​Drinks are flowing, ideas are percolating.

​Join us for a candid conversation with individuals who made the bold decision to leave the stability of corporate life to join or build something new. Whether founding their own ventures or jumping into early-stage startups, these leaders share the mindset shifts of embedding innovation into fostering a meaningful career and everything you need to know about embracing innovation at your job.

​Speakers

​David Gonzalez, CEO & Cofounder of Arbol

​David Gonzalez left a fast-growing corporate career, where he led AI innovation at HSBC and drove digital banking strategy at M&T Bank. He helped scale Kangarootime from seed stage to Series B across two continents, building global operations from the ground up. Today, he is the Co-Founder and CEO of Arbol, a venture-backed company helping colleges reimagine how they identify and address financial barriers to graduation. Arbol is expanding across key higher education hot spots, partnering with institutions committed to systemic student success. David also serves on the boards of Villa Maria College and PGA REACH Western New York, advancing equity in education and sport.

​PJ Tudisco, VP Office of Innovation at M&T Bank

​PJ Tudisco is a fintech-focused VP at M&T Bank, where he helps to lead venture development efforts that bridge the innovation gap between strong corporate foundations and startup agility. With hands-on experience in both scrappy startups and structured enterprises, PJ is passionate about bringing the best of both worlds together—especially in the realms of payments and money movement. Embedded in Buffalo’s growing venture ecosystem, he’s a connector with the goal of turning bold fintech ideas into scalable, real-world solutions.

​Presented by

​

​UVC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in Upstate NY. UVC provides thought leadership, valuable insights, and networking opportunities, currently serving nearly 700 high-growth businesses through personalized introductions and exclusive gatherings.

​Learn more: https://uvc.org/

​