Gathering Ground

In this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten speaks with Juan Pablo Torres-Meza and Shirlonda Brooks from Elevate. In this third and final episode in our series with Elevate, the three discuss how equity and sustainability intersect in workforce development. This conversation dives into how Elevate is equipping individuals and small businesses with the tools, training, and long-term support to thrive in the clean energy economy—especially those from communities historically excluded from these opportunities.

Episode Highlights:
- How Elevate provides mentorship, skills training, and access to capital for workforce and business development
- Shirlonda’s insights on flexible program design and holistic support for reskilling and upskilling
- Juan Pablo’s breakdown of the Clean Energy Business Accelerator and how it removes barriers for small contractors

Links and Resources:
- Elevate –www.elevatenp.org
- Clean Energy Workforce Development –www.elevatenp.org/workforce

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten sits down with two influential figures in the arts: Esther Grimm, Executive Advisor and former Executive Director of 3Arts, and Avery R. Young, Chicago’s Poet Laureate. Together, they discuss the power of mentorship, the evolving role of social media in the arts, and the lasting impact of creative expression in shaping our world.

Esther reflects on her two decades at 3Arts, advocating for underrepresented artists and transitioning into a new phase of creative exploration. Avery shares his journey as a poet, educator, and mentor, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, artistic resilience, and community engagement.

Episode Highlights:

- Esther Grimm’s reflections on leading 3Arts and her transition into new creative pursuits
- Avery R. Young’s journey as a poet and mentor, and his commitment to community storytelling
- The evolving role of social media in promoting artists and connecting communities

Links and Resources:

- Learn more about 3Arts: www.3arts.org
- Follow Avery R. Young: www.averyryoung.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 more updates.

Visit ignitepromise.org to learn more about Ignite’s upcoming Ignite and Shine Gala on April 5th, which plays a crucial role in sustaining their vital work!

In this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten sits down with Stephanie Piccirilli, CEO of Ignite, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to supporting housing-insecure youth. They discuss Ignite’s holistic approach to youth services, the importance of unrestricted funding, and the organization's mission to empower young people toward independence.

Episode Highlights

- Stephanie Piccirilli’s journey from fine arts and hospitality to leading a transformative youth organization.
- Ignite’s approach to outreach, housing, and long-term youth support.
- The Ignite and Shine Gala on April 5th and how it helps fund life-changing resources.

In this episode of Gathering Ground, host Mary Morten is joined by two powerhouse journalists, Natalie Moore and Tracy Baim, to explore the shifting landscape of media, the critical role of local journalism, and how storytelling continues to shape public discourse.

Together, they discuss the urgency of supporting independent journalism, the power of community-driven storytelling, and how media can evolve in the face of growing misinformation and disinvestment.

Episode Highlights:
- Tracy’s journey in LGBTQ journalism, from co-founding Windy City Times to leading Press Forward Chicago.
- Natalie’s work challenging racial bias in media and her approach to storytelling beyond traditional journalism.
- The increasing role of social media and media literacy in combating misinformation.

Links and Resources:
- Press Forward Chicago – www.cct.org/press-forward
- Natalie Moore’s Work – www.natalieymoore.com
- Windy City Times – www.windycitytimes.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 more updates.

In this special bonus episode of "Gathering Ground," we take a look back at some of our favorite conversations from 2024. Join us as we revisit the stories that moved us, the insights that challenged us, and the ideas that inspired us.

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

In this special year-end episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten is joined by longtime friends of the podcast Angelique Power and Tracie Hall for the fifth annual Fireside Chat.

Together, they reflect on the challenges, resilience, and triumphs of Black women in leadership, sharing insights into their lived experiences navigating systemic inequities, fostering self-care, and building community in their work.

Episode Highlights
- Tracie Hall’s reflections on taking a sabbatical for rest and recovery, the importance of self-care, and navigating personal loss.
- Angelique Power’s deep engagement with Detroit’s history and community during her time at the Skillman Foundation and lessons in fostering trust and creating lasting change.
- The systemic barriers Black women face in leadership roles, including the unrealistic expectations placed on "George Floyd hires."

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