Speakers | Women Tech Founders

Stories that inspire

Roya Mahboob

Founder, Digital Citizen Fund

Roya is using technology to change the lives of tens of thousands of women in Afghanistan. Video>

Kristi Ross

CoFounder, CEO dough, inc.

Kristi’s award-winning options-trading platform is transforming the way millions think about investing. Video>

Kaney O'Neil

CoFounder, O'Neil Construction

After a hurricane blew veteran Kaney O’Neill off a balcony – resulting in paraplegia, Kaney blew the stereotype of what’s achievable when you have the spirit of an entrepreneur. Video>

Elena Valentine

Founder, SkillScout

Elena’s passion to connect at-risk youth to employment, led her to build a revolutionary video-based startup. Video>

Brenna Berman

Chicago CIO and Commissioner, Dept. of Innovation and Technology

Brenna Berman has been working with the Emanuel administration since 2011, most recently working to create an “open and data-driven government”.

Watch Brenna’s story

Shivani Jain

CoFounder at Cubii

“Don’t let your lack of experience deter you from trying something new.”

See Shivani’s story

Dana Oswald

Founder, Veterans Prime

Dana is a former marine who is helping transitioning veterans find jobs.

See Dana’s story

Samara Mejia

Sr. Assoc. MATH Venture Partners

Samara is a venture capital investor who specializes in digital and tech companies.

See Samara’s story

Dima Elissa

Founder, VisMed3D

Dima shares her conviction on execution trumping over analysis.

See the story.

Rose Afriyie

Founder, mRelief

Rose is helping Chicago residents easily find out if they are eligible for social services with her text and app based startup MRelief.

See Rose’s story

Lisa Davidson

Executive Managing Director, Savills Studley

Lisa Davidson is a champion for women in the Chicago commercial real estate community and in the tech community.

Watch Lisa’s story

Ann Marie

Partner at Vue Ventures

Ann Marie, has advised, mentored and managed over 30 companies. Hear her thoughts on her career path.

See Ann Marie’s story

Desiree Vargas Wrigley

Founder, GiveForward

Desiree created one of America’s leading online platforms for helping friends and families in times of challenges. Video >

Sharon Schneider

Founder, Moxie Jean & CoFounder, WTF

See Sharon’s Story >

Stacy Ratner

CoFounder, Hooray Learning

Stacy launched three for-profit companies with a combined $30 million in venture funding, then switched to the nonprofit sector in 2006. See Stacy’s Story >