Talent. Team. Tech.
A power workshop for leadership and career growth.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Check-in & breakfast: 8:00–9:00 AM
UCI Beall Applied Innovation at The Cove
5270 California Ave., Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92617
Leadership for a changing workplace.
ASPIRE is for ambitious professionals ready to elevate their leadership, sharpen their skills, and expand their circle of influence.
Built around the three forces shaping the future of work—Talent, Team, and Tech—ASPIRE brings attendees together for one cohesive, fast-moving experience featuring expert speakers, audience participation, practical takeaways, and meaningful connections.
Participants will leave with clear takeaways, actionable plans, and accountability partners to fuel growth.
Clear takeaways
Fresh perspectives you can bring back to your workplace.
Actionable plans
Practical next steps to fuel leadership and career growth.
Meaningful action
One thing you’ll do differently starting Monday.
Meet your keynote speaker.
FEATURED KEYNOTE
Jessica Chen
Founder & CEO, Soulcast Media
Humanity at Scale: The New Rules for Achieving Peak Performance in an AI-Driven Workplace
The keynote explores the powerful balance between AI fluency and the distinctly human skills professionals need to thrive amid constant change and unprecedented digital innovation.
Drawing from her expertise and work teaching human skills to engineering students at Columbia University, Chen will introduce her signature Yin-Yang approach to developing the hybrid competencies that create a competitive edge.
Attendees will leave with new ways to think about productivity, adapt to change with confidence, collaborate more effectively, and achieve peak performance in an AI-driven workplace.
About Jessica
A best-selling author, global speaker, and former Emmy Award-winning journalist, Jessica Chen is the CEO of Soulcast Media and author of Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. Her work helps professionals strengthen their influence, communicate with confidence, and gain visibility for their contributions.
Chen has delivered keynotes for organizations including Google, Microsoft, Mattel, Chanel, and the United Nations. Her insights have appeared in Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur, and she has reached more than 2 million learners worldwide.
Three connected perspectives.
One cohesive program exploring how we develop people, build strong teams, and engage technology responsibly.
TALENT
Dr. Stefan Bean
Orange County Superintendent of Schools
Developing and preparing people for a rapidly changing workplace.
TEAM
April Diaz
Founder & CEO, Ezer + Co.
Creating the trust, adaptability and culture teams need to perform through change.
TECH
Kristine “Krissy” Collins
Dean, UCI Division of Continuing Education
Engaging artificial intelligence thoughtfully, practically and responsibly.
Closing Summation & Action Plan
Colin Diaz
Founder, Focus on Win 360
Connecting Talent, Team and Tech and helping attendees turn insights into action.
Master of Ceremonies
Dave Coffaro
President & CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber
Aspiring Leaders Awards
During ASPIRE, the Greater Irvine Chamber will recognize Orange County early- to mid-career professionals under 40 who are making a meaningful difference in their organizations, industries, and communities.
2026 nominations closed
The ASPIRE experience
An interactive program with practical takeaways and ample networking opportunities over breakfast and lunch. All times are Pacific.
8:00–9:00 AM
Check-in, continental breakfast & connections
Start the day with conversations and new connections.
9:00 AM
ASPIRE program begins
Jessica Chen’s keynote, followed by Talent, Team, Tech and the closing action plan.
12:30 PM
Program concludes
Leave with clear takeaways, actionable plans and accountability partners.
12:30–1:00 PM
Lunch & continued networking
Keep the conversation going and expand your circle of influence.
Venue & networking
The Cove
UCI Beall Applied Innovation
5270 California Ave., Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92617
Make meaningful connections.
The power workshop includes ample networking opportunities over breakfast and lunch. Build your circle of influence alongside professionals working to grow, lead, and create impact.
Your ASPIRE questions, answered.
Who is ASPIRE for?
ASPIRE is designed for ambitious rising professionals and experienced leaders seeking fresh strategies to engage, develop, and inspire today’s evolving workforce.
What will I leave with?
Participants will leave with clear takeaways, actionable plans, and accountability partners to fuel growth. Colin Diaz’s closing summation helps turn insights into action.
When should I arrive?
Check-in, continental breakfast and connections run from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. The program begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 12:30 PM, followed by lunch and networking until 1:00 PM. All times are Pacific.
Are breakfast and lunch part of the experience?
Yes. ASPIRE includes networking opportunities over breakfast and lunch.
How can my organization sponsor ASPIRE?
Contact the Greater Irvine Chamber events team at events@irvinechamber.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Where do I find registration options?
Use the ASPIRE registration buttons to view current registration options and complete your registration.
Join us at ASPIRE.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
UCI Beall Applied Innovation at The Cove
Fresh insights, practical leadership strategies, and meaningful connections.
Sponsorship opportunities
Support leadership growth and connect with Orange County’s business community. Contact the events team for ASPIRE sponsorship opportunities.
events@irvinechamber.com
