Description

Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, August 12th
12:00 to 1:00pm


Don’t Miss the Next Digital Shift: AI Agents for Small Business.
Artificial intelligence is quickly moving beyond answering questions and generating content. New AI agents can access information, use business tools, and complete multi-step tasks. This practical session will explain the difference between generative AI and agentic AI, as well as the difference between APIs and the Model Context Protocol, or MCP.

Using the rise and decline of Sears as an opening example, we will explore what can happen when an established business has the infrastructure and customer trust to lead the next technological shift but does not adapt quickly enough. Attendees will learn how local businesses can identify useful AI-agent opportunities while protecting their data, controlling what the technology can do, and keeping people responsible for important decisions.




Bityana Yishak
Bityana Yishak is a technology leader, cybersecurity professional, and CEO of Aulden, a Minnesota-based technology services company that helps organizations use software, artificial intelligence, and secure digital systems to solve practical business problems.

She serves as Program Chair and a board member of the ISC2 Twin Cities Chapter and participates in cybersecurity work connected to the Minnesota Technology Advisory Council. She has contributed to United Nations Volunteer initiatives involving digital-learning analytics and geographic information systems. Bityana is also the founder and lead organizer of SouthwestMN Hacks, Marshall’s first hackathon, which connects students, universities, and businesses to develop solutions for real-world challenges.

Her professional experience includes e-commerce and information security at Production Inc, where she has worked with large-scale retail systems and product data. She earned an MBA and a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Southwest Minnesota State University and holds professional certifications in cybersecurity, cloud technology, and DevOps.

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Lunch & Learn Sponsor 
 Southwest Initiative Foundation