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Big Shoulders

Chicago is emerging as a civic technology hub. As our city faces greater demand for efficient services, sustainability and economic opportunity for all, technology has the power to more deeply engage our citizens in creating solutions and making the democratic process more inclusive. That is what civic technology is all about. On Big Shoulders, we meet Chicago’s leaders, participants and drivers of this new space.

S2:E4 JESSICA DROSTE YAGAN, CEO OF IMPACT ENGINE
Big Shoulders

S2:E4 JESSICA DROSTE YAGAN, CEO OF IMPACT ENGINE

The Impact Engine is what inspired our host Adam Hecktman to go into his current position with Microsoft. The Impact Engine is an investment fund that helps for-profit companies build their company. That said, they focus specifically on businesses who want to solve social and environmental issues. Watch as Impact Engine CEO, Jessica Droste Yagan discusses her favorite part about her job and what the company is currently up to. PLEASE VISIT http://theimpactengine.com Read More
S2:E7 OLATUNJI OBOI REED, CO-FOUNDER OF SLOW ROLL CHICAGO
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S2:E7 OLATUNJI OBOI REED, CO-FOUNDER OF SLOW ROLL CHICAGO

When walking through the city of Chicago, one always notices racks of rentable bikes, street lights for bicycles, and even bike lanes on the road. Biking is part of Chicago and an easy way to get around the city. What most don't realize is just how therapeutic it can be. Olatunji Oboi Reed, Co-Founder of Slow Roll Chicago, sat down with Adam to discuss just how his company has brought communities together. PLEASE VISIT http://www.slowrollchicago.org Read More
S3:E3 ALLIE BARWISE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ISTI
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S3:E3 ALLIE BARWISE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ISTI

The STEM sciences are constantly looking for new talent and one is never too young to start learning. ISTI invites mostly high school age students to not only expand their knowledge of the STEM sciences, but also connect them to members of industry. PLEASE VISIT http://www.istcoalition.org Read More
S2:E5 CHRIS FOREMAN, CEO OF NORTH AMERICA AT AVEPOINT
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S2:E5 CHRIS FOREMAN, CEO OF NORTH AMERICA AT AVEPOINT

Collaboration and the sharing of ideas is a big part of business and no one knows that better than Chris Foreman, CEO of North America at AvePoint. In this episode of Big Shoulders, Chris will discuss how his company helps facilitate collaboration through their software. PLEASE VISIT http://www.avepoint.com Read More
S2:E8 HOWARD TULLMAN, CEO OF 1871
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S2:E8 HOWARD TULLMAN, CEO OF 1871

Chicago based incubator, 1871 had an eventful year. Hosting over 1,000 events, a former president, and several current presidential candidates, 1871 has made itself a house hold name. Keep watching to find out what Howard Tullman has in store for the incubator in 2016. PLEASE VISIT http://www.1871.com Read More
S3:E10 DAN SHALMON, EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, CLINE CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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S3:E10 DAN SHALMON, EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, CLINE CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Dan Shalmon is an External Engagement Coordinator for Cline Center for Democracy at the University of Illinois. His mission is to transform information into knowledge that advances human flourishing and his primary focus includes international conflict and crisis bargaining, arms control, the law of armed conflict and international humanitarian law. PLEASE VISIT http://www.clinecenter.illinois.edu/about/ Read More
S3:E4 STACY KLINGBEIL AND ALLISON CHEN, DESIGN FOR AMERICA DONOVAN MORRISON, LUNA LIGHTS
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S3:E4 STACY KLINGBEIL AND ALLISON CHEN, DESIGN FOR AMERICA DONOVAN MORRISON, LUNA LIGHTS

Design for America, founded at Northwestern University, is going from school to school inspiring a passion of design in today's youth. They help groups generate ideas for today's real world problems by working with their local communities. Once the idea is formed and tested they help bring it into fruition through mentorship and guidance. PLEASE VISIT http://lunalights.org http://designforamerica.com Read More
S2:E6 TOM BUNTING, DATA ASSOCIATE AT INGENUITY
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S2:E6 TOM BUNTING, DATA ASSOCIATE AT INGENUITY

It's not a secret that CPS has struggled with money due to low state funding. To compensate, many schools have cut programs or lessened the use of the arts. To help combat the drop of art, music, ect. classes, Ingenuity has started doing research. Listen as Adam sits down with Data Associate, Tom Bunting to discuss the not-for-profit work Ingenuity does. Non-profit, working in partnerhsip to track and share arts education data, PLEASE VISIT http://www.ingenuity-inc.org Read More
S2:E9 KARA ZUCKER, NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR MONEYTHINK
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S2:E9 KARA ZUCKER, NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR MONEYTHINK

Literacy is a large topic in America. Usually when we talk about literacy we refer to technological and literary literacy, but what about financial? It's never too early to teach our children about the responsibility of money and finances. Known as the "Instagram of money" the MoneyThink app is really changing the way kids think about their money. PLEASE VISIT http://moneythink.org Read More
S3:E2 FABIAN ELLIOTT, FOUNDER OF BLACK TECH MECCA
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S3:E2 FABIAN ELLIOTT, FOUNDER OF BLACK TECH MECCA

Black Tech Mecca was introduced to the world last June during Techweek and ever since they have been making some big strides. Fabian Elliott, Founder of Black Tech Mecca, believes that through the development of a thriving black tech ecosystem, he will help empower the black community, propel the tech community, and introduce a new competitive advantage for the city. PLEASE VISIT http://www.blacktechmecca.org Read More
S3:E5 ALDEN LOURY, MPC
Big Shoulders

S3:E5 ALDEN LOURY, MPC

The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is working hard researching the different ways we as Chicagoans can improve our community. Adam has Alden Loury of the MPC explain a little about their latest research project. PLEASE VISIT https://www.metroplanning.org/index.html Read More

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