Getting Smart Podcast 279 - Helene Gayle on Our Moment in Time
Today’s episode is featuring an interview with Dr. Helene Gayle.
Dr. Gayle is the CEO of the Chicago Community Trust; one of the nation’s leading community foundations. The trust works with donors, non-profits, community leaders, and residents to lead and inspire philanthropic efforts that improve the quality of life for the residents of the Chicago region. For 30 years, Dr. Gayle was one of the world’s leading experts on infectious diseases, leading global efforts at the CDC, the Gates Foundation, and CARE International.
Dr. Gayle’s global-to-local story gives her a unique perspective on issues of race and class and sets the stage for the trust attack on the racial and ethnic wealth gap. In this episode, she speaks about her role as CEO of CCT and the work they are doing around closing the racial and ethnic gap in Chicago and America; her ideas on what would help improve the quality of (and access to) education in Chicago; and her thoughts and predictions around the impact COVID-19 will have long-term.
Key Takeaways:
[:10] About today’s episode with Dr. Helene Gayle
[:59] Tom welcomes Dr. Helene Gayle to the podcast!
[1:57] Dr. Gayle speaks about her career journey and why she decided to transition from pediatrics to public health.
[4:18] About Dr. Gayle’s incredible 30-year career in public health.
[8:37] Dr. Gayle’s thoughts and predictions on COVID-19.
[10:20] Dr. Gayle elaborates on how we’ve done as a country dealing with COVID-19.
[11:56] About three years ago, Dr. Gayle became the CEO of the Chicago Community Trust. She explains what it is and why the role interested her.
[16:28] How Dr. Gayle is taking on the equity and wealth gap in Chicago through the Chicago Community Trust.
[21:47] How COVID-19 has actually amplified Chicago Community Trust’s message and mission.
[23:08] The link to education in Chicago Community Trust’s plan and Dr. Gayle’s thoughts on what would help improve the quality of and access to education in Chicago.
[25:23] How Dr. Gayle’s experience and training in public health have shaped her approach in tackling the root cause.
[26:40] Dr. Gayle’s thoughts on the guidelines schools should follow in reopening.
[28:01] Dr. Gayle’s advice for investors and policymakers at the state and local level.
[30:23] Tom thanks Dr. Gayle for her 30-year contribution to public health, for transforming opportunity in Chicago, and for joining the podcast!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 253: “Lia McIntosh on Community Development”
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