In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

On this week’s episode, we welcome Malvina DeSalvo, CEO of Plateful, an AI-powered nutrition platform that gamifies healthy eating. Plateful combines interactive learning with a SMART plate, transforming mealtime into an educational experience that reduces pickiness, lightens the load for parents, and builds lifelong healthy habits in kids.

Malvina’s story sheds light on the broader nutritional challenges faced by families across the U.S. and how Plateful’s innovative approach is helping to reshape the landscape. From the importance of customer discovery to the creation of prototypes, she opens up about the rewarding yet challenging journey of finding product–market fit. Insights from mentors, advisors, and investors provided crucial guidance along the way, sparking new ideas and shaping Plateful’s promising trajectory.

Looking to the future, Malvina shares Plateful's strategic plans for partnerships and developing groundbreaking data sets in children's nutrition, with aspirations to apply machine learning for improved acceptance of healthy foods.

Connect with Malvina:

Malvina’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malvina-de-salvo-9a90a01/

Plateful’s website: https://pl8ful.com/

Plateful’s’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plateful-llc/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

This week on the Chicago Techies Podcast, we pause our regular programming to focus on a critical issue: digital equity. We welcomed Director of Digital Equity, Kyla Williams-Tate and Digital Equity Coordinator, Mauricio Jimenez from the Cook County Government to share their professional journeys, and how their work is integrating technology into the fabric of Chicago's economy and everyday life, impacting countless lives and opening doors for all.

We discussed how digital equity is not just about technology it's about unlocking opportunities and enabling full participation in today's digital society, above all its about opportunity, dignity and justice. We focussed on the deep connection between digital equity and workforce development, showing how improved tech access strengthens job readiness and economic growth.

We also spotlight upcoming efforts like Digital Inclusion Week and the Access Amplified Learning Symposium and invite listeners to engage with the movement through events and the new digital equity website.

Connect with Kyla & Mauricio

Kyla’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylawilliamstate/

Mauricio’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauriciojjimenez/

CODE’s website:https://digitalequity.cookcountyil.gov/

Cook County Digital Equity Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cookcountydigitalequity/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

On this week’s episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we sit down with Gavin Buckland, Founder of Voke Studio. Gavin shares how his passion for storytelling began with his grandfather’s camera, how years at a creative agency sharpened his skills but also tested his resilience, and how rediscovering his purpose helped him embrace film as a way to unite people.

Gavin also takes us inside the creation of ClipSense, an AI-powered tool designed to transform video editing. Born out of the challenge of sifting through hours of footage, Clip Sense uses computer vision to automatically identify the best moments—freeing editors to focus on storytelling. With early funding and strong beta feedback, the tool is already pointing to a future where AI supports creativity across post-production, from sound design to color grading.

We round out our conversation with reflections on the evolving relationship between creativity and technology in filmmaking, the importance of authenticity in an AI-driven world, and Chicago’s role as a hub for collaboration.

Connect with Gavin:

Gavin Linkedin: https://whttps://www.vokestudios.com/

Voke Studios website: https://www.vokestudios.com/

Clipsense website: https://www.clipsense.ai/

Voke Studios’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voke-studios/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

On this week’s episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we meet Haydée Marino, Co-founder and CEO of ezbot AI. ezbot AI helps businesses deliver personalized digital experiences that boost conversions automatically and at scale. Haydée shares how the company came to life, the team’s decision to bootstrap with support from family and friends, and the strategic role of local resources in Chicago and their hopes for the future.

Throughout the episode, Haydée’s journey shines as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of forging one’s own path. We explore the challenges and strategies of launching a startup as a first-time founder, including navigating gender biases in male-dominated environments and creating an inclusive space through her leadership.

Haydée also discusses the value of education, like her MBA, in building confidence and credibility as a business leader.

Connect with Haydée:

Haydée Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydeemarino/

ezbot ai’s Website: https://www.ezbot.ai/

ezbot ai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ezbot-ai/

Haydée’s email: haydee@ezbot.ai

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

Tune in to the Chicago Techies Podcast as we sit down with Al Lagunas, founder and CEO of Levee. Al shares his journey from working at Amazon to launching a startup that’s transforming the hospitality industry with innovative tech. Along with his co-founder Guillermo, Al brings a personal connection to the work—both are first-generation Mexican-Americans who grew up in Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods. Their mission is clear: empower hotel housekeepers and maintenance teams with AI-powered vision and voice tools that make managing tasks easier, faster, and less tied to a desk.

In this episode, we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure to show quick results, the grind of building from the ground up, and the importance of hard work, networking, and mentorship. We talk about finding the right balance between building a strong business foundation and connecting with investors, as well as the challenges of raising capital without traditional credentials. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of Levee, exploring plans to expand from their room inspection tool into HR and procurement solutions, all driven by a mission to uplift frontline and underserved workers with technology that makes a lasting impact.

Connect with Al:

Als Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allagunas/

Levee’s Website: https://www.levee.biz/

Levee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levee-labs-inc/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nisha Kishore, the visionary founder and CEO of FitKind, a holistic fitness app reshaping the future of fitness through a marketplace of trauma-aware coaches, a growing library of inclusive workouts, and a supportive community.

Nisha reflects on her personal journey as a queer woman of color in the fitness industry and how these experiences fueled her passion for creating a more inclusive, identity-affirming, and trauma-aware approach to wellness. She speaks candidly about the challenges underestimated founders often face, the persistent biases within the startup ecosystem, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

From community-driven problem-solving to creative team-building under financial constraints, this episode also shines a light on what it means to build in Chicago and how the city’s community has played a vital role in FitKind’s evolution.

Connect with Nisha:

Nisha’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishakishore/

Nisha’s Website: https://www.nishakishore.com/

Nisha’s Substack: https://nishakishore.substack.com

Nisha’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nishakishore_creator/

Connect with FitKind:

FitKind’s Website: https://www.joinfitkind.com/

FitKind’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinfitkind/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Manuela Zonenstein, Founder and CEO of Kadeya, the world’s first closed-loop beverage system and the only packaged solution that eliminates waste at a cost equal to or lower than single-use alternatives.

We dive into how Manuela’s multilingual, bicultural background helped shape Kadeya’s distinct identity, and why embracing ecological constraints can spark innovative, market-defining business models. By combining reusability with cost, quality, and convenience, Kadeya challenges industry norms and creates a category of its own.

Manuela also opens up about her founder journey from securing funding to navigating Chicago’s cautious yet supportive startup ecosystem. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about sustainable innovation, this episode offers actionable insights on spotting everyday problems and transforming them into thriving ventures.

Connect with Manuela:

Manuela’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelasweb/

Kadeya’s Website: https://www.kadeya.com/

Kadeya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kdy

Kadeya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadeya.club/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode Title: Episode 48 - Morgan Abraham - Co-Founder of Smoodi

In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

This week’s guest is Morgan Abraham, co-founder of Smoodi, an innovative, self-serve smoothie store in a box that's transforming the healthy beverage industry. Morgan shares insights into the startup journey, including navigating complex funding rounds and making key strategic decisions that shape a unique business model. He also discusses Smoodi's ambitious approach to building everything in-house, from software and hardware to supply chain operations, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of this integrated strategy.

As Smoodi expands its product line and footprint across new markets, Morgan recently relocated to Chicago to spearhead growth in the region. He shares why Chicago felt like the right place to grow next not just for its business potential, but because of the community of builders, doers, and big thinkers who make this city feel like home. With several units already operating in the suburbs, launching Smoodi’s first machine in the city marks a meaningful milestone in their urban expansion journey.

Connect with Morgan:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-abraham-a8a8b71b/

Smoothie Website: https://www.getsmoodi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smoodi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getsmoodi/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87