Trust Talks

Episode 20: Advocating for Policy Reform (July 2025)

In this episode of Trust Talks, host Ianna Kachoris, associate vice president of people, power and policy at The Chicago Community Trust, is joined by Erion Malasi, policy director at the Economic Security Project; Tracy Occomy Crowder, deputy director of organizing and policy at Community Organizing and Family Issues; Ellen Nissenbaum, senior advisor at the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities; and Ameya Pawar, president & CEO of the Michael Reese Health Trust.

Using Illinois’ Child Tax Credit as a case study, they explore the power of coalition-based advocacy, the critical steps that follow the passage of a bill, and the essential role philanthropy plays in supporting nonprofit advocacy and community organizing.

Episode 19: Confronting Homeownership Barriers (June 2025)

In this episode of Trust Talks, host Matt Shomo, program manager for Homeownership & Home Equity at The Chicago Community Trust, is joined by Noreen Sugrue, research fellow at the Latino Policy Forum; Meegan Dugan Adell, director of New America Chicago; and Paul Hawkinson, co-founder of Transform Capital.

Together, they examine some of the unique challenges homeowners in underinvested communities in the Chicago area face in converting homeownership into wealth.