Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, as we present a panel discussion from some of Maryland's emerging Hispanic-owned tech firms.

Learn more about Latinos In Tech and their amazing journey, achievements, and best practices helping them lead by example and forging a path of success. Find out why Latino-owned employer tech firms now represent 19% of the industry, outpacing non-Latino-owned employer firms, which are only 14%. (The 2021 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report (SOLE), by LBAN and the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative).

In addition, learn how TEDCO enhances economic empowerment by fostering an inclusive and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. 

Meet Our Panelists:

Miguel Rodriguez is a product designer and the founder of Thirdtry, a design and build agency focused on helping startups create game-changing products. Miguel previously led MuSchool, a mobile app company funded by TEDCO, and angel investors from the DMV area. He is passionate about sharing his entrepreneurial experience and helping businesses grow.

Hector Ocasio, CEO of Pet Connect Business and multi-talented executive consistently rewarded for success in business strategy. Experience in market assessments, program development, and product initiatives that positively impact customer acquisition, customer retention, and achieving financial targets. A firm believer that opinions are irrelevant. Listening to your market is the key to success.

Jorge Fajardo is the co-founder of Cide Kic. As a former chef, Jorge realized the pain points for the hospitality industry have not changed, especially in professional kitchens. Therefore, by collaborating with the creation of a project management software for professional kitchens, Cide Kic, was created, where he functions as Co-Founder. Cide Kic creates not only a better work life balance, but productivity and profitability for all involved in a highly stressful industry. Originally from Guatemala, Jorge is a great example of hard work and determination.

Who should attend?

 Latino-owned small business owners, interested in
learning more about entering and succeeding in the emerging tech industry.

When:
Thursday, October 13, 2022
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

What you need to know

• There is no cost to attend.
• Advance registration is required.
• Special Accommodation requests should be made 14 days in advance to eduardo.hayden@maryland.gov
• This session will be recorded; by registering, you are consenting to be recorded. 
• Upon receiving a registration confirmation, you will be given a unique link to join the event.
• All attendees will be in listen mode only (your camera will be off and your mic is muted).
• A Q&A session will be conducted following the presentation.

ZOOM SECURITY NOTICE 

Attendees of this meeting should be aware that there are known and potential privacy and confidentiality issues with the Zoom System (Cloud Service, Web application, and/or Application). While every effort has been made to ensure the security of this meeting, factors out of the State’s control introduce risk. Participants should evaluate the risk associated with the application and platform and determine if the risks preclude the use of the service. The State provides no warranty regarding the security of the application, confidentiality of the information discussed, or the privacy of information collected by the application and/or service. Security events impacting the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of a meeting (e.g., ZoomBombing) must be reported to the State Security Operations Center (soc.info@maryland.gov).