Team Appreciation Post - Big news coming out of our Chicago team!
TL;DR: After three incredible and impactful years, Isabella Artiles leaves our team to launch her own venture in Mexico City, Nadine Ghaith is promoted to Senior Manager, and Chris Ufere joins as Manager.
Three years ago, I had the pleasure of hiring Isabella Artiles to join me after our board and team began expanding efforts into Chicago. Given her experience and adding in her lively enthusiasm, humor, and tenacity, I knew Isabella would be the perfect addition to our growing team.
Reflecting on what we accomplished together, I am so proud– from selecting a stellar group of Chicago-based companies, leveling up our operations, working diligently to set a new standard of founder support, running two national retreats, developing an incredible network in Chicago, traveling around the world for selection, supporting our colleagues, and so much more – Endeavor is stronger than ever because of Isabella’s support. For those who know Isabella, be sure to reach out to her when you go to Mexico City to find out about her new endeavor (excuse the pun) and maybe get a bagel or two out of it… A profound thank you, Isa!
A few months after hiring Isabella, as luck would have it, Nadine Ghaith moved to Chicago, after years of working with our Dubai office. I had already known Nadine was a rockstar Endeavor staff member through colleagues and peers that had worked with her, so we jumped when the opportunity came. Since joining our team, Nadine quickly turned into a full-time powerhouse and influencer on our team, bringing know-how and lessons learned from her time in Dubai. She hit the ground running and has co-led our Access to Capital efforts across the U.S., ramped up our VC partnerships across the region, helped select more great companies coming out of the Great Lakes, and leveled-up our operations and processes. She also worked closely with Isabella to lead Chicago expansion efforts and elevated our brand and network across the city. Given her efforts and leadership, we’re excited to promote Nadine Ghaith to Senior Manager, Entrepreneur Experience!
Finally, after a thoughtful search for our next Chicago-based Manager, we’re thrilled to announce that Chris Ufere has joined our team. Chris was the Founder and CEO of Unconscious Cognition, Inc. the developer of uDreamed app. The app has been popular with dreamers around the world who are interested in using dream experiences to improve lives. Showing Chris’ true grit, he grew the company while in school and exited shortly thereafter. In such a short period of time, Chris has hit the ground running, meeting with many of the top founders coming out of our region and working to expand our efforts in Chicago.
I’m profoundly grateful for these three teammates who have made, and continue to make, this work so meaningful, impactful, and enjoyable, and I’m excited for Endeavor’s next chapter in Chicago and across the Great Lakes!
