Chicago Techies Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 62 Akhil Kumar- Co-Founder & CEO of Movorra Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Episode 62 - Akhil Kumar- Co-Founder & CEO of Movorra

In this episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Akhil Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Mavorra, to talk about his journey from college student to entrepreneur and how he’s using AI to improve the transportation industry.

We explored how Akhil’s internship at a transportation company exposed him to inefficiencies in the quoting process, inspiring him to build Mavorra, an AI-powered solution designed to help transportation companies streamline their operations.

We also talked about the challenges of building a startup while balancing college, including time management, mental health, and the importance of having a strong support system. Akhil shared how Chicago’s startup community has helped shape his entrepreneurial journey and why mentorship and community are so valuable for young founders.

This episode is about entrepreneurship, AI, and solving real-world problems with technology. If you're interested in startups, transportation tech, or hearing from young founders building innovative solutions, this conversation is definitely worth a listen.

Connect with Akhil:

Akhil’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/

Movorra website: https://www.movorra.ai/

Movorra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movorra/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 61- Rocio Aldana - Co Founder & COO of Pholeo Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Rocio Aldana, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Pholeo, to talk about how she's bringing technology to the event planning industry.

We explored Rocio’s journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and discussed how Pholeo is helping event planners better manage budgets, vendors, and logistics through an all-in-one operating system. We also talked about the growing role of AI and how technology is changing the future of event management.

Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the importance of community. Rocio shared how Chicago’s startup ecosystem has supported her entrepreneurial journey and why building strong founder networks is so valuable.

This episode is about innovation, entrepreneurship, and solving real-world problems with technology. If you're interested in startups, event tech, or hearing from founders building meaningful solutions, this conversation will definitely resonate.

Connect with Rocio:

Rocio’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-aldana-414765b5/

Pholeo website: https://www.pholeo.io/

Pholeo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpholeo/

Pholeo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getpholeo/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 60 - Shail Shah - Co-Founder & CEO of Skypulse Connectivity Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Shail Shah, founder of SkyPulse Connectivity, to talk about what it takes to build technology that keeps people and businesses connected in an increasingly digital world.

We explored Shail’s journey as a founder and discussed the challenges of building a company in the connectivity space. He shared how SkyPulse Connectivity is helping businesses stay connected through innovative technology while remaining focused on solving real customer needs. We also talked about the realities of scaling a startup and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the importance of community. Shail reflected on how local organizations, mentors, and Chicago’s startup ecosystem have supported his entrepreneurial journey and why surrounding yourself with the right network can make all the difference.

This episode is really about innovation, collaboration, and the value of building technology that creates meaningful impact. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, startups, or hearing from founders who are leveraging their local ecosystems to grow, this conversation will definitely resonate.

Connect with Shail:

Shail’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shail-a-shah/

Skypulse Connectivity website: https://www.hellohotspots.com/

Skypulse Connectivity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skypulse-connectivity/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 59 - Isabella Zhang - Co-Founder & CEO of KNOWN Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Isabella Zhang, founder & CEO of KNOWN, to talk about how she’s building technology to help women better understand their hormonal health.

We explored Bella’s journey as a founder and discussed why conversations around women’s health have too often been overlooked. Bella shared how KNOWN goes beyond cycle tracking, helping users better understand the connection between hormonal changes and overall well-being, while using scientific research and community feedback to shape the product.

Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the power of community. Bella highlighted the growing network of female founders in Chicago and the importance of supporting one another as they build.

This episode is really about empowerment through better information, stronger communities, and technology that helps people better understand their health. If you're interested in women's health, startups, or hearing from founders building meaningful products, this conversation will definitely resonate.

Connect with Isabella:

Isabella’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhangisabella/

KNOWN website: https://www.knowncycle.com/

KNOWN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/known-cycle/

KNOWN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/known_cycle/

KNOWN Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/known-hormonal-health-tracker/id6760163656

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 58 - Christine Devane - Co-Founder & CEO of Club Money May 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Christine Devane, Co-Founder and CEO of Club Money, to talk about how she’s rethinking financial advice for a new generation.

We got into Christine’s own path into fintech, she walked us through her non-traditional background and how eventually she became a tech founder, which is a great reminder that there’s no single background or blueprint for building in tech.

We discussed how traditional financial planning leaves so many people behind especially younger professionals and anyone who doesn’t fit the “high net worth” mold most advisors are built around. Christine shared how Club Money is combining AI with real human expertise to make personalized financial guidance more accessible, collaborative, and honestly a lot less intimidating.

This episode is really about access to financial literacy, to better tools, and to the kind of guidance that shouldn’t only be available to wealthy people. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out money, investing, or financial planning on your own, this conversation will definitely resonate.

Connect with Christine:

Christine’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinedevane/

Club Money website: https://www.joinclubmoney.com/

Club Money LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightfin-io/

Club Money Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfin.io

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Episode 57 - Maria Huertas - Founder of MLToons Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

We’re kicking off Season 5 of the Chicago Techies Podcast with Maria Huertas, founder of MLToons—and this one’s a fun one.

Maria is building at the intersection of music, storytelling, and language learning, helping kids pick up Spanish and English in a way that actually feels natural. Think songs, characters, and interactive experiences instead of worksheets and memorization. Her whole approach is rooted in immersion—making language something kids live and experience, not just study.

We get into how this idea came from her time as an educator, where she saw firsthand how powerful music can be in helping kids learn and retain language. But like any startup story, it hasn’t been straightforward. Maria talks about the challenge of balancing education and entertainment, and figuring out who MLToons is really for schools, parents, or both.

We also dig into the importance of proving impact. It’s one thing to have a great idea, it’s another to show that it actually works. Maria shares how she’s thinking about data, validation, and building credibility in the education space.

Beyond the product, this is also a conversation about building in Chicago leaning into community, navigating the startup ecosystem, and staying resilient through the ups and downs.

Great way to kick off the season, especially if you’re thinking about edtech, startups, or just doing something different.

Connect with Maria:

Maria’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-huertas-89a93a151/

Maria’s Email: maria@mltoons.com

MLToons website: https://mltoons.com/main/

MLToons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mltoons-llc/

MLToons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mltoons/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 56 - Sam Burke - Founder of Hale Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Burke, the founder of Hale, a new men’s personal care and grooming brand focused on personalization, confidence, and simplifying daily routines. Sam shares the inspiration behind Hale, the gaps he saw in the men’s wellness market, and the challenges of building a product at the intersection of consumer goods and technology.

We dive into how he validated the concept before fully committing to the build, what early conversations with investors and mentors have looked like, and how he’s thinking about fundraising as Hale grows. As a Chicago founder, Sam talks about the support he’s found in the local startup ecosystem and offers practical advice for anyone in the city looking to bring a consumer or digital health idea to life.

Connect with Sam:

Sam’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-d-burke/

Sam’s Email: sam@thehale.co

Hales website: https://thehale.co/

Halel’s’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehale/

Hale’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.hale.co/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 55 - Malvina De Salvo - Founder & CEO of Plateful Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we welcome Malvina DeSalvo, CEO of Plateful, an AI-powered nutrition platform that gamifies healthy eating. Plateful combines interactive learning with a SMART plate, transforming mealtime into an educational experience that reduces pickiness, lightens the load for parents, and builds lifelong healthy habits in kids.

Malvina’s story sheds light on the broader nutritional challenges faced by families across the U.S. and how Plateful’s innovative approach is helping to reshape the landscape. From the importance of customer discovery to the creation of prototypes, she opens up about the rewarding yet challenging journey of finding product–market fit. Insights from mentors, advisors, and investors provided crucial guidance along the way, sparking new ideas and shaping Plateful’s promising trajectory.

Looking to the future, Malvina shares Plateful's strategic plans for partnerships and developing groundbreaking data sets in children's nutrition, with aspirations to apply machine learning for improved acceptance of healthy foods.

Connect with Malvina:

Malvina’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malvina-de-salvo-9a90a01/

Plateful’s website: https://pl8ful.com/

Plateful’s’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plateful-llc/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 54 - Kyla Williams-Tate & Mauricio Jimenez - Cook County Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

This week on the Chicago Techies Podcast, we pause our regular programming to focus on a critical issue: digital equity. We welcomed Director of Digital Equity, Kyla Williams-Tate and Digital Equity Coordinator, Mauricio Jimenez from the Cook County Government to share their professional journeys, and how their work is integrating technology into the fabric of Chicago's economy and everyday life, impacting countless lives and opening doors for all.

We discussed how digital equity is not just about technology it's about unlocking opportunities and enabling full participation in today's digital society, above all its about opportunity, dignity and justice. We focussed on the deep connection between digital equity and workforce development, showing how improved tech access strengthens job readiness and economic growth.

We also spotlight upcoming efforts like Digital Inclusion Week and the Access Amplified Learning Symposium and invite listeners to engage with the movement through events and the new digital equity website.

Connect with Kyla & Mauricio

Kyla’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylawilliamstate/

Mauricio’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauriciojjimenez/

CODE’s website:https://digitalequity.cookcountyil.gov/

Cook County Digital Equity Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cookcountydigitalequity/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 53 - Gavin Buckland - Co-Founder of Voke Studios Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we sit down with Gavin Buckland, Founder of Voke Studio. Gavin shares how his passion for storytelling began with his grandfather’s camera, how years at a creative agency sharpened his skills but also tested his resilience, and how rediscovering his purpose helped him embrace film as a way to unite people.

Gavin also takes us inside the creation of ClipSense, an AI-powered tool designed to transform video editing. Born out of the challenge of sifting through hours of footage, Clip Sense uses computer vision to automatically identify the best moments—freeing editors to focus on storytelling. With early funding and strong beta feedback, the tool is already pointing to a future where AI supports creativity across post-production, from sound design to color grading.

We round out our conversation with reflections on the evolving relationship between creativity and technology in filmmaking, the importance of authenticity in an AI-driven world, and Chicago’s role as a hub for collaboration.

Connect with Gavin:

Gavin Linkedin: https://whttps://www.vokestudios.com/

Voke Studios website: https://www.vokestudios.com/

Clipsense website: https://www.clipsense.ai/

Voke Studios’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voke-studios/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87