Becoming The Vision

In the eleventh episode of season 2 of Becoming The Vision, we welcome Michelle Morales, President of the Woods Fund Chicago. In this episode, Michelle shares how hope—grounded in a belief in the promise of America, pride in the next generation of activists rising to meet the moment, and the knowing that comes from witnessing change in real time—has sustained and fueled her lifelong commitment to justice.

In this expansive conversation, Michelle reflects on her journey in justice, deeply shaped by her Puerto Rican heritage and love of country. Her story illustrates what it means to live in service to our collective liberation, demonstrating how we can show up for justice in every aspect of our lives—as parents, professionals, and community members.

We also discuss holding on to hope—especially in times of uncertainty and against the pull toward cynicism—and how faith and spirituality can keep us anchored.

Chera and Efrain engage in a profound conversation with Nwamaka Agbo, CEO of the Kataly Foundation. They explore themes of freedom dreaming, self-determination, and the dualities of life, particularly in the context of parenthood and philanthropy. Nwamaka shares her insights on navigating joy and grief, the importance of land-stewardship, and the need for a transformative approach to philanthropy that centers on community empowerment and healing.

In the ninth episode of season 2 of Becoming The Vision, we welcome Sade Dozan, CFRE— Vice President of Advancement at Borealis Philanthropy and Founder and Lead Explorer at Melanate. In this episode, we discuss Sade's unique "touch" on the work of transforming resource building and wealth movement in philanthropy— how it is shaped by her intersecting identities, personal and professional experiences, and the stories of Black women. Sade shares a bold vision and deep commitment to centering Black women's leadership in the sector, emphasizing the importance of shifting decision-making power and resources toward those most proximal to injustice.

In the eighth episode of our second season, we welcome Shawn Ginwright—Jerome T. Murphy  Professor of Practice at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, author of the The Four Pivots, and President and CEO of Flourish Agenda. In our conversation, we reflected on being lovers of justice, the pull toward despair, and our dual mission to be well in the pursuit of change. Shawn reminds us to pause and find “delight” in the things, big and small, that give us joy—an essential practice for sustaining ourselves as we navigate the ebb and flow of creating inclusive organizations and a more just society. We also get real about transactional versus transformational change, and discuss  how honoring our own and others’ full humanity can help us make that shift. 

In this episode, Chera, Efraín, and Trinel explore the complexities of social responsibility in the midst of crisis - environmental, political, and cultural. They delve into the pressures on organizations, particularly those with a social justice mission, to speak on current events and the risks of both speaking out and remaining silent. The discussion addresses the challenge of knowing when and how to speak up, emphasizing the importance of defining one's distinct role and contributions.

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, and we acknowledge the personal qualities and competencies that support it.

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 embracing one's humanity and history.

Daniel Lee is the Director of Philanthropic Transformation at Solidaire, leading efforts to transform philanthropic culture and practice toward long-term structural change by engaging senior-level executives in our network. He recently served as Executive-in-Residence at the Council on Foundations. Daniel spent 17 years in a variety of roles at the Levi Strauss Foundation, including service as Executive Director from 2008 to 2021.

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 our ancestors have left us and future visions for what we want to build.

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 importance of setting boundaries, self-preservation, and fostering a compassionate future while navigating personal and collective challenges.

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 leader of men,” and a vision of community that feels as warm and pragmatic as an elder’s love.

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