During this event, Daniel Velarde of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), an expert in interest rates and OTC products, presented to JEC members. Drawing from his career at the Rambler Investment Fund, Liberty Mutual Insurance, TD Ameritrade, and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, Daniel shared insights about his career and possible careers in finance. His extensive knowledge and practical advice gave attendees a deeper understanding of the financial sector.

During JEC’s 2024 College Panel, Nikita Agrawal (MIT), Sohan Bendre (Yale), Zachary Deutsch (Duke), Carlos Murillo (Columbia), and Andrew Sassower (Northwestern) and others enlightened JEC members on how they approached the college admissions process and offered insights into how they gained admission to their respective schools. The panelists discussed their recommendations on everything from essays to extracurriculars, along with advice on how to stay motivated during such a stressful time. Additionally, panelists answered questions from JEC members on the intricacies of college applications.

During this event, Mr. Radgowski went into his career in wealth management, starting from his early experience in insurance, sales, and relationship management, as well as the benefits of his accounting degree. He discussed his current work at Halo Investing, focusing on the world of protective investing, structured notes, and derivatives. Mr. Radgowski also shared the importance of mentorship, leadership, and a strong company mission when considering where to work. Finally, Mr. Radgowski answered questions from our members on protective investing and the services that Halo Investing offers to investors.

During this event, Sara Guderyahn, Vice President of Social Impact at the Chicago Blackhawks and Executive Director of the Blackhawks Foundation, explored her accomplished career path, beginning with her work in the public policy and non-profit sectors, and ending up at her current role at the Blackhawks combining both her business and policy know-how. She discussed the revenue breakdown of the team and the foundation, touching on Covid’s impact on the Blackhawk’s financial viability and how it served as a catalyst for fundamental change in the organization, while sharing the importance of the Foundation’s work on creating a positive social impact in the broader community. Finally, Ms. Guderyahn took questions from JEC members on the correlation between the team’s success and the viability of the foundation and organization as well as the future of the Blackhawks with respect to streaming and media.

In her presentation, Andrea Ellis explored her multi-faceted career beginning with her education experience at the University of Pennsylvania and her transition from a pre-med track to a business and finance career. She shared insights on her experience in business school and her formative years at Goldman Sachs, transitioning later on to her various leadership roles in finance, management, and operations of both large-scale and startup companies. Towards the end of the event, Ms. Ellis fielded questions from JEC members about her leadership in finance across varied industries and the lessons she learned from each position she held.

During this event, Michael Polsky, Founder and CEO of Invenergy, provided an overview of his inspiring life story and role as the CEO of one of the largest privately held alternative energy companies in the world. Mr. Polsky also shared his perspective on the future of energy on the global scale, addressing the impact of renewable energy from the economic lens. After Mr. Polsky’s presentation, members had the opportunity to engage in an interactive Q&A.

In this event, Tricia Martinez discussed her journey initially studying economics and public policy and eventually starting her own tech company in Sub-Saharan Africa. She discussed the three stages of artificial intelligence (artificial narrow intelligence, artificial general intelligence, and artificial super intelligence), noting that we are currently in the first stage but making headway each day. Members were able to participate in an interesting discussion on the benefits and disadvantages of AI, including its efficiency gain and the biases data may acquire. After discussing the different branches of AI, including machine learning and natural language processing, Ms. Martinez explained that currently, only 3% of the American workforce has the technical skills necessary to work in AI. Overall, this was an exciting and insightful conversation for members.

In her presentation, Megan Dold explored her experience growing up in Chicago, and then moving abroad to study and work in the United Kingdom. She shared the benefits of mastering communications and how best to manage and work with stakeholders to achieve success in one’s career. Ms. Dold dove deep into the media industry, offering insight into the financial management and logistics of her current workplace, the Financial Times. Towards the end, Ms. Dold fielded questions on her career, the operations of the Financial Times, and the viability of the news industry at large.

Members nationwide engaged in a session with Ben Feigenberg, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, on March 29th. Delving into his research on racial and socioeconomic disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system and the impact of educational opportunities on criminal behavior, Professor Feigenberg shed light on innovative policy-making strategies. Attendees explored the nuanced relationship between socioeconomic factors and public safety, sparking critical discussions on reforming entrenched systems and promoting equitable outcomes.

On March 18th, the Junior Economic Club hosted an engaging event featuring Dr. Bhash Mazumder, a prominent Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago senior economist. Dr. Mazumder’s expertise illuminated various economic topics, including intergenerational mobility and the impact of early-life health on human capital development. Attendees were treated to a concise yet insightful discussion, drawing from Dr. Mazumder’s influential research featured in renowned journals. Participants gained valuable insights into the complex interplay of economic forces, extending their understanding beyond traditional boundaries.

With Blake Anthony-Johnson, members had the opportunity to learn about what a successful career as a CEO was like. From delving into the intricate world of non-profits to navigating the fast-paced realm of business and finance, they explored the skills, challenges, and trends that shaped the economic landscape of that time. Exclusive insights were gained into running organizations and understanding the evolving job market. Mr. Anthony-Johnson’s journey, from steering the Chicago Sinfonietta to assuming leadership roles in government, academia, and beyond, provided a roadmap for aspiring professionals.

JEC Chicago’s 2024 Winter Forum was centered around the theme of Women in Business. Members heard from Bridget Coughlin, CEO of Shedd Aquarium, who shared about her career in depth and served as an inspiring example. After Ms. Coughlin's presentation, a captivating panel comprised of Julia (Bucciero) Weiss, Julie Sarne, and Ali Pohn discussed their experiences as women in the fields of finance, entrepreneurship and education and offered insightful guidance for all members. 

Following both the keynote presentation and panel discussion, there was an extended Q&A session. Additionally, throughout the event, member had time for networking sessions and buffet-style appetizers.

Mr. Kallen drew upon his extensive background as a Visiting Professor of Economics at DePaul University and his role as the founder of RSK Strategies, LLC. Participants gained valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the corporate world while maintaining ethical standards. Mr. Kallen’s wealth of experience, including his contributions to the Clinton/Gore transition team for economics and his legislative fellowship in Washington, D.C., added a unique perspective to the discussion.

Members additionally had the opportunity to engage in an interactive Q&A session after the event.

In this event, Onjada Haggard-Richardson, Managing Director at Citi Private Bank - Law Firm Group, provided members with a genuine, thoughtful overview of her corporate perspective and guided them through interviews, artificial intelligence, leadership, and sales. She highlighted how important it is to be a great learner by underlining that many careers expect talent capable of on-the-job training. Members gained insight into what Ms. Haggard-Richardson looks for in a new recruit as well as how she develops her team for success professionally and personally. It was a wonderful opportunity for members as they prepare to embark on their college and early-career journeys.

During this event, Joan Bottarini, Chief Financial Officer for Hyatt Hotels, discussed her career in finance and experience working for Hyatt, one of the leading hospitality companies in the world. She provided insight into her role as the leader of its global finance function, which manages the logistical aspects of the company’s initiatives, in addition to her work procuring future growth. She also spoke about Hyatt’s focus on international brand development and its unique positioning strategy. Ms. Bottarini touched on the impact of Covid and how hospitality companies such as Hyatt reacted and adapted to the pandemic. Finally, members had the opportunity to engage in an interactive and insightful Q&A session to conclude the presentation.

In this event, Maggie Zhang, an Associate in Sustainable Investing at SLC Management, led members through an engaging, introductory workshop concentrated on exploring how environmental, social, and corporate governance impact both investment decisions and organization-wide methods and reports. Members split into small groups to discuss two specific companies, Tesla and Mondelez International, and analyze what stood out to them from an ESG-focused investor’s perspective. Ms. Zhang then responded to student questions focused on regulatory compliance, corporate reporting strategy, and future changes to the industry.

During this event, Rob Khoury, the CEO of Agile Rainmakers and author of “How to Intern Successfully,” provided invaluable insights into the internship process. He offered actionable ideas on how to find internships and apply for opportunities, with techniques for identifying relevant positions, expressing interest, and standing out from other applicants. Next, Mr. Khoury gave guidance on successfully participating in an internship, including providing and receiving feedback from mentors, exploring different areas of a company, and developing lasting relationships through networking. Finally, he walked members through key criteria of high-quality and high-impact internships.

Members had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session after Mr. Khoury’s presentation, during which they also received customized merchandise relating to his book.

During this event, Marsha Cruzan, Regional Market President for U.S. Bank in Chicago, walked members through her impressive career spanning fifty years. She was intent on including the ups and downs of her nonlinear journey to demonstrate that it is normal for career paths to fluctuate and that there are lessons to be learned in each role and experience. Ms. Cruzan talked about her schooling from her undergraduate degree in political science to receiving her MBA, her experience studying abroad and how that shaped her interests, her early career, and her role today leading U.S. Bank in Chicago. She emphasized the importance of being a good listener, growing your network, and seeking out feedback. Members were grateful to have had the chance to hear from and ask questions to such a phenomenal speaker.

In this event, Daniel Finn, Chief Financial Officer at Accenture, explored the role of technology in business and the key upcoming technological developments that will revolutionize the way our societies and economies function. He highlighted the rapidly evolving technological landscape, from the onset of the Internet to the prevalence of Artificial Intelligence. He also went into detail on his career path and his work at Accenture in helping small, medium, and large-scale businesses expand through the use of technology.

During the Fall Forum, Dean Harrison, Executive Chairman of the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Board of Directors, discussed his career in depth. He described his roles prior to Northwestern and explained the significant expansion of Northwestern to its present status as a major healthcare provider in Illinois. Mr. Harrison touched on the effects of the pandemic on the healthcare sector. Finally, he offered insights into the future of healthcare, including technological and scientific advancements.

After Mr. Harrison’s presentation, members had the opportunity to network over buffet-style appetizers.

Next, a panel comprised of Verlon Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer at Accentra Health; Marko Vujicic, Chief Economist and Vice President for the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association; and Vanessa Rollings, Chief Financial Officer at Big Health, discussed the current state of healthcare policy. They touched on recent developments relating to Medicaid and Medicare and the increasing prevalence of mental healthcare. Finally, the panel gave their thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping healthcare delivery and quality.

After both presentations, members participated in interactive Q&A sessions.

In this event, Rita Sola Cook, Managing Director and President of Bank of America Chicago, discussed her non-linear career and the lessons she has accumulated from it. She advised members to understand their transferable skills, find a company they can grow with, take calculated risks, have pride in what they do, adopt a work-life harmony, know that their diversity of thought adds value, and remember that no career is permanent. As President of Bank of America Chicago, Ms. Cook also described how the for-profit company makes a difference in small businesses and organizations in the Chicagoland area, emphasizing how large companies can still conduct themselves with purpose.

In this event, Jeff Scott, CEO of Section 810 Communications, led members through an engaging workshop focused on elevator pitches, active listening, and networking. Members had the opportunity to pitch their elevator pitches to Mr. Scott himself and receive real-time feedback. Members also participated in an engaging pass-the-feather activity to practice listening, which Mr. Scott defines as a critical component of effective communication. Members walked away with lots of tips, including to diagnose before prescribing an answer and to ping pong the focus back on the other person in a conversation. Ultimately, this event was a fantastic space for participants to practice and perfect a skill that will serve them well into their future careers.

During this event, Rana Abuzir, the Program Development Manager at AHIMA, gave members an informative overview of health information, discussing the importance of accurate data, patient privacy, and clinical documentation among other topics. She touched on the AHIMA credentials available to those in this field, giving members an opportunity to envision what their academic journey and early career might look like if they choose to work in health information. Finally, Ms. Abuzir showed members an example of how coding can gather critical information for doctors and patients alike, allowing members to understand the wide-sweeping implications of the business side of health care.

In this event, Ali Sajanlal, Alliances Practice Lead at Wavicle, delivered an informative and educational presentation on the various careers within the field of data analytics and discussed how corporations utilize this data to make more informed decisions on their consumer base. He walked members through his own career, explaining why he made certain shifts in his career when he did as well as how his double major in computer science and information systems provided him with the necessary skills to be successful. Finally, he advised members on advantageous points in the consulting industry to become an independent consultant, instilling a new goal in many participants.

In this event, Michael Dougherty went in depth on a career in professional services, which include consulting, accounting, financial advisory, auditing and more. He detailed his career path from a business school student at the University of Chicago to a senior executive at Deloitte Global. He explained how Deloitte operates, and the purpose and leadership structure behind the organization. Finally, he described the work he does in his current and previous roles and took questions from the members present.

In this event, James Evans, the Associate Director and U.S. Commercial Communications Business Partner for Horizon Therapeutics, led members through an informative and insightful overview of communication at the corporate level, and the opportunities that lie within the industry. He explained the range of tasks and assignments he faces in his role, and shared how he keeps up with the ever-changing needs of companies post-pandemic, especially given the rising costs of miscommunication per employee that corporations are now facing from a lack of productivity. Members walked away not only with a concrete understanding of the critical role communication plays in large companies, but with a better understanding of how they could become better communicators themselves.

In this event, Steve Hall, Senior Vice President at LISC Economic Development, highlighted key moments in his career path that propelled him to the work he does now. He explored how his childhood growing up in Chicago gave him the confidence and skills he needed to succeed in college, and later in his career in banking. He explained the motivations behind his career choice, as well as his early experience in banking with the Royal Bank of Scotland. Later, he explained how his day to day work at LISC impacts and builds strong local communities. Finally, he answered questions from our members on topics such as rising interest rates, small banks, gentrification, and capital investment.

A big thank you to all who attended the JEC Chicago 2023 Spring Forum! Members had the privilege of hearing from insightful and passionate professionals, allowing them to simultaneously explore the worlds of finance, business, and entrepreneurship all in one evening. 

We would like to especially thank our dedicated keynote speakers and panelists: Lisa Barrow, a Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, delivered an excellent overview of what financial research looks like on the day-to-day. Manuela Zoninsein, the CEO & Founder of Kadeya, walked members through her journey of entrepreneurship and the impact she has had and continues to make regarding sustainability. To provide members with newfound knowledge surrounding environmental, social, and corporate governance, Megan Murday, the Founder & CEO of Metric; Megan Tenety, a Senior ESG Analyst at Ariel Investments; Al Hill, Managing Partner at Global Synergy Logistics; and Mike Wapner, a Financial Advisor at BlueLake Wealth Advisors, shared their individual perspectives regarding questions posed by members themselves. We are so grateful to each speaker and panelist for dedicating their time and expertise to JEC, and we hope to see you at a future forum.