We're so excited to start of season 5 of the podcast with a bang: our friends at The Eisenberg Foundation to share about what the organization is up to and the upcoming Real Bright Summit 2022! Eisenberg is an organization dedicated to GI cancer research and real estate education, especially for those communities often under-represented. Cassandra Murff, an associate board member on the foundation joins us to share about why she was so excited to partner with Eisenberg and what she hopes for the future. Visit eisenbergfoudation.org to learn more about their mission and the Summit starting January 31, 2022.

[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.

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.

John Peller joins the podcast to share about the AIDS Foundation Chicago and the fight to get Illinois to Zero! Hear about how John came to Chicago and why he is passionate about his work with the Foundation, which continues to lead the charge in building a healthier future. For 35 years, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) has led the fight to create health equity and justice for people living with and disproportionately impacted by HIV and AIDS.

New host Leona Kuhar welcomes her first guest, Grace Rios of Grace Rios photography to the podcast. In this episode, Grace shares about how she got her start in photography at such a young age and why she chose to photograph weddings to start her career. Grace has a beautiful eye and is a huge part of making a couples special day that much more memorable. She also shares about what it took to start her business and some of the early challenges, as well as her hopes for the future. Be sure to check out her Instagram to see some of the amazing weddings she’s been able to capture!

We're excited to introduce Leona Kuhar, Senior Legal Assistant at SATC|Law and new co-host of the podcast. Leona is a native Chicagoan and shares about her experience growing up on the far southside. She has worked in the corporate and legal industries and has been at SATC for nearly 20 years! Leona also shares about what it was like growing up in such a diverse neighborhood and why individual cultures are important. We're happy to have Leona on our team and for you to connect with her on the podcast.

Meet the newest member of the Bridging Chicago team, Sally Rodriguez-Diaz. Sally is joining the team as a Content Artist. She was born and raised right here in Chicago and got her degree in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago. Sally shares about her family, her love for Chicago history, and how growing up in Little Village inspires her to dream big! Be sure to interact with Sally on all our social media platforms and at www.BridgingChicago.com.

Theresa Goodrich is an Emmy award winning author and true storyteller. In her book, Living Landmarks of Chicago, she tells the story of 50 of Chicago's landmarks, delving into what makes them special to our city and its rich history. Theresa shares about her childhood as a young leader and how she came to know she was a writer at heart. She also shares about her battle with breast cancer and why it's important to her to help others who are fighting as well. Theresa shares very vulnerably about her life and work and what keeps her motivated for future projects.

To last 30 years as a restaurant in Chicago is certainly no easy task! It takes a great deal of innovation, hard work, and a great partnership team to thrive through everything that's happened over three decades. Helen Cameron joins us to share how she and her husband, Mike, have persevered to not only survive, but thrive with Uncommon Ground in Chicago. Uncommon Ground is truly a restaurant unlike any other. They were the first certified organic rooftop farm in the US, right here in our city. Helen and Mike are helping people rethink about the ingredients that make up what they eat and drink! They also started Greenstar Organic Brewing, where they brew all their beers with all organic ingredients. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Brendan Cournane has certainly lived a full life and he loves to share all of the lessons he picked up along the way with others. Brendan and his family moved to Chicago at a young age after immigrating to Canada from Ireland. He has run over 100 marathons and also serves as the chair of the Chicago Bar Associations Wellness and Mindfulness committee. Brendan shares about the importance of family and what it was like for him beginning his career as a young attorney. Brendan also shares about what it takes to motivate yourself to finish the race and how to help tackle challenges that come your way. Be sure to listen to part I and II of this awesome interview.

As wedding season gears up again, many of us are left wondering what it will look like after most were canceled in 2020. Carlene Hartline, owner of Naturally Yours Events joins the podcast to share about the big pivot they had to take and how they started Neighborhood Nuptials as a way to give people the special day they've dreamed of. Carlene also shares about the how the people she has put around her have helped motivate her to keep going, and how she has been able to be an amazing business owner, wife and mom!

A Chicago native, Kevin Gillespie knows what it takes to start a successful business. Kevin had to persevere through personal struggles and a failed business venture to begin Headline Solar, a company he hopes will help people get the energy they need while providing for a cleaner future for the planet. Kevin shares about why putting the right people around you and focusing on your goals is so important. You won't want to miss this episode filled with great insights from a Chicago entrepreneur.

In this episode of the podcast, Sarry Ibrahim shares about the level of care and empathy he brings to financial planning and why it's never too early (or late!) to think about your financial goals. Sarry seeks to put his clients first and prides himself on attending each client meeting without preconceived notions. Sarry also shares about why it's important to teach young people about the importance of money and how to save.

No information contained in this episode shall constitute financial, investment, legal and/or other professional advice and that no professional relationship of any kind is created between you and podcast host, the guests, SATC Solution Center L3C, or SATC Law. You are urged to speak with your financial, investment, or legal advisors before making any investment or legal decisions.