Becoming The Vision

In the sixth episode of Becoming The Vision, we welcome Don Chen , President of The Surdna Foundation . In this episode, Don frames commitment to racial and social justice as an “oath”— a long-term pledge to stay grounded in vision, focused on root causes, and sustain a shared identity and purpose despite our differences and disagreements. Don shares how this oath guides his leadership at Surdna,...

The Freedom Dreamers welcome Daniel Lee , Director of Philanthropic Transformation at Solidaire . The discussion delves into Daniel's exploration of lineage and its various dimensions, from his family's immigrant journey to his professional path in philanthropy. Daniel's reflections offer a deep dive into the responsibilities of being an 'ancestor in training' and the transformative power of embra...

Chera, Efrain and Trinel welcome Lulete Mola , Co-Founder and President of the Black Collective Foundation MN . The discussion centers on the foundation's mission to foster Black-led change and build holistic well-being within Black communities. Lulete shares insights on the broader social fatigue permeating our work and world right now. The dialogue offers a powerful reflection on the roadmaps ou...

In this bonus episode, Chera and Efrain from Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy engage in a heartfelt reflection on the elections. They explore themes of grief, resilience, and the concept of surrender amidst political and social uncertainty. The conversation covers the impact on various marginalized communities, personal anecdotes, and strategies for maintaining hope and humanity. They emphasize the...

In the third episode of our second season of Becoming The Vision, we welcome Carly Hare , incoming CEO of Headwaters Foundation ! In this episode, we reflect on the meaning of “Solidarity,” as a practice, an ongoing process, and one that’s sometimes painful as we allow vulnerability and navigate differences. Carly grounds the conversation in her indigenous roots, her Pawnee namesake as a “kind lea...

In our second episode of Season 2 of Becoming the Vision , we’re excited to welcome Ryan Easterly, Executive Director of the WITH Foundation ! In this episode, Ryan articulates a vision for freedom that fundamentally involves being "in relationship"—with all the identities that shape who we are and with others in the safety of community. He powerfully argues that this vision requires full inclusio...

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Becoming the Vision with a powerful conversation featuring Tonya Allen, President of the McKnight Foundation ! In this episode,Tonya shares why kindness is essential to her life and leadership—delving into the profound difference between kindness and niceness, and the former's power to bear truth and foster change. She also explored how we can transform philanthropic...

Chera, Efraín and Trinel look back on the first season of Becoming the Vision and look forward to the next one. They discuss how the words from Season 1's guests... crossroads, democracy, remember, open-heartedness, sparks and inspired... are connected and how they begin to outline a path toward racial justice and collective liberation. They also take a question from a listener about staying t...

In this episode we explore inspired leadership; how channeling our faiths and the spirit of those proximate to injustice can get us closer to Dr. King’s dream of “beloved community,” and to the philanthropy’s roots in love for humankind. Robert K. Ross is president and chief executive officer of The California Endowment, a private statewide foundation established in 1996 to address the health need...

In this episode, we explore the path from community organizing to philanthropy leadership with Rickke Mananzala, President of the ⁠New York Foundation⁠ . Rickke Mananzala has been active in grassroots organizing, advocacy, and social justice philanthropy in service of racial, economic, and gender justice movements for more than two decades. He currently serves as the President of the New York Foun...

In this episode, we explore servant-leadership and it's connection to mission, values and democracy with Fatima Angeles . We also get real about philanthropic shenanigans and what we can do to transcend them. Fatima Angeles is the executive director of the Levi Strauss Foundation, which advances pioneering social change in the areas of worker rights and well-being, democracy, reproductive just...

In this episode, we explore what it means to walk through the world with an open heart, the opportunities it creates for connecting across our differences, and for strengthening resilience as we manage the long work of building beloved community. Dennis Quirin is the executive director of the Raikes Foundation.  Dennis oversees the Foundation’s work in advancing equity and sets the organization’s...

In this episode, we explore what it means to lead with authenticity and why it's important. By tapping into the deepest parts of ourselves, defining and embodying our values, we can spark radical change in the sector and free others to do the same. Brenda Solórzano is the founding CEO of the Headwaters Foundation and incoming president & CEO of The California Endowment. Change maker, belie...

In this episode, we explore how to embrace the opportunities presented by crossroads in our lives and careers. By honoring the insights of our bodies, communities, and becoming more human, crossroads can set us on a path of growth in the direction of our dreams for society and the self. Crystal Hayling is the Executive Director of the Libra Foundation. Growing up a Black girl in the South, Crystal...

A show about practicing the future we deserve.