Happy Valentine's Day!
ISTC 💗 Chicago and so does our most recent guest on the #StateofInnovation podcast, S. Dilla Thomas!
In this latest episode, our own Austin Green delves into Chicago's rich history of innovation and partnership, weaving together personal anecdotes and historical insights to paint a vivid picture of the city's innovative spirit.
Highlighting pivotal moments such as the first phone call from downtown Chicago and the construction of the iconic Ferris Wheel for the Columbian Exposition, the episode celebrates the city's legacy of saying "yes, and..." to new ideas. We also explore the role of underrepresented communities in driving innovation, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and material assistance in opening up opportunities.
The conversation extends to education and the need for tech-enabled learning, particularly in coding, to empower young people and bridge the gap between communities. It advocates for a shift towards collaborative and inclusive education models (like our Education programs here at ISTC), drawing inspiration from examples like Germany's comprehensive license tests.
Addressing the challenges facing Chicago, Dilla provides context on the ebbs and flows of each of the city’s neighborhoods, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and exchange programs in fostering unity and pride in the its diverse enclaves.
The episode concludes with a highlight on Chicago Mahogany Tours, highlighting the organization's mission to chronicle the city's history and inspire future generations.
This inspiring conversation is a call to engage with the older generation, think big, and save space for those following in their footsteps, echoing the sentiment that Chicago's potential lies in its ability to continue evolving and embracing change.
LISTEN HERE: https://lnkd.in/gSeQxHdv
Colleen D Egan Kate Calabra Jacob Barry Becky Goldberg Jackie Navigato Tanvi Dharap Jozie Crouch Anne Marie Rzepecki
Founder & CEO of the National Trust Fund Charity: The Foundation
2moI watched the whole hour of the podcast and the most notable aspect that stood out was how Anthony explained how sometimes timing can be everything when looking or accepting opportunities. Also, I greatly valued how you found purpose throughout your career through helping others. Sometimes the right opportunities will present themselves but you have to be Brave enough and willing to adapt and accept the challenges. Highly recommend.