and professionals to harness the potential of AI while maintaining a human-centered approach to the future of work.
FEATURED TOPICS
Connected Intelligence: Amplifying Human Connection with AI
Temitayo Ade-Oshifogun, JPMorgan Chase
An immersive workshop for executives, leaders and teams to discover how meaningful human bonds and AI driven insights can elevate engagement, spark innovation and drive performance. Through guided vulnerability sessions, high trust team exercises and hands-on Human-AI integration labs, you’ll build inclusive habits that surface hidden gaps, ignite collaboration and sustain breakthrough productivity. Learn how to harness authentic connection and intelligent automation to transform your culture and accelerate results.
Evolutions in Ed. Tech: Driving Future-Ready Learning Solutions
Explore how advanced digital tools and strategic innovations are reshaping higher education, creating new models for learning and preparing the next-generation workforce.
Quantum Leap: A Fireside Chat on Quantum Computing's Tech and Business Frontiers
Join two leading experts for an intimate discussion on the historical journey, current breakthroughs, and future opportunities presented by quantum computing, across a spectrum of industries.
Creative Economies: Leveraging New Tech in Arts, Gaming & Media
Uncover how the latest technological advancements are driving innovation, creating new revenue streams, and transforming consumer engagement across the arts, gaming, and digital media industries.
Workforce for Tomorrow: Building Talent and Opportunity in the Digital Age
Examine effective strategies for cultivating a skilled workforce and fostering inclusive communities to capitalize on the economic opportunities of the digital era.
Cybersecurity Unpacked: Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape
Examine current trends, emerging threats, and best practices in cybersecurity to safeguard our digital infrastructure and protect business assets.
The Human Touch: Workforce and Customer Journeys in Hospitality
A frank discussion between Chicago hospitality leaders exploring how new technologies are transforming hiring and management practices, as well as the skills needed to succeed in hospitality. Panelists will also explain how tech is shaping and reshaping how they think about user experience and the customer journey.
2025 Speakers
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About the Polsky Exchange North
Operated by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Polsky Exchange is a startup incubator featuring work and meeting spaces, a Small Business Development Center, and a full calendar of programming and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures. Part of UChicago’s commitment to supporting economic development in the community, the Polsky Exchange is on Hyde Park’s vibrant 53rd Street corridor – Polsky Exchange North at 1452 E. 53rd St.
© 2025 UpwardContact
Polsky Exchange North
1452 E. 53rd St.
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
United States
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