With the rise of tech in Chicago, it’s easy to see the people that emerge as high-profile figures in the innovation economy. Though the accomplishments of these founders, CEOs, and industry leaders are undoubtedly well deserved, there are amazing people behind every idea and team that go unrecognized. I want to take the opportunity to highlight some of the real heroes paving the way for the tech community through their passions and humility. Here are seven of Chicago’s unsung heroes:
1) Deena Siegal - 1871 Events Associate
Imagine the coordination of events and workshops that maneuver inside the Incubator space every day. Deena mixes a get-it-done attitude with rock-solid reliability, making sure everyone’s needs are met. It’s not easy coordinating between with startups, founders and a community that is growing at an alarming rate. She always has the time to listen to a multitude of questions from the members, and I can’t count the number of times my colleagues and I have said, “Deena, you’re awesome.”
2) Tim Jahn - Co-Founder, Entrepreneurs Unpluggd
Tim Jahn is dedicated to inspiring innovation in Chicago and has been integral to strengthening our tech scene. His passion for the startup community began in 2009 with his work on “Beyond the Pedway.” In this video series, he highlighted creative entrepreneurs in Chicago to help inspire ideas and action in the community. That passion turned into a staple event series in the Chicago community called “Entrepreneurs Unpluggd,” and we’ve seen this very event usher in some of the best names in tech. Tim continues to bolster our growing companies with his work on Matchist-- a platform connecting software companies with talented developers in the U.S.
3) Desiree Fuzak - Experience Coordinator, NextDoor Chicago
Behind the success of NextDoor Chicago, a community gathering space created as an idea of StateFarm, lives a hard working and passionate person that connects the community. Desiree can be seen creating educational programming, event planning, marketing and making NextDoor one of the most treasured gathering spaces in the city. She has an unrelentless passion for helping people build their ideas and being a resource to the community. NextDoor was one of the first spaces to host many Startup Institute workshops and excited to see them continue to be a resource in the Lakeview neighborhood and beyond.
4) Jonathan Pasky - Principal & CEO, PaskyGruberScatchell LLC
Before the resurrection of 1871, a group of passionate entrepreneurs gathered in an empty office space where startups gave pitches on an elevated platform and talked about their hopes of changing the world. This small gathering grew from an empty office floor to an entire tech conference now known as TechWeek. We have Jonathan to thank for this celebration of up-and-coming tech hubs-- bringing our community together under a global spotlight. Now, Jonathan helps entrepreneurs and growing companies protect their awesome products and intellectual property at his law firm, PaskyGruberScatchell LLC.
5) Tom Denison - Chicago Chapter Director, Startup Grind
A mentor and advisor to many entrepreneurs in Chicago while also leading the Chicago Chapter of Startup Grind, Tom is Chicago’s super-connector. At every Startup Grind event, he only asks one thing-- to make at least one meaningful connection. Tom’s drive to connect has fueled him to launch WooChat, an application that allows people to make valuable connections at events and TechWauk Health, an incubator / accelerator for healthcare focused startups.
6) Adam London - Corporate Development Manager, Groupon
Adam is the king of pay-it-forward. Adam’s experiences at Lightbank and Groupon have afforded him a front-row view of the startup ecosystem in Chicago and, like a true hero, Adam chooses to use this power for good (not evil). When he isn’t crushing it at Groupon or feeding the ecosystem as a board member at VentureUp, Adam is mentoring the great thinkers and leaders of Chicago tech’s future. He is at Startup Institute every session, without fail, working with our students to transition their careers into the startup world.
7) Rhonda Fair - 1871 Receptionist
It’s hard not to notice this smile greeting you every time you walk into 1871. The smile comes from Rhonda, everyday morning you pass through the front desk at 1871. The city’s tech hub for digital startups sees a lot of traffic, and Rhonda not only treats every visitor with a smile and a welcome, but can be seen helping 1871 members at every turn. Startups can learn a lot about customer service if they spend some time with Rhonda, and customer service is just as important as the product itself. Whenever there’s a question in 1871, you can bet that Rhonda has your answer.
**Editor’s note via Lisa Schumacher, Startup Institute Program Director**
8) Carlo Navarro - Community Marketing Manager, Startup Institute
Carlo is our own unsung hero here at Startup Institute, and he needs to be on this list. We all suspect he has a secret offshore army of people helping him. The work he manages in the name of helping individuals find startup careers they’ll love is unfathomable. Carlo is an amazing dad to 2, and very soon 3, kids (his “ultimate startups” as he says), and he is very passionate about startups. Carlo balances event planning, content and social media marketing, networking, student mentorship and programming. Carlo’s boundless positivity and quiet can-do attitude are an inspiration to us all.
The list above is just a small sample of the many unsung heroes in the Chicago startup community. We’re sure you know many more awesome people like them who are making Windy City tech better and stronger. Cheers! This one goes out to them.
