Mayor Emanuel and Chicago tech companies connect with top student talent from leading universities in Atlanta

This month, Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined a delegation of leading Chicago tech companies to visit Georgia Tech University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College as part of the 2018 ThinkChicago Roadshow, a national tour to connect innovative Chicago businesses with rising talent. Made possible with the support from Relativity, the roadshow engaged undergraduate and graduate students in computer science, engineering, design, business, and other STEM disciplines to consider building their careers in Chicago.

At Spelman, Dr. Jerry Volcy, Professor Robert Hamilton, and VP Ingrid Hayes led Chicago tech companies through a tour of the Spelman Innovation Lab, a campus-wide makerspace founded in 2016 that features 3D printers, laser cutters, a 4-axis CNC router, and 3D scanner for students engaged in creative inquiry and experimental research. Provost Sharon Davies also hosted a lunch and fireside chat with Mayor Emanuel, where students asked about career opportunities with both startups, and fast-growing tech companies.

At Morehouse, Provost Michael Hodge welcomed Mayor Emanuel and the visiting Chicago companies with a presentation by leading Morehouse business scholars about their International Spring Tour program. The presentation was capped off with a conversation about building pipelines to directly connect Chicago tech companies with Morehouse graduates.

At Georgia Tech, Dean Zvi Galil and ChicagoNEXT Executive Director Alya Adamany Woods hosted a panel discussion featuring Chicago company representatives from Relativity, CCC Information Services, Aginity, and Noirefy to talk about emerging opportunities for students and graduates in Chicago’s tech sector. Mayor Emanuel took questions from STEM student leaders and shared his vision for what’s next for Chicago in tech and entrepreneurship.

With the tremendous support of Relativity as a Title Sponsor, the ThinkChicago Roadshow has provided nearly 2,000 top engineering and business students the opportunity to meet with leading technology companies. The Roadshow is part of the broader ThinkChicago program that reaches top students who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship and immerses them in Chicago’s vibrant tech scene.

For more information, visit thinkchicago.net.