Culture fuels creativity—and smart brands know how to make it their superpower. Join us for a lively discussion with entrepreneurs who’ve turned their heritage into standout products that resonate far beyond their communities. We’ll dive into the power of cultural storytelling, navigating diverse markets, and building cross-cultural connections that drive success.
Agenda:
4:00 PM – Door‘s Open and Networking
4:30 PM – Opening Remarks
4:35 PM – Panel Discussion
5:15 PM – Q & A
5:20 PM – Open Networking and Refreshments
6:00 PM – Event Close
Panelists:
Regina Trillo, Founder Nemi Snacks. Regina started Nemi Snacks based on her experience as a consumer in Chicago grocery stores. Originally from Mexico City and now based in Chicago, Trillo felt unrepresented the moment she set foot in Chicago grocery stores. She found well-established brands portraying Mexican cultura in a stereotypical way, brands that were unlikely to upgrade their ingredient list and innovate in the marketplace.
Tuan Huynh is the founder of VietFive Coffee, an award-winning Creative Director, and community organizer. He came to the U.S. as a toddler from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. Growing up in the Midwest, he has developed a uniquely diverse sense of creativity through the culture of the inner city. This experience has afforded him recognition from global fortune 500 brands, being named one of the 2019 Most Inspiring Chicagoans by Streetwise Magazine, and being recognized as the Mosaic Champion by the American Advertising Federation. Aside from his sharp design talent, Tuan’s work in the arena of diversity and inclusion is tireless and expansive – both within the ad industry and beyond. He is responsible for instituting a youth program at Leo Burnett that invites Chicago youth to learn first-hand about careers in advertising. Over 800 students have been provided the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exploration of new professional avenues. Tuan also partnered with local organizations to develop a creative lab in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the Southside. Tuan also spearheaded The Pencil Project which is a collegiate scholarship program where students submit their creative portfolios defining why they are “the difference that makes a difference.” Tuan became a founding member of Chicago PEACE, a nonprofit that seeks to create positive generational impact with the focus on families.
Eudell Watts IV is a fifth-generation Pit Master and co-founder/owner of Old Arthur’s Barbecue Products, LLC. This family enterprise is named after their patriarch Arthur Watts. Old Arthur’s manufactures award-winning barbecue sauces and dry rubs true to a set of heirloom recipes first crafted by Arthur Watts more than 160 years ago. The Watts family has carefully guarded and passed down Arthur’s prized recipes and BBQ knowledge through five generations as part of their family legacy. Eudell has been entrusted to carry on his family’s long-standing tradition of excellence in open pit barbecuing within his family and has taken on the additional mission of sharing Arthur’s incredibly rich legacy with the public. In this past year, Old Arthur’s has begun to garner increasing attention from media outlets like USA Today, Food & Wine Magazine, American Express’ Business Class News, ABC Television, Fox Sports, WGN News, and the Chicago Tribune.