IGNITE! 2025 Session: Tech Enablers Panel – 1:15-2:15 p.m. Friday, September 26 upstairs at Cintas Center
CX Enablers: The Marketer’s Guide to Tech that Opens Gateways to Connection
Can an algorithm create a feeling? Can data really deliver empathy? In the age of Vibe Marketing, we face a fundamental paradox: our quest for authentic, human connection is increasingly mediated by code. This panel confronts that paradox head-on, exploring how technology can enhance, rather than erode, the soul of a brand. This isn’t just a discussion about software; it’s a conversation about the future of human interaction in a digital world.
Our discussion will dive deep into the nuances of using social intelligence to decode the unspoken rules of online communities, and the immense challenge of orchestrating technology to ensure every touchpoint feels coherent and personal. We will tackle tough questions such as:
✅ Where is the fine line between personalization that feels helpful and surveillance that feels invasive?
✅ How do you measure something as intangible as connection?
✅ As AI-driven narratives become more common, how do we retain a uniquely human voice?
Expect a candid, challenging, and inspiring conversation that will change the way you think about your tech stack.
Perfect For:
Whether you’re a pro looking to leverage traditional or new technology, enhance productivity or scale up your personalization, or tap into trends and opportunities, this session will be your jam.
PANELISTS
Josette Riep
Assistant Vice President IT, University of Cincinnati
Josette Riep is the Assistant Vice President of Integrated Data, Engineering & Application Services (IDEAS) in Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) at the University of Cincinnati. She is currently a PhD candidate in Information Technology with a research focus on Artificial Intelligence. Josette leads initiatives that span education, research, patient care, and administration—overseeing a wide range of areas including Development (with an emphasis on enterprise CRM development using Salesforce), DevOps, Data & Analytics, UI/UX and accessibility, and AI enablement. Her portfolio includes customer relationship management, budget planning and resource allocation, project execution, the implementation of development best practices, and driving operational excellence through process improvement and team development. She also leads efforts to integrate AI into institutional strategy and operations, supporting both innovation and long-term scalability. Josette is committed to expanding access and opportunity in technology. She believes in removing systemic barriers and designing pathways that empower individuals and institutions to thrive. Through her AI-focused research and her leadership of forward-thinking digital initiatives, she works to ensure the university continues to foster an environment where perspectives and talents across the university continue to excel. Connect with Josette on LinkedIn.
Katie Trauth-Taylor
CEO & Co-Founder, Narratize
Katie Trauth Taylor is CEO and Cofounder of Narratize AI, a product intelligence and innovation platform empowering teams to bring products and discoveries to market faster, smarter, and with greater impact by eliminating inefficiencies, aligning teams, and preserving institutional knowledge. Katie is a growth-focused entrepreneur executive with 10+ years experience inspiring teams to design and deliver magnetic products, memorable experiences, and groundbreaking impacts. She has led strategic innovation narratives and served as a senior content strategist within fast-growth tech startups and the Fortune 500, including Boeing, NASA, Hershey, Sunoco, AAA, IFF, Dupont, Edgewell, Cincinnati Children’s, Argonne National Lab, Crossover Health, Parsley Health, Omada, Physera, US Dept of Veterans Affairs, Millennium Challenge Corporation, World Food Forum, and the United Nations. She believes that everyone can be an innovator–when empowered to share their bold ideas. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.
Khalil El-Amin
Co-Founder & Chief Strategist, Nichefire
Brands miss culture shifts—until it’s expensive. I lead Nichefire, an AI engine that scans 1 B+ cultural signals weekly and turns them into board-ready growth plays for CPG, Retail & QSR. Clients slash analyst hours by 60%, grow positive sentiment 47%, and spike social engagement 40%. We reveal where conversations start, why they stick, and how to act before competitors notice. Connect with Khalil on LinkedIn.
MODERATOR
Audrey Ronis-Tobin
Director of Marketing, CoStrategix
Audrey Ronis-Tobin is a strategic marketer passionate about driving revenue growth, strengthening customer loyalty, and turning insights into action. With experience across B2B technology, SaaS, healthcare, and consumer goods, she excels at translating complex market needs into clear messaging and impactful go-to-market strategies. As Director of Marketing at CoStrategix, Audrey leads the company’s holistic marketing vision, shaping culture, fostering alignment, and keeping the customer at the center of every decision. She’s energized by working alongside the curious, creative problem-solvers at the forefront of emerging technologies. CoStrategix is a strategy-led digital transformation and data innovation partner, helping organizations harness AI’s transformative power, unlock data-driven insights, modernize technology, and build digital products for today’s world. As a Board Member of AMA Cincinnati, Audrey helped launch AMA Agency – a program that unites marketing volunteers with startups and nonprofits for time-bound marketing projects. The program aims to help grow our local economy and build community resilience. Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn.
SPONSORSHIP/PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
LEVERAGE OUR PLATFORM
We have Ignite Sponsorships and other Chapter Partnership opportunities (both cash and in-kind) available! To support our nonprofit volunteer effort and collaborate with us to create the ideal value exchange, contact partnerships@amacincinnati.org!
