1871 Announces 14 Companies Joining Spring WiSTEM Cohort

We celebrated the hard work of the first Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce x 1871 Hispanic Tech Cohort. Right before the event kicked off we rolled a video that shed light on how the program impacted each member. Food and drink were provided by Felix’s Famous Cookies, Amanecer Breakfast Tacos, Atzimba – Catering & Event Services and Dulcelandia/Yogolandia Sweet & Savory. All Hispanic owned businesses.

[Read more…] about Watch: The Hispanic Technology Incubator Recap

Check out this Polar Plunge recap video! Wondering where the GoPro footage came from? Our very own COO, Tom Alexander, strapped on a headband GoPro rig for a first person look at ALL the fun. BRRRRRR!!! The water was so cold, but it didn’t phase us! We’re proud of our team for sticking it out and taking the plunge for a great cause.

[Read more…] about Watch: 1871 Team Polar Plunges!

It was a Fight Club…but without the fighting and without the men. Every month, the women would huddle in a friend’s apartment to share sexist job frustrations and trade tips for how best to tackle them. These women weren’t just there to vent. They needed battle tactics. And so the Feminist Fight Club was born. Author Jessica Bennett shared with our community the bruises, scrapes, and scars that mark their experience – and ultimately their victories – in battling office sexism. 

[Read more…] about Battle Scars: Feminist Fight Club Author Jessica Bennett on Battling Office Sexism with Practical Hacks

Kristen Sonday is the founder of Paladin, an online platform that connects legal professionals to pro bono opportunities, and was also a member of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and 1871’s first cohort of their joint accelerator program. She was chosen from 45 applicants to serve as the 2017 EIR, focusing on diversity and inclusion efforts in the entrepeneurship community.

[Read more…] about Kristen Sonday Announced as 1871’s 2017 Entrepreneur In Residence

At 1871, each staff member is allocated a cash allotment to donate to a charity of their choice. On the 1871 blog, we’re highlighting the stories behind these donations. This week, we’re featuring Vanessa Yeh, Manager, Brand Experience; Khadijah McGill, Administrative Assistant; and Jihan Bibb, Manager of Events. Read on to learn about their choice causes!

[Read more…] about #1871Gives: 1871 Team Shares Their Support for Inclusion, Open Government and Criminal Justice Causes

At 1871, each staff member is allocated a cash allotment to donate to a charity of their choice. On the 1871 blog, we’re highlighting the stories behind these donations. Read on to learn how Jessica William, Co-Facilitator of WiSTEM; Laura Fendrich, Manager of Recruiting; Teddi Weigel, Events Assoicate; and Adam Milich, Facilities Coordinator decided to give back.

[Read more…] about #1871Gives: 1871 Staff Share Their Stories of Giving to Social, Community and Healthcare Causes

With so many faces and characters in the 1871 community, it’s no wonder you’ll never get the same answer twice to a question. For Black History Month, we spent some time with our members and asked them: What African American entrepreneur, innovator or inventor inspires you?

[Read more…] about Portraits of Black History Month

Twelve Latinx-led startups joined 1871 in late October for a 12-week accelerator program co-facilitated by 1871 and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. As they progress through the cohort program and prepare for their Demo Day March 1, we’ll be posting Q&As with each company on the 1871 blog to introduce them to the community. This week, Jorge E. Samayoa, CEO of Tripmate, talks about the travel platform he and his co-founders are building to help travelers experience Panama like a local.

[Read more…] about Meet a Member: Jorge E. Samayoa of Tripmate