Student-run Non-profit Connects Local High School Students to Chicago’s Business Community with in-person Forum

JEC Chicago members take notes and listen to keynote speaker Ernie Rogers, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Magnetar Capital.

Thirty JEC Chicago members and professionals attended the 2022 JEC Chicago Winter Forum on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. The forum, which took place at the Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago Hotel, connected the club’s high school student members to prominent business leaders and professionals. Attendees were able to enhance their knowledge of economics, entrepreneurship, business, and finance. 

Speakers and panelists included:

Ernie Rogers (Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Magnetar Capital), who oversees all aspects of the Magnetar’s operations and finances.

• David Blowers (President of National Services for Wealth Management at the Northern Trust Corporation), who oversees sales, advisory services, banking, brokerage, foundations, and private client services.

• Elizabeth Caldwell (Director of Energy and Natural Resources at FTI Consulting Strategic Communications), who supports global energy clients across the energy spectrum, from oil and gas to renewables.

• Alex Loo (Vice President at Capital One), who structures and finances multifamily and senior housing commercial real estate across the country.

• Nicolas Teodosescu (Student at UIC Law School and former Chief Financial Officer for JEC Chicago from 2016-2017), who studies labor and consumer economics and plans to practice dram shop liability law.

After opening remarks were given, students engaged in a virtual keynote presentation from Ernie Rogers, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Magnetar Capital, JEC Chicago’s exclusive corporate sponsor. Rogers talked about his career journey in finance and his responsibilities overseeing Magnetar Capital’s operations.

Students then took part in a keynote presentation from David Blowers, President of National Services for Wealth Management at Northern Trust. Blowers shared his personal story and provided life and career lessons from his nearly 40 years of experience at Northern Trust. He also gave members advice on what to study in college and tips on making professional connections and getting ahead in their careers.

JEC students hearing a keynote presentation from David Blowers (standing), President of National Services at the Northern Trust Corporation.

After keynote presentations and a networking break, students had the opportunity to engage with a panel of young professionals. Elizabeth Caldwell, Director of Energy and Natural Resources at FTI Consulting Strategic Communications, talked about discovering her passions, ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance), and communications in the energy industry. Alex Loo, Vice President at Capital One, shared how his love of domestic policy led him to commercial real estate. Nicolas Teodosescu, a young professional and UIC Law School student, related his experience as a bartender to his studies in economics, law, and political science. All panelists also spoke on how certain skills, like speaking multiple languages, helped them in their professional careers. JEC Chicago also revealed new branded items, including business cards, notepads, and pens for members. Speakers and panelists also received new JEC Chicago branded gifts after the forum. 

JEC Winter Forum panelists (seated left to right: Nicolas Teodosescu, Elizabeth Caldwell, Alex Loo) answer questions moderated by Vice President Cole Francis (right in back) and Assistant Technology Officer, Andrew Sassower (left in back).

Teodosescu was the Chief Financial Officer of JEC Chicago from November 2016 to June 2017. He said it was great to be back at a club event and see the club running strong. Teodosescu was also impressed with the club’s growth across Chicagoland and the overall dedication and professionalism of members. 

Jimmy Johnston, a sophomore at Maine South High School and a member of JEC Chicago, loved the event. He said it was great to hear from a diverse group of speakers and panelists. Johnston, who has been a member of the club for one year now, said the Junior Economic Club allowed him to connect with students all over the city and provided fun and engaging opportunities for him to explore his interests in business and finance. 

Vivian Kaleta, a sophomore at Walter Payton College Prep and JEC Chicago member, enjoyed the event’s lineup, especially David Blowers’ presentation. She liked how personal and engaging the panelists were and thought they provided insightful career and life advice to high school students. Kaleta, who has been a member of JEC Chicago for nearly two years now, said the club allowed her to learn about topics in business and economics that she did not know before. Kaleta also said the JEC allowed her to make new friends and meet new people that had similar interests as her.

Organizing a large-scale, in-person club-wide forum was different from organizing previous virtual events and forums. Leo Kantrow, president of JEC Chicago, said the forum went much better than expected and that he is hopeful for the club’s future in-person events. “We encountered some challenges with the new COVID-19 variants. However, I’m glad we stayed in-person because recreating a professional and engaging atmosphere is much harder in a virtual environment,” explains Kantrow. “It was a good experience organizing our second big in-person event. There’s a lot of considerations we have to make in regards to public health and safety measures we have to communicate to our members,” says Chief Marketing Officer Alex Mcneilly.

ABOUT JUNIOR ECONOMIC CLUB

The Junior Economic Club of Chicago (JEC Chicago) is an entirely student-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to provide guidance and support for high school students, allowing them to better understand and solve real-world economic problems. 

The club was founded in 2014 by Sam Lurye and Samir Hadzic, students at Lincoln Park High School, and a group of like-minded high school students. Since its inception, the Club has hosted over one hundred events, been led by seven different presidents, and spread to over a dozen cities, organizing incredible opportunities for hundreds of students across Chicago and the world. Members have forged life-long friendships, heard from the nation’s top business executives, and discovered new interests. Alumni have gone on to found successful startup companies and attend some of the nation’s top universities. 

Media Contact
Company Name: Junior Economic Club of Chicago
Contact Person: Alex Mcneilly
Email: Send Email
City: Chicago
State: IL
Country: United States
Website: https://junioreconomicclub.org/