Mike Ellis, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Johnson Controls

As the lines between Art & Science continue to blur, hear from Mike Ellis, Chief Digital & Customer Officer, on how Johnson Controls is driving forward innovation to deliver unrealized customer value through the intersection of intelligent technology and human experience.

Michael Zimmer, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Marquette University sponsored by Data Holdings

This critical seminar will provide insight and the importance of securing your data before, during, and after a crisis.

Asha George, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Dell Technologies sponsored by VMware and Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is committed to driving human progress. Progress Made Real is their plan to create a positive and lasting social impact on humankind and the planet through 2030 — using their reach, technology and people. Asha George, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, will share their plan focused on advancing sustainability, cultivating inclusion and transforming lives, all underpinned by a commitment to upholding ethics and privacy. Dell Technologies’ 2030 goals span each of their focus areas and are foundational to their business and values.

(A) Expanding MKE’s Tech Talent requires New Approaches: Moderated by Kathy Henrich, CEO, MKE Tech Hub Coalition
Panelists: Neal Sample, CIO, Northwestern Mutual; Tim Schilke Delivery Executive, West Bend Mutual Insurance, Rashi Khosla Founder, Mars Solution Group, Ryan Hoyle, Program Executive for Outsource to America, GalaxE.Solutions

The MKE Tech Hub Coalition’s goal of doubling the tech talent in the region is only possible through developing the talent in a way which is reflective of the region’s population. This requires creating non-traditional on-ramps into the tech field including dedicated coding camps, apprenticeships, or re-skilling opportunities. During this conversation, we’ll hear from organizations who have enhanced their teams through non-traditional talent sources including their successes, challenges, and lessons learned.

(B) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Tech Industry: Moderated by Sheldon Cuffie, Vice President & Enterprise Chief Information Security Officer, American Family Insurance
Panelists: Diamond Lewis, Chief Technology Officer, CASHDROP; Ben Juarez, Co-Founder, Latinos In Tech; Dana Guthrie, Product Manager at Johnson Controls & Managing Director & Founder of Alchemy Angel Investors; Nadiyah Johnson, Founder of Jet Constellations 

In the corporate environment or within the start-up community, the ecosystem benefits from a variety of perspectives and contributors. A panel featuring representatives from all different positions within the tech community will share their experiences as leaders of color who build business and work with the intention to increase opportunities.

(C) Corporate Capital on the Rise: John McDonald, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn; S.C.Dan Reed, Managing Director, American Family Ventures; Jason Franklin, Founding Managing Director, WV Ventures

One of the most significant sources of capital and startup ecosystem support in the Midwest has been from corporations. Join our panelists as they discuss what may be driving the influx of corporate venture investing, their outlook for the next year, and potential opportunities for corporations and startups in the Midwest.

(D) For Entrepreneurs – Growth Strategy and Business Planning Workshop Series – Strategic Planning: Girish Ramachandra & Marcie Bomberg, Wipfli

Wipfli’s Growth Strategy and Business Planning Workshop Series will provide participants with tools and insights to help overcome many of the challenges faced by tech businesses and start-ups surrounding the growth of their companies. This seminar is designed to help all size companies scaleup. The workshop will include discussion on strategic planning in identifying the right goals and tracking through measurements of key results.