Emerging Consumer - S3 Inbound Chicago Tech
Whether you’ve just landed at O'Hare, been here your whole life, or are somewhere in between – Inbound Chicago Tech is your 5-week virtual accelerator to plug into today’s Chicago and move up tomorrow. Join one session or all five to hear from industry leaders shaping one of the world’s most dynamic and diversified regional entrepreneurial economies.
At our third session, "Emerging Conumer," on April 30 you will hear from:
Amira Khatib – Vice President at Bluestein Ventures, an early-stage firm backing visionary founders transforming how we eat, move, and live. An Iowa native, Amira came to Chicago via Los Angeles and New York, starting her MBA at Booth during the pandemic. Her background spans marketing at Whole Foods, a natural beverage startup, and early-stage investing at Listen Ventures and Harlem Capital. Now based in Chicago, she’s deeply involved in the city’s growing venture ecosystem.
Maggie Abeles – Vice President at NewBound Ventures, where she supports high-growth consumer brands and tech startups from Seed to Series A. With a national view on the evolving consumer economy, Maggie brings expertise in fundraising, market strategy, and diligence. She’s also a board member and advisor to emerging brands in beauty, health, and commerce—and an active connector in Chicago’s venture landscape.
Holly Glowaty – CEO of Unifi Group and a fintech strategist with deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and payments innovation. A co-founder of FinFoundHer and the Flourish Conference, Holly has long worked at the intersection of fintech, retail, and branded currency. She’s a founding member of FinTEx’s Fintech Women and a trusted advisor across the fintech space.
Kenyata Martin – Brand Innovation Lead at Kimberly-Clark and Founder of Thought Process, a boutique strategy consultancy. Kenyata leads long-term brand and innovation strategy for Kimberly-Clark’s $3B Baby and Child Care portfolio, including Huggies and Pull-Ups. With leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Shell, and Nestlé, he brings deep experience in building consumer brands that center real people. Now based in Chicago, he’s focused on inclusive growth and unlocking what’s next in brand development.
Full Series Schedule
April 30 – S3 Emerging Consumer: Food, Fin, and Beyond
Join for one session OR all sessions. Your choice.
What You’ll Gain
🔍 Explore Chicago’s Diversified, Vibrant Tech Ecosystem
Get insider views into emerging fields like hard tech, life sciences, fintech, quantum, and climate tech—all from wherever you are.
💬 Engage with Local Leaders
Hear directly from Chicago innovators during weekly virtual panels with interactive Q&A and discussion.
👥 Advice on Connecting In and Growing Community
Hear how others who have recently moved to or returned to Chicago have found their footing, built community, and grown their careers.
🔮 Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Tech Landscape
The landscape is evolving in tech. You’ll get a forward-looking perspective on what’s emerging, what is changing, and where new opportunities are taking root.
Inbound Chicago Tech Program Overview
🗓 Dates: April 16 – May 14, 2025
🕒 Time: Wednesdays, 3–4pm CT
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)