Thursday ⦿ 7:30PM (CST) ⦿ CAN TV19
Change Agents will place a spotlight on critical issues impacting Chicago’s communities (e.g. homelessness, domestic violence, food inequity, bail reform, hate crimes, police reform, school bullying, etc.) and introduce viewers to nonprofit and community organizations who are working to address and combat these issues.
Season 2 Episode 16
Leading With Love
In a compelling episode of 'Change Agents,' host Sufyan Sohel welcomes Lizzy Carroll and J'Mya Reed-Green from Lead With Love. Together, they delve into the organization's inspiring mission to empower youth and cultivate the next generation of leaders within Chicago's diverse communities. Discover the impactful strategies and heartfelt stories behind their work, showcasing the transformative power of mentorship and community engagement in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Season 2 Episode 15
From Dispossessed to Empowered Through Literacy: A Future for Our Youth
In a compelling episode, host Sufyan Sohel engages in a meaningful conversation with Dr. Kathleen O'Connor and Naba Khan from FORA (Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America). Discover the passion and dedication behind their mission to empower and educate refugee youth in Chicago. Learn about the transformative work FORA is doing to support these young individuals in building brighter futures through education and community support.
Season 2 Episode 14
Empowering Our Youth to Create a Just Future
In a compelling episode, host Sufyan Sohel welcomes Bessie Alcantara and Joseph McCray from Alternatives, Inc. to share their insights on championing restorative justice in Chicago. Through their dedication, Alternatives, Inc. empowers the city's youth with advocacy, training, and restorative practices, fostering an environment where young individuals can thrive and contribute positively to their communities. This conversation delves into the transformative work of Alternatives, Inc., highlighting the impact of their initiatives on the lives of young Chicagoans and the broader community. Tune in to learn more about their remarkable efforts to create a more just and supportive society for the next generation.
Season 2 Episode 13
Make Chicago Home
In a compelling episode, host Sufyan Sohel engages with Alisa Bhachu and Faiza Haider from the Chicago Refugee Coalition to shed light on their transformative work within the refugee community in Chicago. The discussion centers on the Coalition's dedication to addressing the holistic needs of refugees, from delivering essential services to creating a nurturing environment that supports new beginnings. This episode highlights the vital role of the Chicago Refugee Coalition in empowering refugees, illustrating their commitment to fostering resilience, independence, and community integration among those seeking refuge and a fresh start in the city.
Season 2 Episode 12
Bring Chicago Home
Host Sufyan Sohel engages in a vital conversation with Doug Schenkelberg and Carla Johnson from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, addressing the escalating challenge of homelessness in Chicago. This episode takes a closer look at the influential Bring Chicago Home campaign, diving into the intricacies of homelessness and the collective efforts to devise long-term solutions. Through this insightful dialogue, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness and learn how collaborative initiatives are actively contributing to positive change within the community.
Season 2 Episode 11
Power & Purpose For Our Young Artists
Host Sufyan Sohel welcomes David Johnson, the visionary behind True Chicago, and Olu Adeleke, the creative force of Prgrssn and a celebrated clothing designer, to explore the transformative power of the arts in empowering Chicago's youth. The conversation delves into the ways in which creative expression can nurture growth and instigate positive change, highlighting the impactful stories and initiatives that have shaped young lives in the community. This episode is a profound look at the arts as a catalyst for development and empowerment among the youth in Chicago.
Season 2 Episode 10
Next Gen Problem Solvers
Join host Sufyan Sohel and guest Shawn Sorsby, founder of A Step Ahead Chess, as they delve into chess's transformative role in shaping Chicago's youth. Learn about the strategic game's capacity to mold young minds and its benefits for personal development. The episode features an enlightening discussion with two young chess enthusiasts from the organization and concludes with an exciting live chess match. Don't miss this insightful showcase of chess as a catalyst for growth and learning.
Season 2 Episode 9
Homes For Our Homeless
Host Sufyan Sohel sits down with Salvador Cerna and Luz Cortez from La Casa Norte. These two leaders are striving to provide housing, resources, and services for unaccompanied youth and families on Chicago's south and west sides.
Season 2 Episode 8
Finding Answers for Diverse Learners
Host Sufyan Sohel, accompanied by special guest Debra Vines, Founder & CEO of The Answer, Inc, explores ways to assist individuals with autism and developmental disorders.
Season 2 Episode 7
Supporting our Immigrant & Refugee Community
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by special guests Dennis Mondero and Jennifer “Nuky” Pham joins the show to delve into how to support our Immigrant and refugee communities.
Season 2 Episode 6
Imagine Englewood If...
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by special guests Michelle Rashad and Jarvis Burks to delve into how community groups and leaders are working to improve Englewood.
Season 2 Episode 5
Promoting Peace & Youth Leadership
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by special guests Berto Aguayo and Mayra Martinez who delve into promoting peace and youth leadership.
Season 2 Episode 4
Our Inequitable Justice System
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by special guests Ahmadou Drame and Anthony Williams join the show to delve into the inequities in our criminal justice system.
Season 2 Episode 3
Help From the Heart
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by special guests to discuss how homelessness affects Chicagoans and the work they are doing to serve this vulnerable population.
Season 2 Episode 2
The Future of Voting
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by special guests Stevie Vallas and Bernie Williams to delve into the future of voting.
Season 2 Episode 1
Stand Against Asian-American Hate
Host Sufyan Sohel is joined by Grace Pai and Ray Rivera join the show to discuss standing against Asian-American hate.
Season 1 Episode 17
Second Chances - Purpose After Prison
Change Agents with Sufyan Sohel features Tyrone Muhammad and Solomon Montagueo, who are serving their community through ECCSC. They discuss second chances and finding purpose after prison, sharing personal stories and insights on creating opportunities for re-entry and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Season 1 Episode 16
Protecting Our Elders
Caroline Manley joins the show to discuss safeguarding and supporting our senior community.
Season 1 Episode 15
Employment and Job Equity
Tara Harper, Kim Massenburg, & Jashawn Hill join the show to discuss employment and job equity.
Season 1 Episode 14
The Ministry of Music
Andre "Add 2" Daniels joins Sufyan Sohel to discuss the ministry of music.
Season 1 Episode 13
Legal Jeopardy: The High Cost of Representation
Sufyan Sohel welcomes guests Adam Salzman and Cynthia Ampadu to discuss the justice gap and how some communities can't find help for their legal problems.
Season 1 Episode 12
Lifting Struggling Communities
Sufyan Sohel welcomes guests Swathi Staley and Chef Lashon Burrell, two inspiring change agents working to lift up struggling communities.
Season 1 Episode 11
Providing a Voice to the Underrepresented
Sufyan Sohel welcomes guests Darrious Hillmon (Executive Director of CAN TV) & Cynthia Manuel (Heavenly Cynt Youth) to talk the power of giving underrepresented voices a platform.
Season 1 Episode 10
We Are All In This Together: Standing In Solidarity
The state of our nation has never been more divided, with many communities on the receiving end of discrimination and marginalization. To fight this injustice, Pushkar Sharma and Priya Shah join Change Agents to discuss how we can show up in allyship for those who need it most.
Season 1 Episode 9
Transforming Lives through Mentorship & Empowerment
On this week’s episode of Change Agents, Jamila Trimuel, Founder and Executive Director of Ladies of Virtue joins the show to discuss how she leads the charge to empower Black girls in some of our city’s most underserved communities and work to prepare them for college, their future careers, and to become change agents in their communities.
Season 1 Episode 8
Food Insecurity, Revisited
As we approach Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, with many of us celebrating with food and loved ones, Change Agents reminds us of all of the inequities in the communities around us. Dr. Saria Lofton, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing and Kellie O’Connell, Executive Director of Nourishing Hope join the show to provide ways to support our hungry neighbors.
Season 1 Episode 7
Chaos at our Borders: Immigrants in our Communities
Immigrants, refugees, and their families are part of our communities but face systemic barriers to their advancement and prosperity. Luis Gutierrez, Executive Director of Latinos Progresando and Idalia Flores Guzman, Programs Manager, of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights join the show to reveal immigrants’ experiences and discuss how federal, state, and local policies and practices affect their well-being while providing insights on how to strengthen systems that engage with immigrant and refugee families.
Season 1 Episode 6
Reproductive Rights: Whose Choice is it Anyway?
In the wake of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, the right to an abortion is now dictated by geography. This week will feature conversation about reproductive rights with legal experts and advocates including Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy, ACLU-IL; Qudsiyyah Shariyf, Deputy Director, Chicago Abortion Fund; and Mandy Medley, an activist with Chicago for Abortion Rights.
Season 1 Episode 5
The Secret Life of Muslims
Change Agents will showcase some incredible activists working to combat hate faced by the Muslim American Community. Change Agents is CAN TV Signature Show.
Season 1 Episode 4
Wealth Inequity in Chicago
Change Agents explores wealth inequity in Chicago with guests Imam Tariq El-Amin and Todd Belcore. Change Agents is a CAN TV Signature Program.
Season 1 Episode 3
Gender-Based Violence
Sufyan Sohel welcomes Noor Raheemullah Hasan, Executive Director of Muslim Women’s Alliance, and Neha Gill, Executive Director of Apna Ghar, to talk about the stigmas & taboos surrounding gender-based violence. Change Agents is a CAN TV Signature Production.
Season 1 Episode 2
When Hunger Strikes, Who You Gonna Call?
Jen Kouba from Care For Real and Dion Dawson of Dion’s Chicago Dream join Sufyan Sohel to address food insecurity in Chicago. Change Agents is a CAN TV Signature program.
Season 1 Episode 1
Mental Health Care - Inequality Strikes Again
Host Sufyan Sohel along with Dr. Inger Burnett Ziegler Author, Clinical Psychologist, and Assistant Professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine and Mark Ishaug, CEO of Thresholds, address mental health in Chicago’s marginalized communities. Change Agents is a CAN TV