Chicago Techies Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 42 -Zimri Rodriguez - Chief of Staff at Capitalize VC Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

In this season, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers in the tech industry, both established veterans and emerging talents, who are pushing the boundaries of innovation. I'm your host, Ceci Fischer-Benitez, and together, we'll explore their successes, understand the challenges they've faced, and dive into the unique experiences that have guided their tech careers.

Join us in this episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast as we welcome Zimri Rodriguez, Chief of Staff at Capitalize VC. Zimri walks us through her journey into tech and shares the pivotal moments that defined her path. From how her frustrations with inefficiencies in technology within healthcare sparked a passion for innovative solutions, which ultimately led her to pivot from her psychology background to a role in health tech.

We shine a spotlight on initiatives like the Colorwave Fellowship and the Chicago Blend Fellowship programs, which advocate for underrepresented talent in the VC and startup space. We emphasize the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the startup and venture capital communities, showcasing the work of organizations like La Familia. This episode provides insights into the challenges and triumphs of building diversity in the Chicago startup community and the potential for future initiatives dedicated to fostering inclusive growth.

Episode 41 -Yovana Rosales - CEO of Latinas with AI & Co-Founder of Latina Brilliance Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

On today’s episode of the Chicago Techies podcast, we sit down with the inspiring Yovana Rosales, CEO of Latinas with AI & Co-Founder of Latina Brilliance . We discuss her journey transitioning into marketing and eventually embracing the tech and entrepreneurial worlds. Yovana's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and being open to change.

We also explore the crucial issue of Latinx representation in tech and AI, and how this inspired Yovana to become a pivotal voice in AI advocacy. Additionally, we talk about the transformative potential of events like the Latina Brilliance Summit, a one-day event dedicated to empowering the Latina community through shared stories and addressing underrepresented topics across community, entrepreneurship, finance, and tech.

Connect with Yovana:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yovanarosales/

Yovana’s Website: https://www.yovanarosales.com/

Latina Brillianace: https://www.latinabrilliance.com/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

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

Episode 40 -Alex Gutierrez - CSM, Onboarding Manager @ Ingage.io Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Chicago Techies Podcast, we extend a warm welcome to Alex Gutierrez. Alex shares his unexpected journey into the tech industry, starting with his early career as a marketing manager for chiropractic offices. Despite initially pursuing marketing, Alex's father's influence played a significant role in steering him towards integrating technology into small businesses.

We discuss essential skills for success in this field, such as problem-solving, patience, and organization, and their importance in building relationships and managing clients. Additionally, we touch on the vibrant Latino tech community in Chicago and the importance of supporting local businesses.

We also dive into the collaborative spirit of Chicago's tech ecosystem, its potential as a tech hub, and our reflections on career progression, mentorship experiences, and insights into the growing tech community in Chicago.

Connect with Alex:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjgm/

Alex's Notion: https://alexjgutierrez.notion.site/Alex-Gutierrez-0a1f188b94d34b31b3ee0ca16dddf6ba

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

Episode 39 -Alexandra DeLuca - Manager of Talent Solutions at P33 Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Chicago Techies Podcast as we extend a warm welcome to Alexandria DeLuca, Talent Solutions Manager at P33. Alex joins us to share her career journey from her early days at Penn State, to the invaluable experiences that shaped her perspective, and the serendipity that led her to a city ripe with opportunity.

Alex lays out the roadmap for navigating such transitions, highlighting the strategic importance of networking, self-reflection, and recognizing transferable skills that can catapult you into a fulfilling new chapter. Alex's passion for her work shines through as she reflects on her personal growth and the various experiences that have shaped her career.

We also take a magnifying glass to pivotal programs that are reshaping Chicago's tech landscape through inclusivity and opportunity. These efforts are aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and offering opportunities to underrepresented communities. And with an invitation to Tech Chicago Week, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the tech sector and movement that’s elevating Chicago's status as a hub for diverse tech talent.

Connect with Alex:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-krall-deluca-92392899/

P33: https://p33chicago.com/

Tech Week Chicago: https://gotechchicago.com/week/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

Episode 38 -Josh Torres- Founder & Executive Leadership Coach at BE/volved Coaching Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

On this week's episode of the Chicago Techies podcast as we sit down with Josh Torres, whose journey weaves through the literary world and into the heart of innovation, revealing how his early love for reading and writing became the bedrock for his career path. As we unpack Josh's career trajectory, we get an insider's view of the bustling tech hubs of San Francisco, where early-stage companies like Square and Asana were crafting the future.

Josh underscores the importance of networking among communities of color, illustrating how such connections become a superpower for professional growth. We also delve into the critical role of support systems for entrepreneurs, the unique obstacles faced by founders of color, and the innovative approaches to funding that sidestep traditional venture capital.

At the heartbeat of our episode is the intricate work around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in tech, where Josh takes center stage. He reveals the undercurrents of culture within startups and the power of minority representation, unearthing the strategies that bridge the gap between diverse teams and their customer base. As we traverse his experiences, Josh's commitment to empowering communities of color becomes evident – networking isn't just a buzzword; it’s a superpower for professional advancement. We also address the shifting tides of DEI initiatives, the recent challenges, and the relentless pursuit to embed these values in the DNA of the tech industry.

Episode 37 -Juana Tatiana Estrada- Senior Event Manager at Latinas in Tech Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

It's not every day you meet someone whose childhood aspirations was to become a Cheetah Girl. Join us as we sit down with the talented Juana Tatiana Estrada. 🌃💻 With a candid look at the pressures of future planning and finding one's true calling, Juanita's story is a masterclass in adaptability and the pursuit of self-discovery. From her experiences with career pivots, embracing adaptability, to overcoming the pressures of expectations to find her place.

We also uncover the resilience required to transition and grow within the tech space, especially highlighted during the pandemic's shift to virtual events. 🌐✨

In this episode, you'll gain insight into:

- The transformative power of soft skills

- Navigating personal upheavals to achieve growth

- Crafting events that foster diversity and connection

- The continuous journey of professional development

Get ready for an intimate exploration of career development, the importance of storytelling, and how personal adversities can refine our professional paths.

Connect with Juana:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanatatianaestrada/

Juana's website: https://juanatatiana.com/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

Episode 36 - Ryan Lafler- President and CTO at Quantum Corridor Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

In this week’s episodes of the Chicago Techies Podcast we welcome President and CTO of the Quantum Corridor, Ryan Lafler, who takes us through a gripping journey from an Arizona kid enamored with tech to shaping the quantum communication frontier. Ryan shares his early passion for technology shaped by his father's Air Force background and his own unconventional path to success, focusing on practical engineering certifications.

In the heart of our conversation, Ryan paints a vivid picture of the Midwest's potential to become a tech powerhouse. We traverse the transformative impact of the Quantum Corridor Network and the implications for secure communication technologies. Ryan highlights how effective leadership involves combining creative thinking about the future with careful attention to detail. He wraps up with a rallying call for the untapped technological prospects of the Midwest, advocating for digital equity and workforce development. For those intrigued by the tech world's vibrant opportunities, Ryan's story reaffirms that chasing one's passion is more than a cliché—it's a blueprint for success and satisfaction in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Connect with Ryan:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlafler/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

Episode 35 - Loren Velasquez- Senior Software Engineer at Reverb Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Join us on a heartfelt journey with Loren Velazquez, Senior Software Engineer at Reverb, as they share their story of growing up in a Latinx immigrant household. This conversation sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of being a first-generation student and professional. From early aspirations rooted in biology and literature to pursuing a degree in bioinformatics, Loren’s narrative is a rich tapestry of personal ambition meeting the challenges and opportunities that shape a career in tech.

A simple Python class led Loren to pivot into a tech career that not only satisfied personal ambitions but also fueled a passion for community service. From analyzing budgets in Myanmar to tackling data during the Ebola outbreak, Loren's hands-on involvement with nonprofits is a testament to the significant change one can drive with the right skills.

Our discussion paints a picture of how support systems, mentorship, and a workplace that values diversity can positively influence career trajectories, especially for those from underrepresented groups in tech. They discuss the difficult decision to leave environments that lack support, emphasizing the need for companies to have established structures that champion diversity. Tune in to hear a story that's not just about making it in tech but also about making tech work for the greater good.

Connect with Loren:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenmvelasquez/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

Episode 34 - Yoetzin Diaz- Product Marketing Manager at Autodesk Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

We're kicking off 2024 with Yoetzin Diaz, a product marketing manager whose career took an exciting and unexpected turn towards the intersection of technology and construction. Yoetzin shares with us her early dreams of becoming an architect, her experiences of cultural adaptation, and the pivotal role of continuous learning and curiosity.

We cover the influence of innovative technologies like drones, AI, and AR in revolutionizing the construction industry, reshaping it from the ground up. Yoetzin's personal narrative of embracing change and her enthusiasm for technological advancements in an old-school industry offer insights into the dynamic nature of construction technology.

Yaotzin reflects on the challenges of shifting to a marketing role without a traditional background in the field and how she navigated gender dynamics in a predominantly male industry. Through her story, we share advice for those from underrepresented groups looking to break into the field and emphasize the importance of mentorship, believing in yourself, and giving back to the community.

Connect with Yoetzin:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoetzindiaz/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez

Episode 33 - Mariana Padilla - CEO and co-founder of KIKrr Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we welcome Mariana Padilla, the trailblazing CEO and co-founder of Kicker KIKRR, we're given a front-row seat to the resilience and vision it takes to climb to the top of the cybersecurity world. Mariana doesn't just share her story, she brings us into a world where adversity breeds innovation.

In the heart of our conversation, Mariana recounts the pivotal transitions that defined her career—from her formative years working at non-profits to pioneering her own marketing agency, and ultimately venturing into the cybersecurity industry during the tumultuous times of a global pandemic. As she narrates, you'll learn how the art of storytelling can bridge the gap between diverse pursuits, knitting together the fabric of fundraising, business development, and advocacy.

Tune in to hear how Mariana leverages her unique perspective as an outsider to demystify cybersecurity, making it more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses that are frequent targets of cybercrime. Mariana's personal stories of networking and mentorship reveal a community eager for industry transformation. Plus, she offers invaluable advice to folks interested in a career in cybersecurity, pointing to alternative education resources and emphasizing the importance of platforms and organizations that foster diversity and nurture talent in this field.

Connect with Mariana:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heretoshakeshitup/

KIKrr: https://kikrr.co/

Resources Mentioned:

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS): https://www.wicys.org/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

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

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

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez