[Please excuse the audio issues in this episode as we were on location for the first time recording this episode]

Our last episode of the year features Donna Van Eekeren, an entrepreneur with a deep business background. Donna loved art so much that she realized her collection had grown to the point that she should open an art studio. After consulting with experts, Donna chose Wicker Park to open her beautiful studio where they showcase artist from around the world! There is so much value in the lessons Donna's learned over the years of leading the Land O'Frost team to envisioning what's next for her and her art.

Jennifer Sobecki, Chief Executive Officer of Designs 4 Dignity, joins host Nathan Ciulla to discuss how physical surroundings directly impact our ability to engage with others, to hope, and to heal. Jennifer’s story begins with her homegrown Midwest values; which are based in honesty, integrity, treating others the way you want to be treated, and being true to yourself. These values have fueled her passion through nearly two decades of service with Designs for Dignity, an organization offering one-of-a-kind design support to Chicago social services centers and their clients by curating spaces focused on creating dignity, safety, and comfort. Jennifer shares about her firm belief to meet people where they are, and how listening and placing herself in someone else’s shoes allows Designs for Dignity to turn a waiting room into a welcoming space and a shelter into a home.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we acknowledge that this isn’t always a season of joy for everyone. Some people silently deal with mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide that can be exacerbated when the rest of the world seems joyful. Amy Kartheiser knows firsthand how difficult it is when someone acts on those thoughts and envisions a world where no one must grieve a family member who has committed suicide. She founded Under the Same Sky, an organization aimed at raising awareness, opening conversations and creating additional funding for areas of need in suicide awareness and survivor support. Thank you so much to Amy for her courage in sharing her story with us. If you are in need of support due to suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, please visit UTSS at www.utsscharity.org or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

Photos have become as prevalent as words as a form of communication in today’s world. New podcast host, Joe Amari, joins Karen Irvine, Chief Curator and Deputy Director, and Natasha Egan, Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary Photography to discuss the power of the visual arts in activism. Both Karen and Natasha share how the Museum gives artists the platform to show new perspective and spark dialogue around the issues of our time, from gun violence to racial disparity to environmental ruin. Tune into this episode to discover how Natasha and Karen collaborate with artists to bring unique viewpoints center stage as an exhibition for change.

Peter Toepfer joins the podcast to discuss no small feat—combating homelessness in Chicago. As Executive Director of the Center for Housing and Health (“CHH”), Peter firmly believes that we have the tools to end homelessness and to help people live their healthiest lives at their fullest potential. Peter shares that one way to combat homelessness is to identify the true drivers of housing instability and wielding community resources to offer a unique blend of assistance for each individual’s situation. Through these methods and leveraging the organization’s extensive resources and partnerships, CHH is changing the stigma around what it means to be “homeless.” After all, every person deserves to have a place to call their home.

After hearing Kyle Evangelista speak at the 2021 NFMA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nathan knew he wanted to invite him to share with the Bridging Chicago listeners. With their three core values in mind, Gratitude, Greatness and Grit, Kyle encourages leaders to share their story and lead with purpose. He shares with us lessons learned from his youth and why the ceiling is a constantly moving target. We hope you are as inspired by Kyle's words as we were!

Angela Mason, the senior director of Windy City Harvest never imagined she would be leading an urban farm here in Chicago, but that’s exactly where she finds herself. Starting with a small group of youth, Angela joined the Chicago Botanic Garden in their efforts to bring urban farming to Chicago and utilize open space here in the city. The farm has grown and the programs have multiplied so many times over, and Angela shares with host Leona Kuhar about what that has meant to her. More than 12 years later, Angela is going and growing strong with Windy City Harvest and shares her life lessons with us.

Shoshana Buchholz-Miller works tirelessly as Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Chicago managing an organization that provides low-income Chicagoland families the essential items children need to thrive. In this episode, Shoshana shares about her path to finding her niche in non-profits, the trials and triumphs of working in the non-profit sector, and how her role as a mother influences the passion and vigor she brings to her leadership. Listen now to discover how Shoshana’s work levels the playing field for children living in poverty and learn about opportunities to partner or volunteer with Cradles to Crayons Chicago in order to further their mission.

In this Bridging Chicago short, we follow up with Ed Podsiadlik, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and season 2 guest! Ed recently published License to Transform: An Alphabet of Student Teaching alongside some of his former students who are now teaching in and around the Chicago region. Ed shares about what inspired him to write the book and why he chose to bring his students in on the project. Ed is a great guest, amazing educator and wonderful person!

A first for Bridging Chicago, host and senior producer Nathan Ciulla travels to Las Vegas , Nevada to record an episode in front of a live audience to share about the benefits of podcasting! We had a great time networking with and learning from members of the National Flea Market Association at their 2021 Annual Conference. Check out this episode where we interview members Kristina Doukas and Lisa Povich and highlight our trip to Vegas.