UIC hosting Cybersecurity & Privacy Community Conference

The conference will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, 1:00 PM to 5:45 PM CT at the UIC Dorin Forum, located at 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL. Doors will open at noon.

• Register for the Conference

This conference is free and open to the public locally and nationally.

All members of the University of Illinois System schools, including UIC, UIUC, System Offices, and UIS, are invited including:

• Faculty and Researchers
• Staff and IT Professionals
• Students interested in technology, cybersecurity, and privacy

Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to secure your spot early.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and presentations that address critical topics such as emerging threats, privacy-preserving technologies, regulatory frameworks, and the human dimensions of cybersecurity. See the schedule below:

Cyber incidents can have lasting personal and professional impacts. This panel will bring together experts to discuss practical steps and available resources for individuals and organizations affected by cybercrime. Topics will include incident response, identity protection, financial recovery, and navigating reporting processes. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on how to respond, recover, and reduce future risk.

Moderator: Himanshu Sharma, UIC Associate CIO, Research Technologies and Innovation

Panelists: 

Carrie Crot, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI)
Carrie Crot is a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, where she leads a National Security Cyber Squad. She has extensive experience investigating complex cyber threats, including ransomware, national security intrusions, and financially motivated cybercrime, and previously served in the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit at headquarters. She holds a Master’s in Computer Science and a PhD in Chemistry.

Thomas Peabody, Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cyber Crime Section, Northern District of Illinois
Thomas Peabody is an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cyber Crime Section for the Northern District of Illinois. He focuses on prosecuting cybercrime and national security cases and plays a key role in advancing federal efforts to combat evolving digital threats.

Arvin Verma, Virtual Chief Information Security Officer, Sentinel Technologies
Arvin Verma is a cybersecurity executive and strategic advisor with over 15 years of experience supporting global enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. He specializes in security strategy, risk management, and regulatory compliance, and currently serves as a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer at Sentinel Technologies. Arvin also serves as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and holds multiple industry certifications, including CISSP and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor.

As digital technologies continue to evolve, so do the risks and responsibilities surrounding personal and organizational data. This presentation provides an overview of the current privacy landscape, including emerging threats, regulatory developments, and shifting expectations around data protection. Attendees will gain insight into how privacy impacts individuals and institutions, along with practical considerations for safeguarding sensitive information.

Speaker: Pegah Parsi, Chief Privacy Officer, University of California, San Diego

Pegah is the inaugural Chief Privacy Officer at the University of California San Diego, where she leads privacy and data protection efforts across research, education, and operations. She provides thought leadership on data ethics, governance, and AI, and advises on global privacy regulations including GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA, and California privacy laws.

Previously, she served as a privacy manager at Stanford University, focusing on medical research and international collaborations. Pegah is an attorney with an MBA and also serves as Of Counsel for XL Law & Consulting and a consultant for Secure Justice.

Take a break and connect with colleagues while exploring the exhibit hall featuring more than 40 UIC vendors and partners. Discover innovative solutions, ask questions, and build valuable connections. Vendors include:

• Amazon Web Services
• ChicagoCISO
• Dell
• Google
• KnowBe4
• Microsoft
• Splunk
• And many more

This session explores the legal landscape surrounding cybersecurity incidents and data privacy. Attendees will gain insight into how breaches and cyber attacks translate into litigation, including regulatory enforcement, liability considerations, and emerging case trends.

Moderator: Debra Cronin, MIS, MS, Director of Information Technology Services, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

Panelists:

Blair Dawson, JD, MS CyS, FIP, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, Member, McDonald Hopkins
Blair Dawson is a data privacy and cybersecurity attorney at McDonald Hopkins with over 20 years of experience, including insurance coverage. She specializes in incident response, regulatory compliance, and risk management, helping organizations navigate data breaches and minimize legal and reputational impact. She also teaches cybersecurity and privacy at DePaul Law School and holds multiple IAPP certifications.

Sofia Valdivia, Associate, Amundsen Davis Law
Sofia Valdivia is an associate at Amundsen Davis Law who advises organizations on cybersecurity, data privacy compliance, and breach response. She works across industries including healthcare, finance, and retail, helping clients manage legal risks and meet evolving regulatory requirements.

Amy Kabaria, Attorney & Founding Member of Chicago Women in Security and Privacy (WISP)
Amy Kabaria is a Chicago-based attorney and AI governance expert specializing in data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. She advises organizations on regulatory compliance and responsible AI, and is a founding member of Chicago Women in Security and Privacy (WISP). She is also a recognized speaker and thought leader in AI and data protection.

Jennifer S. Stegmaier, Partner, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
Jennifer Stegmaier is a partner at Wilson Elser with over 20 years of experience in complex litigation, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and data breach class actions. She leads incident response efforts, regulatory investigations, and compliance strategies for organizations across multiple industries.

AI is powerful, but it comes with responsibility. This session breaks down how to use AI tools thoughtfully and ethically, from protecting sensitive data to recognizing bias and ensuring transparency. Walk away with clear guidelines to help you use AI confidently and responsibly in your work.

Moderator: Dr. Szymon Machajewski, Associate Director of Academic Technology and Learning Innovation at UIC

Panelists:

Jeremy Riel, Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology, Director, TRAILblazer Lab
Co-Lead, Science and Technology Working Group, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois Chicago

Jeremy Riel is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at UIC and Director of the TRAILblazer Lab. His work focuses on designing AI- and simulation-based technologies for teaching and learning, with an emphasis on ethics, privacy, and human-centered design.

Alvin Chin, Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor, Instructor, Department of Information and Decision Sciences, UIC Business, University of Illinois Chicago

Dr. Alvin Chin is a Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor at UIC Business with over 15 years of industry experience in data science, AI, and emerging technologies. He is a recognized leader with numerous patents and publications and actively contributes to professional organizations including IEEE and ACM.

David Chestek, D.O., Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, and Chief Medical Information Officer, UI Health.

Dr. David Chestek is Chief Medical Information Officer at UI Health and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UIC. A clinical informaticist, he leads initiatives that integrate technology and healthcare to improve patient care, with a focus on AI, data systems, and hospital operations.

We are honored to conclude the Community Conference with closing remarks from Robert Herjavec, renowned cybersecurity entrepreneur, investor, and television personality.

Robert Herjavec is a globally recognized entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, and Emmy Award-winning executive producer and lead investor on Shark Tank.

With over 35 years of experience, he has founded and built multiple cybersecurity companies, including one he grew into a global firm of nearly 1,000 employees and over $1 billion in value.

An accomplished author and motivational speaker, Robert is also known for his journey from immigrant roots to international business success. He continues to invest in and advise startups and enterprises in the cybersecurity space.

A special VIP Reception for invited guests, speakers, and select vendors. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.

Attendee parking is available at:

Maxwell Street Parking Structure
Address: 701 W. Maxwell, Chicago IL
Cost: $10.00

UIUC and UIS Guests

Guests from UIUC and UIS can book transport from U of I campus’ with UI Ride.