How We Began
In 2021, as communities across Chicago were navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic, we launched Once Upon Our Time Capsule. We partnered with schools, libraries, and community organizations to create Time Capsules with young people and community members.
At a time when adults were constantly talking about young people, we wanted youth to document their own experiences and hopes in their own words.
What began as a response to an urgent moment revealed something enduring. Across settings and ages, people valued having structured time to reflect, create, and listen to one another.
Living Record is led by a small, collaborative team with experience across education, community engagement, storytelling, and civic work.
Living Record is guided by a network of board members and advisors whose experience spans mental health, education, the arts, civic leadership, and philanthropy, helping shape and sustain the work across communities.
Board of Directors
Stephanie Hodges
Board Chair, Co-Founder
Aditi Chokshi
Mental Health Practitioner
Cecily Elgart
Truman Center for National Policy
Rhonda Swails
Kauffman Foundation
Jennifer Hodges
KIPP Chicago
Rachael Mizuno
Swanzuno Strategies
Bridget Carney
Feeding America
Advisory Board
Living Record’s work has been featured in conversations and publications focused on youth voice, community storytelling, and creative approaches to reflection and connection.
