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.

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. 

In this event, Thi Ban, VP of Finance & Accounting at Camelot Illinois, walked JEC members through her impressive career, with advice on overcoming challenges, taking advantage of opportunities, and learning and growing in a specific position. Members learned about the ins and outs of the Illinois Lottery, as well as the opportunity for profits in asset-back securities. She advised members to learn, adapt, and make things more efficient when it came to their jobs, and she warned that no one is ever too big to fail, signifying how one must always continuously grow and better themselves in their position.

In this event, Peter Lazor, Regional Director at JP Morgan Wealth Management, demonstrated how JEC members could use emotional intelligence to propel themselves into their desired careers. In an effort to depict the many opportunities and journeys in the financial industry, Mr. Lazor discussed his unconventional career path and explained the business decisions he made in depth. Members had plenty of time to ask questions, which led to insightful conversations about interviews, hiring, entrepreneurship, and confidence. Ultimately, Mr. Lazor advised students to take risks and not be afraid of steering away from the typical or expected path.

In this event, Ajit Monteiro, Co-Founder and CTO of One Six Solutions, led JEC members through the ins and outs of technology in his informative in-person seminar. He discussed his early career, including college and his first jobs, and then transitioned into his career today: technology consulting. He explained his motivation for breaking off and starting his own business, and delivered his take on when the right time to transition is in one’s career. Mr. Monteiro also provided helpful interview tips and networking advice, and members were grateful for his invaluable insight.

In this event, Michael Bertolina, the President and Chief Executive Officer of All Things Comedy, the leading comedy podcast network, spoke about the intricacies of comedy production and where All Things Comedy fits into the industry. He provided insight into the different standard practices of the industry and how All Things Comedy works to make the production process fairer for the comedians. He also discussed some of the recent changes to the comedy industry and how ATC had to adapt to new demands, as well as some of the new emerging markets in comedy.

Thank you to everyone who attended the JEC Chicago 2023 Winter Forum! Members were able to hear from wonderful speakers and gain great insight into the worlds of finance, business, entrepreneurship, technology, and more.

Our keynote speakers were Dr. Suzet McKinney, Director of Life Sciences at Sterling Bay, and David Schwalb, President of Schwalb Realty Group. Our panelists included Laura Lopez, VP Community Manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co, and Jared Evans, Community Manager at JPMorgan Chase & Co. We are so grateful to all the speakers and panelists who took time out of their busy schedules to give us this great opportunity. Additionally, members had multiple opportunities to network throughout the event.

Thank you to all that attended Transforming Industry Through Technology with Jason Birnbaum. At the event, Mr. Birnbaum, the Chief Information Officer at United, discussed his role at United and what it means to be a Chief Information Officer. He also discussed recent trends in technology related to the airline industry and the ways that he and his team are adapting to these changes. Finally, Mr. Birnbaum shared the methods he uses to cultivate a successful workplace culture, along with the ways that JEC members can prepare for careers in technology.

In this event, Professor Kathleen Hagerty, Provost of Northwestern University, led JEC members through an overview of financial sectors. She talked about how finance was an umbrella term for various career opportunities including real estate, insurance, fintech, and even legal and accounting jobs in relation to finance. Members at the event also learned all about what professors do and the decisions they make regarding new hires, promotions, programming, research, and of course, teaching. Professor Hagerty initiated a discussion on prices, which are held up by the concepts of supply and demand. When it comes to financial assets, members learned to look at the level of risk and returns, which can lead to the amount of demand. Ultimately, she noted, finance is all about how people behave. Someone looking towards a career in finance must be able to make informed decisions and weigh various tradeoffs with each other. To conclude, Professor Hagerty recommended reading sources like The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Financial Times to increase understanding and begin exploring the industry.