Trust Talks

Episode 25: Transforming College Transfer Pathways in Illinois (April 2026)

In this episode of Trust Talks, we examine why improving the community college-to-four-year transfer process is a critical but often overlooked issue, what the research shows about challenges transfer students face, and how wraparound supports such as advising, financial assistance, and basic needs assistance can help keep students enrolled through graduation.

The conversation is hosted by the Trust’s Sonianne Lozada and features Juan Salgado (Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago), Mike Abrahamson (Director of Policy & Research from the Partnership for College Completion), and Meg Bates (Director of Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative—IWERC).

Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago’s Cultural Ecosystem (February 2026)

In this episode of Trust Talks, we discuss how arts and culture drive and stimulate economic opportunities for a community and elevate the voices and stories of underrepresented communities, while asking what it takes to sustain a thriving, equitable cultural sector. Philanthropy, both institutional and individual, is critical for a thriving arts economy, and we explore this as one of the essential elements of a thriving city.  

Hosted by the Trust’s Iona Calhoun-Battiste and features Janell Nelson (Englewood Arts Collective), David Feiner (Albany Park Theater Project), and Nora Daley (Illinois Arts Council). Together, they discuss why investing in both legacy institutions and community-based organizations is essential to Chicago’s future.