During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Karla and Ashraf discuss municipal leadership through and for the arts. Karla interviews Rossana Rodrguez-Sanchez, an educator, artist, activist, and alderwoman of Chicago's 33rd ward. They discuss the role of artists at the decision-making table and the importance of the politics of care. Karla and Ashraf debrief by thinking big about municipal and local leadership by creatives.
In this episode you’ll learn:
ABOUT ROSSANA RODRIGUEZ-SANCHEZ: A mother and resident of the Albany Park neighborhood. Prior to taking office, Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez worked as a youth educator and was involved in community groups as an activist and organizer.
Her priorities as Alderwoman include protecting neighborhood affordability, supporting our ward’s immigrant population, young people, and diverse communities, and creating more democratic processes so that ward residents are involved in the decisions that impact their lives.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez has been a lifelong advocate for public education, labor rights, and the wellbeing of youth and families. Her career as an educator includes eight years as a director and mentor in a nationally acclaimed youth theater company in Albany Park, where she guided high school students to fulfill their artistic and academic potential. Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez is the first Latinx Alderman to represent the 33rd Ward. She serves as chair of the immigration committee on the City Council’s Latino Caucus and is a member of the Progressive Caucus.
She serves on the City Council’s committees on Education and Child Development, Environmental Protection and Energy, Ethics and Government Oversight, Health and Human Relations, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, and Committees and Rules.
This episode was produced by Karla Estela Rivers; executive producer is Jeff M. Poulin. The artwork is by Bridget Woodbury. Creative Generation’s Digital Media Producer is Daniel Stanley. This podcasts’ theme music is by Distant Cousins. For more information on this episode and Creative Generation please visit the episode’s webpage and follow us on social media @Campaign4GenC