At 1871, each staff member is allocated a cash allotment to donate to a charity of their choice. On the 1871 blog, we’re highlighting the stories behind these donations throughout the month of December and beyond. Read on to learn about the causes Jeanne Reidy, VP of Events; Lakshmi Shenoy, VP of Business Development; and Tom Alexander, COO are passionate about.

They’re 50 of Chicago’s hottest tech companies, players and supporters, and many of them have something in common: They have deep connections to the 1871 community. The ChicagoInno 50 on Fire Awards wrapped Dec. 8, with a ceremony narrowing the 150 finalists to 50 companies who are among the hottest in Chicago.

You can’t spell “teach” without t-e-c-h. At 1871, our members are driven to give back to the community. During Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 5 - 11), we were inspired to see the successful graduation of 1,000 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, including here in Chicago, from the Capital One C1 Coders Program, which encourages students during the 10-week program to explore careers in software development and science, technology, education and math.  

12 Latinx-led startups joined 1871 in late October for a 12-week accelerator program co-facilitated by 1871 and IHCC. We’ll be posting Q&As with each company to introduce them to the community. This week, Victoria Elena Nones, Founder and Executive Director of Women in Comedy, talks about the support platform and network she is building for female comedians to connect, learn and become empowered as they seek paid work in the industry.

Today we are thrilled to launch the 1871 Store, a swag hub for the makers, doers, builders and thinkers of the Chicago tech community who wear their pride (literally) on their sleeves. The custom designs represent the diverse and evolving culture of 1871 and capture the unique “get it done” spirit of our community. 

Twelve Latinx-led startups joined 1871 in late October for a 12-week accelerator program co-facilitated by 1871 and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We’ll be posting Q&As with each company on the 1871 blog to introduce them to the community. This week, Kristen Sonday, COO and Co-Founder of Paladin talks about the personalized pro bono tracking platform for the legal community she’s helped develop along with Co-Founder Felicity Conrad, and the impact she hopes it makes.

As an employee benefit in 2016, each 1871 staff member was allocated a cash amount to donate to a charity or cause they hold dear; organizations whose initiatives ranged from education to compassion, leadership to social justice. In the spirit of #GivingTuesday this year, we wanted to share the stories and experiences that led to these donations from 1871 on behalf of each team member -- all of which are a reflection of the diverse and deeply held values throughout the 1871 staff. 

Serial entrepreneur, angel investor, philanthropist and co-founder of Elite Daily Gerard Adams wasted no time in sharing his thoughts on social media when he took the stage for a Fireside Chat Nov. 8 with 1871 CEO Howard Tullman.  “Had to grab my phone to get a SnapChat of this!,” he said.

Chicago-based technology incubator 1871 and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) announced Thursday the 12 businesses that make up the first cohort of a new incubator focused on fostering opportunities for Hispanic-owned technology companies. As part of the 12-week program, the tech companies will be provided educational programming, resources, technological support and guidance toward raising funding.

Alex Niemczewski was frustrated as she stared at her ballot in 2012.  “There were all these offices I’d never heard of, names I’ve never heard of,” she said. “I left some blanks and I felt like I didn’t do my civic duty.” It was that experience that led to the founding of BallotReady -- a comprehensive, non-partisan breakdown of your ballot -- in 2014. After 3 months building the site at 1871, multiple primaries and the addition of two co-founders, the site is now ready for the 2016 election, the first presidential election for the startup which can still be found working hard out of the University of Chicago conference room.