Building Trust Through Stories: A Journey Past, Present & Future
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
On August 28, 2025, the Odehmenan Health Equity Center came alive with voices that spanned generations, all united by a common mission: advancing health equity through trust. The Images of Trust: Past, Present & Future event officially launched the Odehmenan Health Equity Speaker Series for the academic year, marking an inspiring continuation of the Reclaiming Our Stories series that highlights the Odeh Center's five core commitments.
Mile Square Health Center CEO Dr. Karriem Watson set the stage with a powerful dialogue about Mile Square's remarkable legacy as one of the oldest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the country. His opening remarks emphasized a fundamental truth that resonates throughout our work: building trustworthiness requires a team-based approach that brings together diverse voices and perspectives. This collaborative spirit became the thread connecting each speaker's unique contribution to the evening's narrative.
The program's innovative timeline format showcased the depth and breadth of our community's impact. Mary Maryland, PhD '94, MSN, APRN, RN, FAAN, a distinguished UIC College of Nursing alumnus, shared insights from the Past, reflecting on the foundations that built our current work. Dr. Nicole Gastala, Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction at Mile Square, illuminated our Present innovations in community care. Looking ahead, Johnathan Banks, BS '21, DDS/PhD candidate from UIC College of Dentistry, painted a vision of the Future where health equity continues to evolve and expand.
More than just presentations, this event created a bridge between Mile Square's storied history and its bold future vision, reinvigorating attendees for a new academic year filled with possibility. Each story shared demonstrated how Mile Square's commitment to health equity isn't just about providing care—it's about building lasting relationships rooted in trust, understanding, and community partnership. As we move forward, these voices remind us that our greatest strength lies in our collective dedication to serving every person who walks through our doors.
