JULY 2027 | RSVP NOW
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The Future of Commerce, Chicago’s premier business and technology summit, is taking place during TECHWEEK CHICAGO. This year's event will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from diverse industries.
The Future of Commerce aims to highlight the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
From AI-powered workshops to a Maker Faire showcasing Chicago’s finest builders, this event is designed to inspire collaboration and spark new ventures!
What to Expect
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The Next Gen AI Hackathon is a hands-on innovation challenge where entrepreneurs, students, creators, and community leaders collaborate to develop AI-powered solutions for real-world challenges. With guidance from industry mentors and AI experts, teams will turn bold ideas into impactful solutions that help shape the future of Chicago. No coding experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and a desire to make a difference.
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Showcase your products, prototypes, inventions, and creative work at the Maker Faire Demo Market, a featured experience at the Future of Commerce Summit. Bringing together makers, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, and innovators, this interactive marketplace is designed to connect you with customers, collaborators, and business opportunities during Tech Chicago Week.
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Beyond the Next Gen AI Hackathon and Maker Faire Demo Market, the Future of Commerce Summit offers an evening of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. Explore the latest in clean energy, entrepreneurship, workforce development, sustainability, and emerging technologies while connecting with leaders, creators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of business and community.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
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In Conversation: The Future of Commerce & Community
Jeff Nelson | Keynote Afrotech, Blavity Jeff Nelson is a technical entrepreneur and software architect reshaping how enterprises put AI to work. He is the Co-Founder and COO of Blavity Inc., the leading media and technology company for culture, innovation and community and home to AfroTech, the largest global gathering of innovators and inclusive tech companies. He is also the Founder and CEO of Cinchapi, a platform that turns fragmented data and AI into operations that run autonomously. He is the author of Hacking the Startup Paradox, a guide for founders navigating the contradictions of entrepreneurship. Across his ventures, Jeff has raised more than $12 million in venture funding, generated millions in recurring revenue, and created lasting opportunities for underrepresented communities. He also serves as a startup advisor, fractional CTO, and keynote speaker.
Alderman William Moore, 6th Ward | Keynote https://www.facebook.com/hall.william
Felicia Slaton-Young | Keynote Moderator Executive Director & Co-Founder, Greater Englewood Chamber Felicia Slaton-Young is the founder and owner of Belle Lucre, LLC, a financial advisory firm based in Chicago, Illinois. She has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and more than 15 years as a financial advisor. She holds a BA in Business and an MBA from Webster University. Felicia Slaton-Young is a founding member and Executive Director of the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce and GE Chamber Foundation, two organizations with a mission to transform Greater Englewood into a popular commercial and retail destination by advising, developing, and showcasing its established businesses and acting as a comprehensive economic development partner. Felicia is currently a board member of St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Centers’ mission calls us to care for the sick and promote the health of the residents in the community while witnessing the Christian values of respect, dignity, caring, and compassion for all persons. Relationships are key and Felicia believes building and developing strong have allowed her to grow and sustain her business and build lasting relationships between businesses and community.
Building Sustainable Communities
Christopher Edwards | Moderator Evolve Christopher Edwards is a visionary leader with over 14 years of combined expertise in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership. His profound commitment to social impact is evident through direct involvement in community upliftment projects. Leveraging his extensive background in team leadership and strategic marketing, Christopher drives sustainable initiatives, supporting underserved communities through renewable energy solutions.
Rob Wallace | Panelist RDW Consulting/JIREH Rob brings more than 15 years of global experience as an electrical and energy engineer, project manager, and business consultant. His expertise in renewable energy system design and development, system implementation, training, and technology management has traversed countries in North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Rob has developed and built more than 200 MW of solar and wind projects and has worked in the power market focusing on frequency response, energy arbitrage and battery storage.
Esther Kim | Panelist Illinois Power Agency, DEI Partnerships Manager Esther Kim is the DEI Partnerships Manager at the Illinois Power Agency where she leads strategic initiatives and partnerships with clean energy stakeholders-- including equitable eligible contractors and persons. community-based organizations, other government agencies, funders, and others-- to advance the IPA’s commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in Illinois’ clean energy economy. In her previous role at the Chicago Jobs Council, she assisted in operationalizing the first workforce programs under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to increase access to clean energy jobs for communities often excluded from economic opportunity. Raised on O'ahu and now living in Illinois, Esther hopes to contribute unique cultural considerations for how we can develop policies that are driven by communities and for communities.
Treddest Page | Panelist Director of Workforce Development, 548 Foundation Treddest is the Director of Workforce Development and lead instructor at the 548 Foundation, a Chicago nonprofit that runs a free Clean Energy Training Program that pays students $18/hour while they train in solar installation, EV charging, and energy auditing — targeting people who’ve faced real barriers: limited education, criminal records, foster-system backgrounds. More than 80% of graduates land jobs averaging $24/hour, many installing panels in their own neighborhoods.
Senyo Ador | Panelist Co-Founder & CEO of Sẽsẽnergi Eco Solutions Enterprise Senyo Ador is the co-founder and CEO of Sẽsẽnergi Eco Solutions Enterprise (Sesenergi), a Chicago-based clean energy firm headquartered on the city's west side in North Lawndale.
Culture and Commerce
Ebony Karim | Panelist Ebony J. Karim is the Founder and CEO of The Beauty Genie®, a beauty-intelligence and technology company redefining how consumers discover, experience, and access textured hair care. A seasoned technology executive with more than 20 years of experience leading multimillion-dollar IT infrastructure initiatives and managing large-scale federal programs, Ebony brings enterprise-level systems thinking into the beauty industry. Through AI-powered vending technology, data-driven product insights, and culturally grounded STEM education programs, The Beauty Genie® sits at the intersection of commerce, culture, and innovation. The company partners with universities, brands, transit systems, and community organizations to increase accessibility to multicultural beauty products while building a scalable beauty-intelligence infrastructure. Ebony’s work extends beyond retail innovation. As a STEM educator, she develops curriculum and immersive programs that teach young people the science behind beauty — from cosmetic chemistry to artificial intelligence — creating pathways for the next generation of technologists, founders, and innovators. Author of the e-book “So You Want To Be A Federal Contractor” (2nd Edition, released December 2025), Ebony draws on her 20+ years managing large-scale federal programs to guide aspiring contractors through the government procurement landscape. Named one of Georgia’s 100 Women of Excellence by the Georgia House of Representatives (2026), Ebony is recognized for her leadership at the intersection of innovation, culture, and community impact. About The Beauty Genie® The Beauty Genie® is a beauty-tech company merging data, culture, and accessibility to transform how textured hair care is distributed and understood. Through smart vending experiences, AI-powered hair analysis integrations, and brand-facing analytics, the platform modernizes beauty retail while centering representation. Rooted in cultural storytelling and technological precision, The Beauty Genie® is building the infrastructure that allows beauty brands to move from product placement to intelligence-led engagement. Vision & Impact “Technology is not just about convenience — it is about connection. When applied intentionally, it becomes a tool for representation, access, and economic opportunity.” Ebony’s mission is to ensure that innovation and inclusion coexist in every environment — from campuses to corporate ecosystems to community spaces. She is committed to elevating the science of beauty and positioning it as both a cultural force and a technological frontier. Speaking & Media Topics • The Future of Beauty Tech & AI • Building Beauty Intelligence Infrastructure • Bridging Culture, Commerce & Innovation • STEM Education Through the Science of Beauty • Entrepreneurship, Systems Thinking & Inclusion Selected Press & Recognition • Georgia’s 100 Women of Excellence — Georgia House of Representatives (2026) • Author: “So You Want To Be A Federal Contractor” — 2nd Edition, December 2025 • Featured in Forbes, Essence, and Black Enterprise • MYAVANA Retail Innovation Academy Fellow • Melanin Money Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee • Speaker: Black Women in STEM (CPS) • Strategic Partnerships: Crossroads Theatre Company, Black Is Gold Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Chicago Connect Website: www.beautywishesinabox.com Email: info@thebeautygenie.co Location: Chicago, IL Media Contact: Synergy PR Services cwright@synergyprservices.com
Miracle Da God | Moderator Miracle DaGod is a multidisciplinary designer, creative director, and recording artist from Chicago whose work exists at the intersection of luxury fashion, street culture, and contemporary art. Drawing inspiration from the city’s architecture, hip-hop legacy, and the disruptive design philosophies of Virgil Abloh, Miracle creates experiences that blur the lines between product, art installation, and cultural conversation. As the founder and creative force behind Maison Booleg, he has developed a distinct visual language built on airbrush graphics, luxury reinterpretation, graffiti typography, and elevated craftsmanship. His collections challenge traditional ideas of exclusivity by remixing iconic fashion references into original works that celebrate Chicago’s creative identity while speaking to a global audience. Beyond fashion, Miracle approaches music as an extension of his design philosophy. Every project—from garments and accessories to visual campaigns and performances—is treated as part of a larger world where storytelling, nostalgia, and innovation coexist. His work is rooted in the belief that clothing should communicate the same emotion and permanence as fine art. Known for conceptual projects inspired by museums, architecture, sports culture, and luxury houses, Miracle’s creative process is driven by intention rather than trend. Whether designing limited-edition pieces, curating immersive pop-ups, or creating music, his mission is to build cultural moments that feel timeless. With Chicago as both his foundation and inspiration, Miracle DaGod represents a new generation of creatives who refuse to separate art, fashion, music, and community—proving that the future of luxury is not simply about what you wear, but the story you choose to tell.
Deida K. Massey | Panelist Deida K. Massey is the embodiment of purpose-driven power. As a beauty industry entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and community advocate, she doesn’t just talk about impact-she lives it. From launching Reel Beauty Inc. to empowering girls in Chicago and Africa, to founding Bixa Beauty, a luxury vegan brand that celebrates cultural identity, Deida merges glamor with grit. Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, Illinois; Deida K. Massey is the Founder and CEO of Reel Beauty, Inc. Twenty-five years ago she took a leap of faith by leaving her 9 to 5 job as an advocate for abused and neglected children with The Cook County Public Guardians Office and moved to Los Angeles to start a career as a makeup artist in TV and Film. While living in LA; Deida quickly landed opportunities working on music videos, editorial shoots and working with many celebrities. Later she, returned home and began working as a makeup artist and Key artist on films; Divergent, Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed film Chi-raq, Transformers 3, Netflix’s BEATS, Widows and more. With lots of sacrifice, hard work, commitment, and perseverance Deida landed a Key Makeup Artist position on the hit NBC TV show Chicago Fire. She worked with the One Chicago hit show for 7 years. Deida later became the key makeup for two seasons. Soon she took another leap of FAITH and left the One Chicago Franchise and began a key makeup artist position on FOX’s The Big Leap in 2021, Disney’s “Saturdays” in 2022 and The Emperor of Ocean Park starring Forest Whittaker in 2024. Her many years as a makeup artist has gained her valuable experience in the entertainment industry. As a Serial Entrepreneur, her proudest accomplishment is being the Founder/CEO of her organization Reel Beauty, Inc. The organization is a 501 (c) (3) that has serviced girls for 20 years throughout Chicago and within Chicago Public Schools. In 2010, Deida took her program internationally and implemented Reel Beauty’s curriculum in Swahili at The Uzima Center in Mwanza, Tanzania with 30 girls. To date through her philanthropic efforts, the organization has helped the girls and their families with housing and education. Reel Beauty’s biggest initiative has been a large distribution of aiding hygienic products through The Global Health Initiative at the University of Chicago, The Los Angeles Unified School District, Nefuse Case Management along with countless volunteers. In April of 2021, Deida launched Bixa Beauty, Inc. Bixa Beauty is a vegan friendly luxury beauty brand with an initial product lip line of 16 highly-pigmented colors that are GMO-free, paraben free and Cruelty-free. 10% of every product purchase empowers educational opportunities and entrepreneurial development for young women through their partnership with the Uzima Center in Mwanza, Tanzania. In 2016, Deida penned her first beauty memoir, ‘Face Values-The Foundation of Beauty.’ She is also the co-owner of business collaborations; Last Looks Chicago a women-minority owned business for professionals in the TV and Film industry and Social STEAM Global. Two of Deida’s current goals is to produce a biography series and win an Oscar and Emmy for makeup in a TV series and Motion Picture feature. Deida’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and results. She brings authenticity, vision, and a heart for service-qualities that resonate deeply with today’s audiences. Deida doesn’t just want the spotlight-she uses it to light the path for others.
Jesse Steward Jr. Founder, Alexander James
Next Gen AI Hackathon
Natika Washington Next Gen AI Hackathon: Coordinator
Emily Absher, Executive Coordinator, Strides for Peace Next Gen AI Hackathon: Judge Emily Absher representing Strides for Peace - Founded in Chicago in 2014, Strides for Peace is dedicated to ending gun violence by supporting the work of community-based organizations leading violence prevention efforts. Our mission is to empower, amplify, and invest in grassroots organizations by providing fundraising resources, strategic partnerships, and capacity-building support through the Race Against Gun Violence program and National Gun Violence Prevention Expo. We believe that a collaborative, holistic approach is essential to achieving lasting change. @stridesforpeace on Instagram
Brandon Andrews CEO of The inexorable, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Gauge Next Gen AI Hackathon: Judge Brandon Andrews is CEO of The Inexorable, a consulting firm, and co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Gauge, an AI-driven mobile market research platform connecting brands to consumers and influencers. A former U.S. Senate staffer turned entrepreneur and investor, Brandon has spent over a decade casting entrepreneurs for ABC's Shark Tank and REVOLT's Bet on Black, engaging thousands of founders each year. Named a Global Innovation Fellow by the U.S. Department of State, he has led business and AI-focused programming across Asia, Africa, and Europe, and has advised major brands including Intuit, Cargill, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Brandon hosts the Impact with AI podcast and has hosted global events such as Web Summit, the Clinton Global Initiative, and the World AI Conference.
Barbara Suplit, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS Next Gen AI Hackathon: Judge Barbara Suplit, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS is Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Practice at Stanford Medicine Children's Health | Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. A pediatric nurse practitioner and pediatric mental health specialist, she spent over two decades at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, including as Interim Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Advanced Practice Providers and 20 years in the Department of Psychiatry, where she became a recognized voice on pediatric mental health access and policy in Illinois. At Stanford, she leads a center dedicated to the development, education, and leadership of advanced practice providers across the health system.
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Did you miss last year's Future of Commerce Summit?
We more than doubled the number of registrants for Future of Commerce 2025 (compared to 2024).
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