Gathering Ground

In this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten is joined by four leaders in climate justice and environmental advocacy to discuss the transformative impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its potential to advance equity through climate action. Mary welcomes Anne Evens, CEO of Elevate; Adal Regis, Director of Elevate's Justice 40 Accelerator; Andrew Beideman, Chief Strategy Officer at Pritzker Traubert Foundation; and Tanner Yess, Co-Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio River Valley. Together, they share insights on ensuring that historically marginalized communities benefit from federal climate investments and explore how grassroots organizations can harness these opportunities to build sustainable futures.

Episode Highlights:
- The Inflation Reduction Act's $370 billion allocation and what it means for climate equity and economic growth.
- The roles of community-based organizations in accessing and deploying IRA funds to support climate justice.
- Opportunities within the IRA, including clean energy incentives, home rebates, solar programs, and electric vehicle initiatives.

Links and Resources:
- Elevate - www.elevatenp.org
- Justice 40 Accelerator - www.justice40accelerator.org
- Groundwork Ohio River Valley - www.groundworkorv.org
- Pritzker Traubert Foundation - www.ptfound.org

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

In this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morton is joined by Lisa Gilmore, Senior Consultant at Morten Group, Kimberly Nao, Founder of Nao and Associates, and Xavier Ramey, CEO of Justice Informed, to explore the complexities of advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s challenging socio-political climate. They discuss the personal experiences that drive their DEI work, the growing opposition DEI initiatives face, and offer insights into the importance of authenticity, strategic planning, and building community in pushing for equity and justice.

Episode Highlights:
- Navigating the current political climate and its impact on DEI initiatives.
- The importance of embedding DEI principles in organizational strategy.
- Practical advice for listeners on sustaining DEI efforts amid opposition.

Links:
- Justice Informed, LLC - www.justiceinformed.com
- Nao & Associates - www.naoandassociates.com
- Morten Group, LLC - www.mortengroup.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for updates.

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten speaks with Andrea Sáenz, President & CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, and Sol Flores, CEO of Knight Impact Partners and former Deputy Governor for the State of Illinois. Together, they explore their personal journeys, leadership experiences, and the critical role of philanthropy in driving systemic change. Tune in for a powerful discussion on leadership, diversity, trust-based philanthropy, and strategies for growing wealth and advancing equity in communities.

Episode Highlights

- The importance of diversity and empathy in leadership roles for women of color, especially Latinas

- Insights on trust-based philanthropy and equitable funding models

- The role of government and philanthropy in addressing systemic inequities

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review. Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten speaks with ChaNell Marshall and Delmar Gillus from Elevate about climate justice and sustainability. Chanel, Vice President of Program Support and Engagement, and Delmar, Chief Operating Officer, discuss Elevate's work in solar energy, policy advocacy, and healthy housing. They emphasize community involvement, equity, and the role of government support and innovative funding in reaching underserved communities. Tune in for practical steps to contribute to environmental justice.

Episode Highlights
- Elevate's work in climate justice and its evolution from CNT Energy
- The diversity and equity focus at Elevate, and how this drives their efforts in climate justice
- The importance of community involvement and partnership in reaching climate justice

Learn more about Elevate:
- Elevate: www.elevatenp.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElevateNPOrg
- X: x.com/ElevateNPO
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/elevaten…ny/verification/
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7S5GkG8Fz8uGrkhYLzeHg
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elevatenpo/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Visit the "Gathering Ground" main page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

In this special episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten, President of Morten Group, sat down for a live conversation with Monique Brunson Jones, President and CEO of Forefront, to discuss the organization’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations and its ongoing commitment to social impact.

Forefront's United and Thriving summit takes place on September 25th, 2024 and features thought leadership from John Powell (Othering and Belonging Institute) and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Don’t miss the chance to engage with Illinois’ social sector leaders—register now for a day of learning, collaboration, and celebration!

Links and Resources:

- Forefront: myforefront.org
- United and Thriving Summit: myforefront.org/event/2024-annual-summit-united-and-thriving
- Converge Consulting: convergeconsulting.org
- Othering & Belonging Institute: belonging.berkeley.edu/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on LinkedIn and on Instagram @mortengroup for updates and more content!

In this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary F. Morten engages with four distinguished leaders in arts and culture: Michelle T Boone, CEO of the Poetry Foundation; Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director of Illinois Humanities; Jane M. Saks, President and Artistic Director for Project&/Monuments to Movements; and Daniel O. Ash, President of Field Foundation of Illinois. They explore how their work at the crossroads of art, culture, and social justice fosters community engagement, creative expression, and systemic change.

Episode Highlights

- Insights into grant-making strategies and community-centric philanthropy
- The transformative power of art in social movements
- Unique journeys and contributions of each guest’s organization

Links and Resources
- Poetry Foundation: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/
- Illinois Humanities: http://www.ilhumanities.org/
- Project&: http://www.projectand.org/
- Monuments to Movements: http://www.monumentstomovements.org/
- Field Foundation: http://www.fieldfoundation.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram@mortengroup for more updates.

READ THE FULL EPISODE 59 TRANSCRIPT

During this special LinkedIn Live event, Mary sat down with Imani Rupert-Gordon to continue the discussion from our May 8 episode, The Next Act: Succeeding a Longtime Leader.

Imani is the President of National Center for Lesbian Rights, her second role succeeding a longtime leader — earlier in her career she followed the founder of Affinity Community Services as their second Executive Director.

If you missed this conversation on July 16, now's your chance to listen in!

This episode of “Gathering Ground” explores strategies, challenges, and considerations for foundations planning to spend their endowments down and sunset. Host Mary Morten welcomes Heather D. Parish, Marianne Philbin, and Malila Becton-Consuegra, three leaders with firsthand experience in sunsetting foundations.

Read the episode transcript here: https://www.studiocchicago.com/gathering-ground-episode-57-transcript

Visit the "Gathering Ground" main page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary delves into the power of storytelling! Guests Julie Ganey, Terrence Chappell, and Willa Taylor unpack its impact on building communities, social justice, and how we're talking about our organizations.

You'll hear personal journeys into storytelling, tips for crafting powerful narratives, and learn how to navigate sharing vulnerable stories. Discover the power you hold as a storyteller and be inspired to share your voice authentically.

Visit the "Gathering Ground" page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary's guests each succeeded a long-time leader when they entered their roles — Joe Hollendoner, CEO at Los Angeles LGBT Center; Jose M. Muñoz, CEO at La Casa Norte; and Carol J. Sharp, President/CEO at The Night Ministry. They discuss the challenges, opportunities, and surprises of honoring a legacy while creating a new vision.

Visit the “Gathering Ground” main page.

Read the episode transcript.