As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, the City of Irvine is hosting a new Business Leaders Series, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights from executives, innovators, and academics on the future of business in the region.

Irvine business representatives and entrepreneurs are invited to attend the upcoming forum Tuesday, November 18, at Los Olivos Community Center, located at 101 Alfonso, Irvine. The event will begin with networking at 9 a.m., followed by a panel discussion at 9:30 a.m. featuring four dynamic industry leaders who will share strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, leveraging AI and emerging technologies, and building strong public-private-academic talent pipelines. Panelists include:

• Monica Alfisi, CBPA, Private Capital Consultant at Insperity
• Felix Chang, Technology Consulting, AI & Data at Ernst & Young LLP
• Hema Modi, MBA, Director of Employer Relations at UC Irvine, Division of Career Pathways
• Marianne Supnet, Workforce Economic Development Manager with the County of Orange

A working group session from 10:30 to 11 a.m. will round out the forum, offering attendees a chance to exchange ideas and build connections. The Business Leaders Series is free to attend, but advance registration is required.

Future forums will focus on accelerating regional innovation and fostering a business-friendly environment in Irvine, offering opportunities to build connections across high-growth industries and gain practical takeaways.

To sign up for updates from the City’s Economic Development Division, learn more about the Business Leaders Series, and discover resources to help businesses start, grow, and thrive, visit cityofirvine.org/economicdevelopment.