Ashley Goeken, an entrepreneur and technology expert, has been appointed to the city of Aurora’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Commission. The appointment was made by Mayor Richard Irvin and unanimously approved by the Aurora City Council. Goeren is a co-founder of Opalus, a consulting firm that assisted Aurora in creating its Sustainability Plan 2019.
At the council meeting where the appointment was announced, Clayton Muhammad, Aurora’s chief communications and equity officer, highlighted Goeren’s background as a third-generation entrepreneur and technology expert. He described her as a voice of the global smart city revolution. In addition to her work with Opalus, Goeren also serves as an ambassador for the United Nations Association, Chicago chapter. In this role, she collaborates with various stakeholders to promote sustainability in cities and communities.
The Innovation and Technology Advisory Commission, which Goeren now serves on, was established by the Aurora City Council to explore emerging technologies that could benefit the city. Goeren’s interest in sustainability and technology stems from her role as a co-founder of Opalus, where she aims to foster more sustainable cities through partnerships with universities, tech startups, and involvement in environmental policy.
Prior to her work with Opalus, Goeren held the position of chief development officer at Go Green LED, a company founded by her mother Sandra Goeren in 2008. Sandra Goeren was recognized as the Chicago Business Leader of the Year in 1993 for her achievements in the telecommunications sector. Ashley Goeren’s grandfather Jack Goeren was also a prominent figure in
