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AI at Work, AI for Good – Symposium

October 14 @ 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free
πŸ“ Location: DePaul Center (1 E Jackson Blvd), 8th floor SPARK Center (Room 8010)
πŸ“… Date & Time: October 14, 2025 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM CDT

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This half-day symposium brings together industry leaders, academic researchers, social innovators, and technology providers to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work and society at large. From workforce development and career readiness to data-driven platforms that empower connected workers, optimize industrial operations, and strengthen community resilience, the program highlights real-world applications, research breakthroughs, and initiatives advancing AI for Social Good.

Sessions will feature insights into industrial innovation, applied research from DePaul University, and a spotlight on emerging technologies such as digital twins, contextualized data models, and workforce analytics that are shaping the future of enterprise transformation. The agenda also examines how AI can contribute to humanitarian logistics, community health, and broader societal impact.

Designed as a collaborative forum, the symposium connects executives, scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to discuss the future of work in an AI-driven economy, spanning talent pipelines, industrial platforms, and social good initiatives.

 

Nezih Altay

Nezih Altay
Professor & Fulbright Scholar
DePaul University
Elias Brown

Elias Brown
North American Data Manager
Vallourec
Kathy Fulton

Kathy Fulton
Executive Director
American Logistics Aid Network
Martin Gonzales

Martin Gonzales
Director of Innovation
BP

Konrad Konarski
Chairperson
AI Applied Consortium
Ron Norris

Ron Norris
Retired Director of Innovation
Georgia Pacific
Kevin Patel

Kevin Patel
Student Researcher
DePaul University
Tushar Vantaram

Tushar Vantaram
Student Researcher
DePaul University
Vishwa Teja

Vishwa Teja
Student Researcher
DePaul University
Mike McFarlane

Mike McFarlane
Director of Digitalization (Ret.)
BASF
Adam J. Hecktman

Adam J. Hecktman
Head of Community Impact
Forgood.io
Michael Burgess

Michael Burgess
Vice President
Crenlo Engineered Cabs

 

Main Session – Agenda

1:00 – 1:20 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Opening remarks on the symposium by framing the role of AI in shaping workforce development, industrial transformation, and social good initiatives, and by setting the tone for collaboration across industry, academia, and community impact.


1:20 – 1:30 PM | SPARK Center Director Welcome
Brief welcome and overview of the SPARK Center resources and services.


1:30 – 2:10 PM | Keynote: Workforce Development in the Age of AI
Mike McFarlane, Retired Director of Digitalization, BASF
Drawing from decades of leadership in digital transformation, Mike will share perspectives on how AI is redefining workforce skills, organizational structures, and the adaptability required for future-ready enterprises.


2:10 – 2:55 PM | Industry Panel: AI Driving Innovation in Energy & Manufacturing
Martin Gonzalez, Director of Innovation, BP
Elias Brown, Data Manager, Vallourec
Ron Norris, Retired Director of Innovation, Georgia Pacific
This panel will explore practical applications of AI in heavy industry, highlighting how companies are leveraging technology to improve efficiency, safety, sustainability, and workforce enablement in energy and manufacturing.


2:55 – 3:10 PM | Networking Break
A chance for participants to engage directly with speakers, industry peers, and academic researchers in an informal setting.


3:10 – 4:00 PM | Research & Academia Showcase: Building AI Career Architectures
Prof. Nezih Altay, DePaul University (Fulbright Scholar)
Ilyas Ustun, Director of Analytics, DePaul University
Kevin Patel & Tushar Vantaram, DePaul Student Researchers
This session will highlight applied research from DePaul, including projects such as Tariff 360 and the National Video Analytics Program, demonstrating how academic innovation supports workforce development and industry collaboration.


4:00 – 4:40 PM | AI for Social Good: Humanitarian Logistics & Community Impact
Nezih Altay, DePaul University
Kathy Fulton, Executive Director, American Logistics Aid Network
Adam J. Hecktman, Founder, Forgood.io
This discussion will explore how AI can strengthen humanitarian supply chains, improve community health, and drive broader societal impact, showing how innovation can extend beyond industry to serve the public good.


4:40 – 4:55 PM | Roundtable: Career Pathways & Social Good in an AI-First Future
Moderated by Konrad Konarski
Featuring all speakers + audience interaction
The roundtable will synthesize key insights from the day, bringing together perspectives from industry, academia, technology, and social impact to chart how AI will shape both workforce pathways and community resilience.


4:55 – 5:00 PM | Closing Reflections & Next Steps
Konrad Konarski, Chairperson, AI Applied Consortium
Konrad will close the symposium with a summary of takeaways and outline future opportunities for continued collaboration between industry, academia, and social innovators.

5:30 to 7:30 PM | Evening Cocktail Reception (By Invite) 🍸✨

Connect with speakers and peers over signature drinks and chef bites. Expect warm introductions, quick networking rounds, and a relaxed lounge vibe with music to turn fresh insights into real partnerships and pilot ideas.

Details

Date:
October 14
Time:
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost:
Free