1871 has long been the heartbeat of Chicago’s tech ecosystem — a hub for visionary founders, resilient innovators and dedicated mentors building community and driving inclusive innovation. And, it’s been The Broad Cast’s recording location for the last six years!

This spring marked a major transition: 1871 moved out of its office space in the Merchandise Mart, signaling a new chapter for the organization. One day before they closed the doors, The Broad Cast sat down with 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler for one last recording in their studio.

Betsy looked back on her seven-year journey leading 1871, from its bold beginnings to becoming a national model for inclusive innovation. She shared why it was time to leave the Mart, what this shift means for Chicago’s startup community and how 1871 plans to evolve while staying rooted in connection and collaboration.

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The Broad Cast is hosted by Becky Carroll, President and CEO of C-Strategies, and Eileen Dordek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and political activist.

Keep up with The Broad Cast on socials:
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LinkedIn: @C-Strategies Inc.
Facebook: @C-Strategies Inc.
Bluesky: @cstrategieschi.bsky.social

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