The Broad Cast

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Dr. Edda Fields-Black joins The Broad Cast to share the extraordinary story behind “Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid and Black Freedom during the Civil War.” She explains how her research into more than 160 Civil War pension files uncovered the voices of enslaved people who experienced the raid firsthand. She discusses Harriet Tubman as a military strategist, the stakes of telling Black history in the current political climate and how her work is helping families trace their enslaved ancestors for the first time. She also reflects on her creative collaborations, the evolution of her scholarship and the personal meaning behind this groundbreaking book. Tune in for an inspiring conversation! __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Instagram: @cstrategieschi Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc.

Christy George played a major role in leading the most successful Democratic National Convention Host Committees in recent history — and now she’s at the helm of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, the state’s public-private economic development arm, as President and CEO. On this episode of The Broad Cast, Christy joins hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek to talk about her path to public service, how she led the Host Committee for a high-profile convention and what it means to lead with purpose. She shares what’s behind Illinois’ recent economic momentum, from attracting quantum computing companies to fueling clean energy and advanced manufacturing growth. Christy also reflects on what it takes for women to step into once-in-a-lifetime leadership roles, and why lifting others up along the way is central to how she leads.

Illinois is staking its claim as a global leader in quantum technology with the launch of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). In this episode, hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek sit down with Dr. Preeti Chalsani — Chief Quantum Officer at the Illinois Economic Development Corporation and Business Development Lead for the IQMP — to break down what quantum is, why it matters and how this first-of-its-kind campus will transform both science and the economy. From drug discovery to climate solutions, Dr. Chalsani explains the real-world potential of quantum, the importance of building an ecosystem in Illinois, and what it means for jobs and communities on Chicago’s South Side. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Bluesky: @cstrategieschi.bsky.social

1871 has long been the heartbeat of Chicago’s tech ecosystem — a hub for visionary founders, resilient innovators and dedicated mentors building community and driving inclusive innovation. And, it’s been The Broad Cast’s recording location for the last six years! This spring marked a major transition: 1871 moved out of its office space in the Merchandise Mart, signaling a new chapter for the organization. One day before they closed the doors, The Broad Cast sat down with 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler for one last recording in their studio. Betsy looked back on her seven-year journey leading 1871, from its bold beginnings to becoming a national model for inclusive innovation. She shared why it was time to leave the Mart, what this shift means for Chicago’s startup community and how 1871 plans to evolve while staying rooted in connection and collaboration. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Bluesky: @cstrategieschi.bsky.social

As our world faces a growing number of natural disasters every year, emergency responders are stepping up in greater numbers in response. That includes organizations like the Red Cross, whose nearly 150 years of experience and thousands of volunteers nationwide are there to support individuals and communities before, during and after disasters strike. Kellie O’Connell is the new CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois, and she joins hosts Becky and Eileen on the latest episode of The Broad Cast to talk about her decision to pursue this role, how the Red Cross is adapting to address increasing natural disasters, the ecosystem of women CEOs in Chicago and more. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Twitter: @cstrategieschi

In the early days of the second Trump presidency, there’s already been a slew of regressive executive orders targeting everything from federal funding to marginalized groups. Here in Illinois, organizations that advocate for racial and economic justice, like The Shriver Center on Poverty Law, are moving to the frontlines of the battles created by these EOs, and other policies, to protect the rights of those most impacted by the actions of this administration. Shriver Center President and CEO Audra Wilson joins hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek to discuss the initial weeks of the Trump Administration, its impact and how Shriver is preparing for what lies ahead. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Twitter: @cstrategieschi

Channyn Lynne Parker is the CEO of Brave Space Alliance, a Black-led, trans-led TLGBQ+ Center on Chicago’s south side that provides affirming, culturally competent resources. She joins Becky and Eileen on The Broad Cast to discuss the crucial role Brave Space Alliance plays in our city, preparing for a second Trump administration and how LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago and beyond can support each other. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Twitter: @cstrategieschi

A lot is at stake on the ballot this November, and we’re not just talking the Presidential race — for the first time, Chicago voters will get to choose who will serve on the Chicago Public Schools board (at least 10 of the 21 members for now!). One of the candidates is Ellen Rosenfeld from District 4 (which includes Uptown to Old Town), who has worn nearly every hat at Chicago Public Schools as a teacher, parent, Local School Council member, a Family and Community Engagement Specialist and more. She joins hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek to talk about what this election means for Chicago, creating balanced representation on the new school board and her platform as a candidate. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Twitter: @cstrategieschi

Sarah Garza Resnick is the CEO of Personal PAC, a nonpartisan organization working to protect and advance reproductive rights for all. She joins The Broad Cast to discuss how abortion access might be affected by the outcome of the 2024 election, how the issue could shape what happens at the ballot box in November, Illinois’ long and intentional journey to becoming a pro-choice state, how Project 2025 is working to restrict reproductive freedom and more. __________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc. Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc. Twitter: @cstrategieschi

Cherita Ellens is the President and CEO of Women Employed, which advocates for fair and equitable workplaces throughout Illinois so that women, families and communities thrive. She joins The Broad Cast to discuss WE’s key work in advancing policy to support women in the workplace for more than 50 years, economic equality as an intersectional issue, how to make your own workplace more equitable — and more! _________________________________________________________________ The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist. Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi Twitter: @cstrategieschi Facebook: C-Strategies Inc. LinkedIn: C-Strategies Inc.

Precious Brady-Davis is a lifelong social justice advocate and environmentalist. She currently serves as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in Cook County, and on March 19, she’ll be the first Black trans woman ever elected to Cook County office. Precious also released a memoir, “I Have Always Been Me,” in 2021, exploring her Midwestern upbringing and finding identity and community in Chicago. She joins The Broad Cast to discuss her environmental advocacy, how she and her husband made Illinois history when their first child was born — and more! _______________________________________________________________________ Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials: Instagram: @cstrategieschi Twitter: @cstrategieschi Facebook: C-Strategies Inc. LinkedIn: C-Strategies Inc.

Chicago artist and creator of The Folded Map Project Tonika Lewis Johnson joins hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek on this episode of The Broad Cast! In Part 2, Tonika discusses some of her newer projects including Inequity For Sale, an exploration of Chicago's use of land sale contracts on the South and West sides of the city in the 20th century. Subscribe to The Broad Cast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Soundcloud. Keep up with us on socials: Instagram: @CStrategiesChi Twitter: @CStrategiesChi Facebook: C-Strategies Inc. LinkedIn: C-Strategies Inc.

Chicago artist and creator of the Folded Map Project Tonika Lewis Johnson joins hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek on this episode of The Broad Cast! In Part 1, she discusses her work, from the origins of The Folded Map Project to newer works addressing social inequities in Chicago, and how art can be used to move the needle on social justice movements. Subscribe to The Broad Cast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Soundcloud. Keep up with us on socials: Instagram: @CStrategiesChi Twitter: @CStrategiesChi Facebook: C-Strategies Inc. LinkedIn: C-Strategies Inc.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joins hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek on this episode of The Broad Cast for a conversation on how she’s leveraged her office to lift up underrepresented voices and communities across the state, from restorative justice and violence prevention issues, to diversifying Illinois' agriculture industry and empowering women entrepreneurs — and more! Subscribe to The Broad Cast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Soundcloud. Keep up with us on socials: Instagram: @CStrategiesChi Twitter: @CStrategiesChi Facebook: C-Strategies Inc. LinkedIn: C-Strategies Inc.

According to CDC data, 1 in 4 American adults lives with a disability. However, many of our systems that are set up — from health care to education to wages and more — fall far short of meeting their needs. On this episode of The Broad Cast, Access Living President and CEO Karen Tamley joins co-hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek for a conversation about creating an equitable world for those living with disabilities, and how the disability community continues to become more inclusive of those with neurodiverse conditions. Plus, Becky shares her own experiences taking care of her mother who had a disability and raising her daughter who has a rare disease and is on the autism spectrum.

What are the issues facing rural Illinoisans today, and what can Democrats do to better engage these communities? On this episode of The Broad Cast, hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek speak with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, who hails from rural Illinois and today represents the state’s 13th congressional district, encompassing Springfield, Champaign, East St. Louis, and rural areas in between. Congresswoman Budzinski discusses the work she is leading to help invest in rural American communities and what Democrats can do to bring voters back to the party.

Experts agree: mental health in the U.S. has reached a crisis point. We’ve seen reports over the last year showing that our young adults, teenage girls, first responders, and more, are struggling more than ever when it comes to mental health. On this episode of The Broad Cast, co-hosts Becky and Eileen examine what led to this, and what is being done in our city and state to provide support and healing for those who need it. Becky and Eileen are joined by Alexa James, social worker and CEO of NAMI Chicago, and Angela Sedeño, a clinical psychologist and executive director of the Kedzie Center.

Chicago has a new mayor and 13 brand new members of City Council! The Broad Cast co-hosts Becky and Eileen do a deep dive into the election and mayoral transition along with the hopes and challenges that lie ahead. Our hosts are joined by Lisa Duarte, Lawyer and Government Relations Strategist, and Chakena Perry, Former MWRD Commissioner, Environmental Advocate and political activist.

School and library boards have become frontlines in the conflict between left and right in American politics. Co-hosts Becky Carroll and Eileen Dordek are joined by women who find themselves on the forefront of defending these institutions in the Chicagoland area. Guests are Kristina Zahorik of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, Sheri Doniger of the Lincolnwood Library Board, and Tracy Katz Muhl of Northbrook School District 28.

For the 33rd Episode of The Broad Cast, C-Strategies CEO Becky Carroll is joined by new TBC co-host, Eileen Dordek! The pair are joined by Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, Khem Khoeun, the first Cambodian American Woman elected to office in the United States and current Village of Skokie Trustee, and Grace Pai, Executive Director of Asian American Midwest Progressives. These women have all accomplished significant “firsts” in their work to empower Asian American communities and women.

For the 32nd Episode of The Broad Cast, host and C-Strategies CEO Becky Carroll joins Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Tiffany Hightower, for a conversation on how the Foundation is adapting, and even expanding their efforts to support, uplift, and advance Black Illinoisans during the pandemic and beyond. Tiffany also discusses the leadership lessons she’s learned over the years, why integrity always wins, and the importance of taking a moment for yourself. This marks the fifth episode of our six-month series dedicated to the themes of systemic racism and building an anti-racist society.

Episode 31 of The Broad Cast looks and sounds a bit different! To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, organizer, environmentalist, and history-lover Chakena Perry takes over as our host for a conversation on environmental justice with two women that represent the new face of leadership in Cook County bringing attention to environmental issues facing our communities, IEC Clean Water Policy Director Iyana Simba and Chief of Staff to MWRD Commissioner Davis, Dawn Walker. The episode pays homage to Hazel M. Johnson, born on the South Side of Chicago and known today as the Mother of Environmental Justice. Don’t miss this one!

For the 30th Episode of The Broad Cast, host and C-Strategies CEO Becky Carroll spoke with journalist, author, educator, and traveler Deborah Douglas to discuss her journey following the Civil Rights Trail across the southern United States, from the Mississippi Delta to Washington, D.C. Deborah drew on this experience to write her new book, “U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events That Made the Movement", which discusses notable people, places, and moments from the movement as well as offers tangible pieces of advice for readers looking to take the same journey through our nation’s history. This marks the third episode of our six-month series of conversations around systemic racism and building an anti-racist society. http://bit.ly/3i4Yavs

For our annual Year in Review episode, we sat down with Chicago Sun-Times Chief Political Reporter Rachel Hinton and broke down the major events of 2020, from racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement, to COVID-19 and its impact on our local and national elections. Rachel brings an important and nuanced perspective as a young Black female journalist covering everything 2020. This marks the second episode of our six-month series of conversations around systemic racism and building an anti-racist society.

The first episode in our six-month series of conversations around systemic racism and building an anti-racist society. To launch this series, we are proud to feature Illinois State Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC), Senator Kimberly Lightford! She and the ILBC are leading some of the most important work in the state of Illinois right now, building a black agenda to address systemic racism and oppression.

If you live in the state of Illinois, odds are you’re getting a majority of your COVID news and updates from Governor JB Pritzker’s daily briefings, which have become a staple for both residents and media across the state. Illinois is flattening the curve and we are getting to a level of testing needed to properly evaluate when we might be able to emerge from this period. The person who is the Governor's thought partner and trusted advisor through all of this is his Chief of Staff, Anne Caprara. On this extended episode of The Broad Cast, host Becky Carroll talks to Caprara about leading during a pandemic and much more.

If you enjoyed our last episode with Tusk Philanthropies President, and former Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden, Sheila Nix, you’re in for a treat! Sheila is back to talk with The Broad Cast host Becky Carroll about Tusk’s work on the Mobile Voting Project and how the shift to mobile voting is now more important than ever.

Listen to part one of our conversation with Sheila Nix. The Broad Cast host Becky Carroll talked to Sheila about her background, the presidential campaign, what went on behind the scenes in the US Senate as they debated a COVID-19 relief bill, and her role as a woman leading high profile offices and missions.

There was an abundance of news made in the world of Illinois and Chicago politics in 2019 and in its annual year in review and look ahead, The Broad Cast welcomed The Daily Line Managing Editor and Chicago City Hall Reporter Heather Cherone to help make sense of it all. Click here to tune in!

Chicago has experienced a construction boom of epic proportions across the commercial and housing markets over the past several years and if you look around at neighborhoods surrounding the greater downtown - and beyond - you see cranes lined up block by block. On Episode 23, The Broad Cast welcomed Smita Shah, Erin Lavin Cabonargi, and Bonita Harrison, three women who all have their pulse on Chicago’s booming construction market.

Chicago journalist legend Mary Mitchell recently announced that she is stepping back at the Sun-Times after 29 years as one of its best known and respected columnists. We devote this entire episode to a conversation with Mary!

Tune in to hear The Broad Cast's first-ever live taping hosted at EvolveHer, which features the “Marijuana Moms” of the Illinois General Assembly. State Representatives Jehan Gordon-Booth and Kelly Cassidy and State Senators Toi Hutchinson and Heather Steans share their candid and inspirational stories about passing the nation’s first statewide recreational adult cannabis law, which also addresses critical equity and restorative justice issues. Co-sponsored by Legalize Illinois, Illinois Democratic Women and C-Strategies, this month’s special live taping is co-hosted by Becky Carroll and Jennifer Lee, Co-President of Illinois Democratic Women.

This year, we’ve had a changing of the guard with a new Chicago mayor who campaigned on vowing to invest in neighborhoods and stem violence that has plagued many communities. But with the city still facing significant budget gaps and new financial constraints that will put even more pressure on our city’s coffers, will we have the resources to make an impact? On the state side, the legislature passed new laws, from gaming to cannabis legalization, while in 2020, we’ll have a referendum on the ballot that will change the way we tax income in Illinois, all of which will generate much needed revenue for the state. Will all of this be enough to address root issues facing our city and state - especially our youth where we have the opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives that can lead to a new Chicago where communities and families everywhere are thriving. To address this question and the future of youth in Chicago, The Broad Cast hosted three of Chicago‘s most impactful non-profit leaders focused on our youth: Mikva Challenge Chicago CEO Michelle Morales; Kids Off the Block Executive Director Diane Latiker; and A Better Chicago CEO Elizabeth Swanson.

On April 2, 2019, Chicago is heading to the polls for the Runoff Election. Nicole Johnson will be on the ballot in 20th Ward. #TheBroadCast Host Becky Carroll sat down with Nicole to talk about her campaign and what she has learned on the trail.

This episode of The Broad Cast is devoted to one trailblazer: Cheryle Robinson Jackson. A high-powered exec, TedX Talk alum and survivor, Cheryle’s career has been marked by many firsts, spanning international business, civil rights, politics, government, not-for-profit, and the media. Her work and her life experiences have led her to launch a very special celebration of life and women: Grit + Grace Day on March 22, 2019.

2018 was one of the biggest years ever in Illinois politics. Chicago Sun-Times Columnist and ABC 7 Chicago Political Analyst Laura Washington joined #TheBroadCast for a special one-on-one interview to deconstruct every major storyline in 2018 and break down what all of this means for 2019 with host Becky Carroll.

Illinois experienced a blue wave on Nov. 6, 2018 and to discuss that and what lies ahead in the 2019 municipal elections, we turned to The Daily Line Reporter and Aldercast Host A.D. Quig, WBEZ City Hall Political Reporter Becky Vevea, and WTTW Chicago Tonight Political Correspondent Amanda Vinicky.

The Broad Cast host Becky Carroll brought on ACLU Illinois Executive Director Colleen Connell, Personal PAC Chairman Melissa Widen, and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action President & CEO Jennifer Welch to discuss the implications that Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court will have on access to abortion and reproductive health care options for women in Illinois and the United States.

A first for The Broad Cast: this month host Becky Carroll talks with three guys who are raising their hands to support women in the workplace and in life. Episode 14 features Holistic Co-Founder and former COO of 1871 Tom Alexander, Goodcity Chicago President & CEO Jimmy Lee and Democratic Party of Illinois Interim Executive Director and State Rep. Christian Mitchell.

The Broad Cast Host Becky Carroll talks with Chicago Foundation for Women President/CEO K. Sujata, Mujeres Latinas en Acción President & CEO Linda Tortolero, and WeWill Founder Alexandra Eidenberg.

The Broad Cast Host Becky Carroll talks with Interim President of Olive-Harvey College, Felicia Davis; Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Rosa Escareno; and CEO and Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District, Dr. Suzet McKinney

The Broad Cast Host Becky Carroll talks with Sol Flores, Kelly Mazeski, and Marie Newman about their recent Congressional campaigns in Illinois.

Host Becky Carroll is joined by veteran Chicago reporters Mary Datcher, Shia Kapos, and Kerry Lester to discuss the 2018 Illinois primary elections on the latest episode of The Broad Cast.

Becky Carroll talks to Jessica Williams, Co-Facilitator of 1871’s WiSTEM program. Two graduates of the WiSTEM program, Rochelle Gorey, CEO and Co-Founder of Spring Four, and Tiffany Mikell, CEO/CTO of AerialSpaces, join the conversation in the latest episode of The Broad Cast.

Covering some of our best moments so far this year!

During this month's podcast, we speak to three ladies kicking ass in Chicago’s culinary scene. On this episode of The Broad Cast, we feature Michelle Herndon, Partner/Director of Private Events of B Hospitality Co., Ina Pinkney, Chef/Owner of Ina’s Kitchen, and Alpana Singh, Restaurateur and Sommelier!

During this month's podcast, we speak to three Chicago ladies dominating the public relations and public affairs industry. Our 6th episode of The Broad Cast features Sarah Hamilton, Managing Director of Kivvit, Marilyn Katz, President of MK Communications, and Rikeesha Phelon, President and CEO of Phelon Public Strategies.

During this month's podcast, we speak to three of Chicago's top female CEOs thriving in our city's entrepreneurial community. Our 5th episode of The Broad Cast features Katrina Markoff, CEO of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, and Chris-Tia Donaldson, CEO of Thank God It's Natural.

This month, we speak to 3 powerhouse women working in Chicago’s nonprofit community. This episode features guests Dorri McWhorter, CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Jenne Myers, CEO of Chicago Cares and Celena Roldan, CEO of The American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois.

This month, we speak to three amazing women working to change the political landscape in the wake of the 2016 election. Tune in for a dynamic conversation with Anne Szkatulski, founder of Rodham Consulting, Aviva Rosman, Co-founder of BallotReady, and Ellie Bahrmasel, co-founder of Rise Movement.