Tech Talent Pipeline: Pathways into Chicago’s Tech Industry

Come by, interact, learn, and be inspired!

 If you’re aiming to break into tech or learn more about workforce development strategies, this event is for you! Join us at the Kaplan Institute on Wednesday, October 30, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for a panel on workforce development, focused on defining pathways to tech roles in software, engineering, and deep tech and providing an overview of some significant workforce development initiatives in Chicago.

What to Expect

• Kickoff with Networking and Refreshments: Start your day with some socializing over light refreshments! Meet fellow attendees, make new connections, and set the stage for an engaging event.

• Insightful Panel Discussion: Join us for a conversation featuring representatives from notable organizations in Chicago. Learn about their experiences, insights, and the latest trends in today's high-growth tech sectors. Discover how these leaders are driving change and fostering growth!

Meet the Panel

• Evan Shy, CEO, Coding Temple: Evan Shy is the CEO of Coding Temple, a top tech education provider that trains more than 1,500 professionals annually in cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and engineering. Under his leadership, Coding Temple has been recognized more than 43 times, including by Forbes, for its commitment to student success and career advancement. Evan also hosts the Agile Leaders podcast, engaging with tech executives from companies such as Microsoft and X (formerly Twitter). As a board member of Strides for Peace, he supports organizations fighting gun violence in Chicago, promoting collaboration for a safer city. Evan is dedicated to advancing education, leadership, and community.

• Luke Tanen, President and CEO, Chicago Innovation: Luke Tanen oversees Chicago Innovation’s mission to educate, connect, and celebrate innovators across the Chicago region. He works with staff and a 40+ member Board of Advisors to drive the organization’s growth, manage fundraising, recruit sponsors, and lead the Chicago Innovation Awards process. Co-author of Innovating…Chicago-Style and Rising Together, Luke has been featured in major outlets including the Chicago Tribune and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. He was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business “Top 25 Rising Stars in Tech” and recognized on Crain’s “20 in their 20s” list.

• Karin M. Norington-Reaves, CEO, IC Stars: Karin M. Norington-Reaves is a dedicated public servant with more than 30 years of experience in education, law, and workforce development. She began as a Teach for America teacher before earning her J.D. from Southern Methodist University. Karin has held leadership roles at Loyola University, Cook County Works, and the Illinois Department of Commerce, and she is the founding CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. A recognized thought leader, she actively engages in civic roles, including the Cook County Economic Development Advisory Committee and the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council.

• Calvin Flowers, President, Chicago Inventors Organization: Calvin Flowers is a successful inventor and president of the Chicago Inventors Organization. The Chicago Inventors Organization’s, a not-for-profit [501©3], mission is to offer programs to inventors in underserved communities by providing innovative educational resources and services that help them navigate the invention process. The vision is to create wealth in our communities by leveraging our intellectual property to start businesses around their ideas and hiring folk form the community.

Why Attend?

• Gain Insights: Learn about the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the tech and innovation economy.

• Build Connections: Network with your peers and key players in diversifying the tech workspace.

• Get Inspired: Hear about success stories and gain practical advice that can help you on your tech journey.

Whether you’re looking to learn, connect or simply be inspired, we’d love to see you there!

Register