Read the short biographies below and get to know the featured guests joining us for the 2026 Chicago Tech Forum: Leading and Advancing in the Age of AI, taking place on Tuesday, May 19 at the exclusive Foundation Room inside House of Blues Chicago. This year’s distinguished panel brings together accomplished leaders spanning AI strategy, healthcare innovation, leadership development, and workforce transformation—each bringing unique expertise and real-world perspectives to a timely conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, business, and the future of work.
Their combined experience and insights will make for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion, offering attendees valuable takeaways they can apply in their own professional journeys. Plus, beyond the panel itself, the evening offers exceptional high-level networking before and after the program with fellow professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators in one of Chicago’s most distinctive private members-only venues. Secure your registration, CLICK HERE
Refugio Atilano— CEO & President, Refugio Atilano Consulting
Refugio is a nationally recognized leadership expert, cultural competency strategist, author, and speaker dedicated to advancing the next generation of leaders. As founder of Refugio Atilano Consulting and Los Duques, he helps organizations and professionals accelerate leadership development, strengthen cultural intelligence, and drive measurable business impact. With executive leadership experience at major organizations including AbbVie and United Airlines, Refugio has built a reputation for transforming teams, elevating ERG leadership, and connecting culture to business strategy. He is also the author of The Latino Leadership Playbook, a widely praised resource focused on empowering Latino professionals and emerging leaders to achieve career and leadership excellence.
Daniel Gonzalez — Clinical Pharmacist & Founder, ClarityRx Advisory
Daniel is a bilingual clinical pharmacist, healthcare strategist, and founder of ClarityRx Advisory, where he helps healthcare leaders navigate the intersection of AI governance, cybersecurity, compliance, and clinical operations. With more than 14 years of experience spanning retail, hospital, specialty, and managed care pharmacy, Dan has led high-volume operations, quality initiatives, and patient safety programs impacting thousands of patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he directed vaccination efforts in underserved Chicago communities, helping oversee the delivery of more than 10,000 vaccinations. Today, he advises healthcare organizations on implementing practical, secure, and patient-centered AI and governance strategies, combining frontline clinical expertise with emerging technology leadership.
Martina Matthews — Founder, MISS ChatGPT 101
Martina Matthews is an AI literacy speaker, educator, and founder of Miss ChatGPT101, a Chicago-based AI education and consulting platform helping professionals, students, educators, and small businesses confidently embrace artificial intelligence. A former founding team member at Chegg with more than 20 years in technology and customer operations, Martina has become a recognized voice in practical AI adoption, digital upskilling, and workforce readiness. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and advisory leadership roles, she empowers individuals and organizations to build AI fluency, strengthen digital visibility, and prepare for the future of work with confidence and clarity.
Daniel Contreras — Founder & Fractional Chief AI Officer, Optimista
Daniel is a seasoned technology executive, AI strategist, and founder of Optimista, where he serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer and Executive AI Advisor to senior leaders navigating AI transformation. With more than 25 years of experience spanning consulting, enterprise technology leadership, and digital transformation, Daniel has held senior roles at Microsoft, Accenture, and BP, bringing a uniquely well-rounded perspective from the consultant, vendor, and client sides of technology adoption. Today, he helps organizations move beyond AI experimentation into meaningful adoption by focusing on leadership alignment, culture, change management, and practical execution that drives measurable business impact.
The Foundation Room is a private, members-only venue, walk-up registration will not be available. Sign up today!
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