Partnering for Progress: How KRA and Malcolm X College Empower Learners with Dean Barbara Meschino

This is the official podcast of KRA Corporation: The HUB

In this episode, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Dean Barbara Goodall Meschino, MSW, LSW, Dean of the West Side Learning Center at Malcolm X College, City Colleges of Chicago, to explore how strategic partnerships between KRA, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, and community colleges are revolutionizing workforce development in Chicago.

Dean Meschino shares her journey from social work to higher education leadership and discusses how real-world, hands-on training programs—like CNA, medical assisting, and specialized digital simulations—are boosting access  and economic mobility in historically underserved neighborhoods. Located in the Austin community, Malcolm X College West campus offers courses for a two-year associate degree as well as basic and advanced certificates in Health Science career pathways. There are also free classes for adults who need to improve their reading and writing, their English, or need to complete their high school education.

“We [MXC West] have evolved from offering  Adult Education, CNA and Patient Care Technician licensure to expanding to career tech health programs that are in high demand right now,” said Dean Barbara Meschino. “We focus on hands-on learning and practical experience whether it through internships and clinicals, or apprenticeships, we help our students to build those real life skill that many of our employer partners are looking for– and skills that are high demand.”