UPWARD CONFERENCE

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 UChicago.

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2025 Speakers

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Mohamed AlJneibiAuthor, Cyberspace Expert, Strategist, Advisor, Gamer

Candice M. SmithGlobal Engineering Executive

Bashir MuhammadCEO, Net-Telligence Group (NTG)

Terrell BrownExecutive Producer | The Walt Disney Company

April WelchAssociate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives | Illinois Tech

Payal Patel Founder & CEO | Audacity Communications

Ishani PatelUChicago Medicine

Bevon JosephFounder & CEO | Bevon Joseph Consulting

Ahmed Flex OmarCEO | FlexTech AI

Tess KatulaPartner | SearchWorks, LLC

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

Stephanie YousifSenior Account Executive at Built In

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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“The future of storytelling isn’t about replacing human creativity with AI—it’s about using AI to enhance the depth, efficiency, and reach of our stories.”- Terrell Brown

News Anchor, Reporter, Executive Producer | WLS-TV (ABC7 Chicago) | Terrell Brown Productions

“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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