What Gives?

In this episode, we are joined by Chiany, the founder of the Inclusion School, to explore the transformative potential of humanizing the DEI industry. Chiany shares her profound insights on how this shift within DEI initiatives can create more compassionate and effective frameworks beyond credentials, metrics, and quotas. We delve into practical strategies for implementing these approaches, ensuri...

Join us in a thoughtful conversation with Meg George, President of the George Philanthropy Group and children’s book author, as we delve into the art of teaching the next generation about the essence of giving and the evolving landscape of philanthropy. In this episode, Meg shares her deep expertise and personal journey in the world of philanthropy. We explore key questions surrounding how to inst...

It's Neurodiversity Awareness Month! So for this month's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of neurodiversity and explore how we can better celebrate and integrate diverse neurological experiences into our society. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function and behavior. Our conversation unpacks the misconceptions surrounding neurodivergence and highlig...

In this episode, we delve deep into the often-overlooked realm of rural politics and the strategies behind building political power in these communities. Join us in conversation with Elana Mainer and Teresa Bendito of Rural People’s Voice, seasoned advocates for rural empowerment. Together, we uncover the challenges of rural political dynamics, sharing stories about organizations like Rural People...

In this episode "Find Your Place in the Ecosystem," we delve into urban agriculture and the way it can fill the gaps in our food systems. Meet @Farm School NYC, an organization with the mission to train NYC residents in urban agriculture, build self-reliant communities, and inspire positive local action around food sovereignty and social, economic, and racial justice. Join us as we sit dow...

In this powerful podcast episode, join us on a journey of introspection and empathy as we explore the theme of decolonizing grief. Our conversation delves into the intersection of cultural heritage, generational trauma, and the deeply personal experience of loss. We engage with insightful stories and perspectives, shedding light on the impact of colonial legacies on diverse communities' grievi...

This month, we are taking a global lense on things! We caught up with Sandra Silva, Regional Director of Latin America and the Caribbean at Thousand Currents, as she gives us a lesson in climate justice, economic justice, and food sovereignty. Since 1985, Thousand Currents resources frontline, grassroots, and social movement groups and communities in Africa, Asia & the Pacific, and Latin Ameri...

Happy National Philanthropy Day! As volunteers, donors, donor advisors, and philanthropists, there are many reasons we give (and even more causes to give to), but what truly connects us to our giving? Maybe we are giving to the communities from which we originate. Or maybe it's religious or obligation or tradition or location. Or maybe we are grappling with where our wealth and privileges come...

As we approach 2024, the upcoming presidential election looms on the horizon. During these election times, we are bombarded with messages to vote, vote, vote! This often leaves us pondering the actual impact of our vote. How much can our vote actually effect our daily lives? How about what is currently happening in the news? How do we even know who and what to vote for? And what about the 4 years...

With every single social issue, there is compounding effect on girls and gender-expansive youth of color - so as we continue to talk about racial justice, education, health, and even climate, how can we make sure this group doesn't fall through the cracks? But more importantly, how do we make sure we lift up the fact that movements, innovation, culture, and so much joy wouldn't even exist...

WGP took a big break in 2023 because of heavy, personal grief. So we're starting this season off getting personal about loss and life. Approximately six million children in the U.S. will experience loss by the time they turn 18. But with the right support, grief can lead to resilience and connection. @experiencecamps sits down with us to teach us about how to talk about grief, support people g...

Our last episode for the year is so fitting for looking forward to 2023 and beyond because this episode's guest is an organization that is actively imagining and fighting for new futures. A future where we are all safe and liberated. The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL)is a space for Black organizations across the country to debate and discuss the current political conditions, develop shared as...

14.8 million children and counting, StriveTogether is improving the education and economic mobility of communities throughout the country. This week, we're lucky enough to sit down with Parv Santhosh-Kumar, VP of Equitable Outcomes, to learn just how they do it. This episode is jam-packed with lessons on equitable outcomes, systems change thinking, and holistic transformation of communities. T...

In this episode, we talk Queer API power ! Bisma Farzansyed and Yuan Wang from Bay Area's Lavender Phoenix share with us the strength in community, the importance of uplifting our histories, and how to live with one foot in the future. Lavender Phoenix builds transgender, non-binary, and queer API power. They empower and train grassroots leaders to build transformative, intersectional movement...

Political literacy is essential to impact, equity, and justice. Ellisa Brown, founder of Civic Essentials, teaches us the basics of political literacy and how we can begin to make an actual difference in our local politics. We talk about how the government was designed, access to political knowledge, and why it's important now more than ever to build an informed citizenry to create impact for...

As we begin to realize and acknowledge that racial inequity undergirds all issues in society today, I invited our friends at the the Foundation of Inter-Ethnic Restoration (FIER) to teach us about racial literacy. In this episode, Robbie Atkinson, founder, teaches us the four types of racism, defines for us what racial trauma and racial gaslighting is, gives us the building blocks of racial litera...

In this episode, Jasmine Lopez, founder of The Firehouse Dream talks to us about dreaming of a better future for our communities. TFD, recipient of the Sony Create Action Grant Award, provides a safe space in Maywood, IL for young adults to discover and nurture their creativity - providing mentorship, studio space, supplies, programs, etc. We also talk about gentrification, the "brain drain&#3...

Pride started as a riot and the fight continues. We are celebrating Pride this month by welcoming Carey Candrian from the Lesbian Health Fund and the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association. In this episode, we learn about groundbreaking research that is demystifying misconceptions and providing insights into the distinctive (often unmet) health and wellness needs of the LGBTQIA2+ community. It'...

Continuing our celebration of Asian voices, stories, and organizations for APAHM - we welcome John Xu of East Side Stories to the podcast! In this episode, we share our upbringing in the Midwest, our personal experiences, and the importance of our stories as Asian Americans. It's time y'all hear our stories! Happy APAHM! You can find East Side Stories here: Website: https://www.eastsidesto...

Continuing our celebration of Asian voices, stories, and organizations for APAHM - we welcome Rohan Zhou-Lee, Founder of Blasian March to the podcast! In this episode, we get candid about our Asian identities, intersectionality, solidarity, and the celebration of who we are. Happy APAHM! You can find Blasian March here: IG: @BlasianMarchNY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlasianMarch/ Twitter:...

Continuing our celebration of Asian voices, stories, and organizations for APAHM - we welcome Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAvote to the podcast! Christine spent 27 years empowering the Asian American community by uplifting the voices and government representation of Asian Americans. In under 30 minutes, we cover hate crimes legislation, protecting your right to vote, representation (no...

We're kicking off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with our first APAHM guest, Simon Tam from The Slants Foundation. Simon talks to us about the freedom of expression, diverse representation, and art as activism. We discuss ways to combat Asian hate and amplify Asian voices through the arts. Happy APAHM! You can find The Slants Foundation here: http://theslants.org/ Facebook: https://www....

Last but not least, our 5th and final guest for our Women's History Month lineup is The Ethical Bridge. Consumption is such a significant part of our lives and there's a lot of good we can do with our consumption power so that's why I really want us to talk about this. Paty, Gaby, and Angie, of The Ethical Bridge, teach us about the principles of fair trade, what sustainability means t...

4th up from our Women's History Month line-up is Aunt Flow, a social enterprise working to help end period poverty and provide menstrual products to public spaces. Menstruation is such a natural and big part of life for many people, it's a wonder products aren't free and accessible in public locations like toilet paper is. Claire, founder of Aunt Flow and former college schoolmate of m...

It's still Women's History Month! 3rd from our line-up of women-led organizations is GiGi's Playhouse - an international organization that fosters achievement and acceptance for individuals with down syndrome. And this episode couldn't have come at a better time because coming up is World Down Syndrome Day on March 21! There will be some sniffles as Heather shares a couple of her s...