Be a Part of the Conversation!

This Black History Month, join us for an important conversation on trauma-informed mental health care that honors lived experiences of the Black community. This discussion will dive into the roots of mental health stigma; the barriers that persist in accessing care; and the practices that help create safe, affirming spaces. Featuring leaders who work daily at the intersections of public health, community support, and trauma response, this event invites attendees to learn from our panelists’ invaluable experience and perspectives. This is a free, virtual discussion, but RSVP is requested below.

Date

February 25, 2026

Time

12 – 1 PM CT

Venue

Virtual

Our Panelists

Kim Massenburg

(Moderator)
Chief Impact Officer
Cara Collective

Patricia Banks

Executive Director
SisterHouse

JaShawn Hill

Executive Director
Chicago Survivors

Olusimbo Ige, M.D., MPH

Commissioner, Department of Public Health
City of Chicago

Join the Conversation

All virtual conversations are free, but we request you RSVP in advance.

Previous Virtual Conversations

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

n honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the essential contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities to our economy, workforce, and culture.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

n honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the essential contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities to our economy, workforce, and culture.

Unlocking Opportunity Through Fair Chance Hiring

In honor of National Fair Chance Month, join Cara Collective for a virtual discussion on the importance of creating job opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.

The Business of Profit & Purpose

In honor of Black History Month, we discuss how employment social enterprises fuel economic mobility on Chicago’s South and West Sides. Hear directly from leaders who work at the intersection of profit and purpose to create opportunity for job seekers facing barriers to employment

Investing in the Workforce

Employers can pull one of the most powerful levers for economic and social change: supporting and advancing their frontline workers. Our panelists will share the “why” and the “how” behind meeting the needs of historically untapped talent, whether that be job seekers impacted by the justice system or those who have faced systemic barriers and the effects of poverty.

The Intersection of Education and Workforce Development

As the workforce continues to evolve, so must the ways we prepare current and future generations of workers. We were joined by civic and philanthropic leaders to explore how education and workforce development institutions are working together to build more inclusive pathways to gainful employment.

Building Economic Vibrancy Across the Latine Community

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we were joined by a panel of civic and philanthropic leaders to discuss the role policy plays in creating equity, and how we are addressing and removing the barriers faced in the pursuit of meaningful employment opportunities.

Writing My Legacy

In honor of Black History Month, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, Suzet McKinney, and Nicole Robinson take part in a discussion on creating change, inspiring others, and building a legacy.

Appetite for Hope

Because gainful employment and food security go hand in hand, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Kellie O’Connell, CEO of Nourishing Hope, discuss the barriers to food and job access and our collective hunger for a poverty-free Chicago.

Beyond the Shecession

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Felicia Davis Blakley reflect on this moment in history and its impact on women in the workforce.

Finding My Voice

In celebration of Black History Month, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Dominique Jordan Turner discuss how they found their voices as Black women, impactful leaders, devoted mothers, and so much more.