Shows
All Things LocalEpisode 26: Jessi Haish LaRue, Joseph Glidden Homestead and Historical CenterThis month’s episode is an interview with Jessi Haish LaRue, the new executive director of the Glidden Homestead in DeKalb. If her maiden name sounds familiar, it is. Her 4th great-uncle was Jacob Haish. If you’re from the DeKalb area, you’ve probably seen his name around town and he is often referred to as one of DeKalb’s founding fathers along with Joseph Glidden, Isaac Ellwood, and Clinton Rosette.
In addition to their mutual barbed wire business interests, this group was responsible for bringing a teacher’s college to DeKalb, what became Northern Illinois University...2023-02-0118 minAll Things LocalEpisode 25: Brandon Pugh, Egyptian TheatreWelcome listeners of All Things Local to our third season of the podcast and the first episode of 2023. I have some wonderful episodes planned for this year including this one. Brandon Pugh is a former student of mine and since he graduated, he has built his career in volunteer administration at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb. As is so common with our guests, this isn’t a career track he had anticipated but came to find through internships.
While you might be familiar with this amazing landmark, Brandon will share just how important volunteers are to this or...2023-01-0518 minAll Things LocalEpisode 24: Nicole Sdao, AltruizeWelcome listeners of All Things Local. I needed to take a little break from the podcast this fall due to a heavy teaching load and some staffing challenges, which I’m not alone in. Now that the fall semester is winding down it’s time to get back to the podcast and hopefully regular episodes every month in 2023. Thanks for hanging in there with me and I can’t wait to get back to these community conversations. Episode 24 is an interview with Nicole Sdao, the founder and CEO of Altruize, a free app that helps nonprofits, schools, companies, and indivi...2022-12-0623 min
All Things LocalEpisode 23: Edith Craig, previous director of the St. Charles Public LibraryFor over 125 years, the St. Charles Public Library has served the community. In 1906, Andrew Carnegie, a library philanthropist, granted the library $12,500 to build a new free public library in St. Charles which had to be matched by $15,000 in local donations. That library still stands as part of a much larger library complex which we will hear about from Edith Craig, the previous director of the St. Charles Public Library. 2022-06-1327 minAll Things LocalEpisode 22: Research on Townships in IllinoisDid you know there are nearly 9,000 units of local government in Illinois? This includes about 3,000 general-purpose governments and 6,000 special-purpose governments. General-purpose governments include counties, townships, and municipalities, and in Illinois, townships make up about 50% of these government units. Townships were one of the first forms of government created in the state going back to the Illinois Constitution of 1848. Townships provide general assistance to the public, provide real estate assessment assistance and maintain township-owned roads and bridges. Townships may also provide a number of youth and senior services and can also provide zoning, police and fire protection, and other services...2022-05-0229 minAll Things LocalEpisode 21: Sister Kathleen Ryan, Dominican Literacy CenterThis month, I am speaking with Sister Kathleen Ryan, the Executive Director of the Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora. Their programs help women find a voice in this country. The organization began in 1993, in her words, on a shoestring budget and a broken card table. Today, they serve hundreds of individuals each year. We also talk about Sister Kathleen’s personal journey and commitment to serving new immigrants in our community, and how her educator background took a turn into literacy education for immigrants. She also shares the importance of volunteers for their mission. Enjoy our conversation.2022-04-0427 minAll Things LocalEpisode 20: Queer-Oriented Rural Resource Network (QORRN), Frankie DiCiacco,This month, I speak to Frankie DiCiacco, the founder and executive director of The Queer-Oriented Rural Resource Network that is dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ individuals in rural communities access the resources and services they need. In this episode, we talk about Frankie’s own experiences in rural Illinois and how he hopes to change not only access to needed services for LGBTQ+ individuals but also how we create a welcoming community. He also shares how he had the idea for this new nonprofit and some lessons learned in this journey so far. Enjoy our conversation.2022-03-1229 minAll Things LocalEpisode 19: Gretchen Sprinkle, Kishwaukee United WayWelcome to episode 19, an interview with Gretchen Sprinkle, executive director of the Kishwaukee United Way. In 1887, the model was created in Denver, Colorado to fundraise for local needs and then distribute those funds to local organizations. First called a charity organization society, then in 1913, the first Community Chest was created in Cleveland, Ohio which was widely used for United Way organizations until the 1950s. Today, there are over 1,300 local United Ways in communities across the United States. Locally, the Kishwaukee United Way is engaged in several programs that you will hear about including 211, Smart Money Initiative, and much more. Th...2022-02-0422 minAll Things LocalEpisode 18 Shelly Perkins, DeKalb County Housing AuthorityThe Housing Authority of DeKalb County has been providing affordable housing options since 1946. As a unit of local government with county-wide jurisdiction, but funded by rents and federal grants, not local taxes. They are governed by a five-member, all-volunteer board. They offer four federal programs including tenant-based assistance through the housing voucher program, unit-based assistance through the low-income public housing program, shelter plus care program for the chronically homeless and multi-family programs. They operate eleven buildings, with a total of 389 units. If you are someone you know needs housing assistance, you can find more information at www.dekohousing.com.2022-01-0335 min
The People Strategy PodcastEP 51: The Power of Pause with Alicia SchattemanHow are you and your team approaching debriefs and planning as we near the end of 2021? Debriefing (or reflection), as we have previously discussed, is an important tool to utilize when hoping to make positive changes within an organization. So, in this episode, Dr. Alicia Schatteman, Director at Center for Nonprofit and Associate Professor at Northern Illinois University, will be joining the show to share how you can tackle appropriate debriefing and planning to ensure your organization is set up for success in the new year. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: h...2021-12-2322 minThe People Strategy PodcastEP 51: The Power of Pause with Alicia SchattemanHow are you and your team approaching debriefs and planning as we near the end of 2021? Debriefing (or reflection), as we have previously discussed, is an important tool to utilize when hoping to make positive changes within an organization. So, in this episode, Dr. Alicia Schatteman, Director at Center for Nonprofit and Associate Professor at Northern Illinois University, will be joining the show to share how you can tackle appropriate debriefing and planning to ensure your organization is set up for success in the new year. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: h...2021-12-2322 minAll Things LocalEpisode 17: Tara Russo, Elder Care ServicesOn this episode, number 17 of the All Things Local podcast, I speak with Tara Russo, Executive Director of Elder Care Services in DeKalb. She shares her personal background and commitment to seniors in our community.
Her college education began in nursing but she quickly found that her heart was in social work, and specifically working with seniors.
She talks about the wrap-around services her organization offers to help seniors in all facets of their life, to live their best possible lives at home.
Despite the challenge of the pandemic, she has worked to...2021-01-1730 minAll Things LocalEpisode 16: Cortney Strohacker, DeKalb County Convention & Visitor BureauOn this episode, number 16 of the All Things Local podcast, I speak with Courtney Strohacher, Executive Director of the DeKalb county convention and visitor bureau. She has been in this role about a year and she shares with us her path, her engagement with all sectors in DeKalb County, and her work with DeKalb County Unites. She shares with us how the CVB markets DeKalb County to local residents but also across the state and across the country. While we might not be able to travel very far right now, Courtney is working hard to focus on what we...2020-12-0226 minAll Things LocalEpisode 15: GatherOn this episode I speak with Tia Anderson of Heartland Bank and Debra Boughton of NIU, who are leaders in Gather, a program of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Now in its third year, Gather is a women’s leadership organization that helps strengthen the overall business and non-profit community in the DeKalb area. We talk about why the program was founded and how they are working to support all women. We discuss how women can get involved even during this pandemic. I am a proud member of Gather, along with nearly 100 other women, and I encourage everyone to th...2020-10-0335 minAll Things LocalEpisode 14: Fiona Cummings, Girl Scouts of Northern IllinoisOn this episode I speak with Fiona Cummings, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. We chat about how Girl Scouts started, how it has evolved over time. We discuss their decision to be much more flexible so they can best serve their members, such as now only leasing space and putting those spaces in high traffic areas like shopping centers. They are also using technology in some very creative ways to keep the staff virtually connected to each and to continue to provide programs but virtually. She talks about the loss of revenue in many different areas a...2020-08-0335 minAll Things LocalEpisode 13: Lynette Spencer, Adventure WorksWelcome to episode number 13 of the All Things Local Podcast. On this episode, I speak with Lynette Spencer, Founder and Executive Director of Adventure Works. We are four months into the pandemic now and Lynette and I chat about how her organization quickly adjusted and how they are continuing their mission of bringing mental health services to our community in some very unique ways. We discuss her collaboration with government agencies and other nonprofits, particularly in the University Village neighborhood in DeKalb. She shares how she found her passion of social work, and why she decided to take the...2020-07-1028 minAll Things LocalEpisode 12: Keri Asevedo, Rockford Area Habitat for HumanityWelcome to episode number 12 of the All Things Local Podcast. On this episode, I speak with Keri Asevedo, Executive Director of the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. She shares how Habitat had to quickly adapt to COVID 19 when all building stopped and their Restore Closed to the public. She shares her career path from working in the criminal justice system to running a $3 million nonprofit with 22 employees and 1,400 volunteers. She admits she is not afraid to ask anyone for anything if its for a cause she believes in, like Habitat. Housing is one of those basic human rights, Keri ar...2020-06-1134 minAll Things LocalEpisode 11: Michelle Donahoe, DeKalb County History CenterWelcome to episode number 11 of the All Things Local Podcast. On this episode, I speak with Michelle Donahoe, Executive Director of the DeKalb County History Center. She shares her journey as a public history student, as a volunteer, and now leading an organization that reaches across the county, preserving and sharing our county’s history. During this pandemic, the History Center reminds us all that history happens every day and encourages residents to share their stories, to document what’s going on in the world around them for future generations. I want to remind everyone that Give DeKalb County is M...2020-05-0331 minAll Things LocalEpisode 10: Jo-Anne Stately on Native American PhilanthropyJo-Anne Stately is the Director of Impact Strategy for the Minneapolis Foundation in Minnesota. She kicked off the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies' 2020 Research Colloquium series on February 12 speaking about Native American philanthropy. This recording was made with a live audience so I apologize in advance for the audio quality.2020-04-0635 minAll Things LocalEpisode 9: Part 2 with Police Chiefs of NIU and DeKalbI hope you enjoy this second part of my interview with the police chiefs of DeKalb and NIU. In this part of our interview, both chiefs talk about their department’s collaboration with nonprofits, about very specific events that turned them towards making a career in law enforcement, and then we get into a discussion of mental health issues facing first responders. I am editing this episode as we are all dealing with the disruption to our daily lives and the serious health consequences of the coronavirus. This episode is dedicated to all of those public servants, health care wor...2020-03-2332 minAll Things LocalEpisode 8: The Police Chiefs of NIU and DeKalb: Part 1On this episode, I speak with Chief Tom Phillips of the NIU Police Department and Interim Chief of Police for the City of DeKalb, John Petragallo. We discuss their relationship with each other, to their communities, how they arrived at their positions and why did they go into police work in the first place. We are reminded how the city and the university are intricately linked, tied together, interdependent. Because of our lengthy and candid conversation, this podcast will actually be split up in two parts. Enjoy this first part.2020-01-0430 minAll Things LocalEpisode 7: Lynnea Erickson Laskowski, Safe PassageWelcome to episode number 7 of the All Things Local Podcast. On this episode, I speak with Lynnea Erickson-Laskowski from Safe Passage, DeKalb County’s domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center. Lynnea shares her journey from student to advocate. She reminds us that sexual assault and domestic violence does not discriminate by income, ethnicity, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Safe Passage works with so many entities to support their clients and could use our community’s help so think about volunteering, donating funds or items they are in need of, like gas gift cards especially as we come into...2019-11-0832 minAll Things LocalEpisode 6: Amanda Christenson, DeKalb County Regional Office of EducationWelcome to Episode number 6 of the All Things Local Podcast, and my second in my new role as acting director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies. In this episode, I interview Amanda Christenson the Superintendent of the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education. Although she has an extensive teaching background, you might be surprised at what she really wanted to be when she grew up. Hint, it wasn’t a teacher. She does her work with a social justice lens. The regional office of education does so much behind the scenes for DeKalb County children and I hop...2019-09-0435 minAll Things LocalEpisode #5: Alex Nerad, The Historic Egyptian TheatreWelcome to Episode number 5 of the All Things Local Podcast, and my first in my new role as acting director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies. In this episode, we learn all about the Egyptian Theatre from its executive director Alex Nerad. The Egyptian supports the quality of life of this region which attracts residents, businesses, and visitors. You might be surprised to know that the Egyptian Theatre has a $2 million direct economic impact every year, thanks to the 40,000 visitors to the theatre and it will turn 90 years old in December. Alex reminds us that the theatre is...2019-07-0234 minAll Things LocalEpisode #4: Dan Templin, DeKalb County Community FoundationOn this episode, I interview Dan Templin from the DeKalb County Community Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Growing up in Peoria, we’ll hear how Dan spent his time at Northern volunteering with local nonprofits and then graduating with a degree in psychology. Eventually administration found him very early in his career, first at the Dekalb County Youth Service Bureau when he became an executive director at just 26, and then he jumped at the chance to get involved in the nonprofit sector more broadly by moving to the DeKalb County Community Foundation. He truly loves working in...2019-06-0632 minAll Things LocalEpisode 3: Dan Kenney, DeKalb County Community GardensIn this episode, number 3 of the All Things Local podcast, I speak with Dan Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of the DeKalb County Community Gardens https://www.dekalbgardens.org. We hear about his childhood experiences growing up in a farming family, his passion for social justice sparked by Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King in the 1960s, and how he sees access to food as a social justice issue. We learn how government, nonprofits and individuals have come together to address issues in the Annie Glidden North Neighborhood in DeKalb through community engagement. Dan challenges all of us to se...2019-05-0331 minAll Things LocalEpisode 2: Deanna Cada, DeKalb County Mental Health BoardWelcome to episode number 2 of the All Things Local Podcast. On this episode, I speak with Deanna Cada from the DeKalb County Mental Health Board. We learn about what the mental health board actually does in our community to improve access to mental health services and the overall quality of life for all residents. Hear about the new Mental Health Court, mental health first aid, and how the mental health board responds during a disaster such as the tornado in Fairdale. Deanna offers tips to those studying or working in local government. She shares memorable stories that affected her...2019-04-0237 minAll Things LocalEpisode 1: Paul LaLonde, Voluntary Action Center (VAC)On this first episode, I am joined by Paul LaLonde, Vice President of Operations and Human Resources for the Voluntary Action Center. Paul graduated with an MPA from Northern Illinois University in 2009. He discussed his career path in public service, as well as his organization’s role in providing public transportation across five counties in Northern Illinois. Paul notes that transit "is a perfect example of governance in action" as VAC works with all levels of government. 2019-02-2828 min