AI Unleashed: Empowering Startups for the Future

What is the Ignition Program:

The Ignition Program offers post-secondary students a 10-week program that gives access to training, mentorship, resources, ecosystem connections; and honorariums to support personal and business development. Students will be awarded $20 for each session they engage with!

What’s in this session:

Ready to level up your startup game? Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a game-changer. Join us to discover how AI can supercharge your business, from predicting future trends to delivering personalized experiences that wow your customers.

Learn how to:

• Unleash the Power of Data: Turn mountains of information into actionable insights.
• Outsmart Your Competitors: Use AI to stay ahead of the curve and make smarter decisions.
• Build Stronger Relationships: Connect with your customers on a deeper level.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. We’ll also dive into the potential pitfalls of AI and how to avoid them.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge. Secure your spot now and learn how AI can help your startup soar to new heights.

Register

Speakers bio:

Tara Gerstner

Dr. Gerstner is a Southern Illinois native and received her bachelor’s degree in business from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2001.  In 2004, she completed her MBA in marketing from the University of Texas at San Antonio cum laude. In 2021, she completed her doctorate of business administration degree from DePaul University with distinction. Gerstner has become very involved within the Peoria and Bloomington communities.  She has served on countless nonprofit organizations’ boards of directors, has been an active member in the Junior League of Peoria, the Peoria Medical Alliance, Central Illinois Association of Fundraising Professionals, Bloomington-Normal’s Small Business Development Center’s advisory board, and is a 2010 Community Leadership School Graduate.  In 2013, Gerstner was honored with the 40 Leaders under 40 Award.  She has been nominated by the student body at IWU for Professor of the Year (2023) and Advisor of the Year (2024). Dr. Gerstner is also a published scholar in the field of entrepreneurship and business. Her research agenda centers on pedagogy and the use of AI in the classroom and beyond.

Dr. Jaime E. Peters

Dr. Jaime E. Peters is a finance, banking, and stock market expert with a decade of real-world experience before transitioning to academia. In 2021, she joined Maryville University as an Assistant Professor of Finance and Assistant Dean of Accounting, Finance, and Economics. Dr. Peters integrates real-world market movements into her teaching, emphasizing data analysis, critical thinking, and financial literacy. Passionate about financial education, she aims to equip students and the general public with essential financial skills.  Her current research stream centers around how to use AI in the classroom to enhance learning and behind the scenes to make administrative matters more efficient and effective.