Gathering Ground

Mary is joined by Kelly Thompson, Daisy Moran (Quad Cities Community Foundation), and Evette Cardona (Polk Bros. Foundation) for a powerful conversation on the philosophies and practices of philanthropy.They reflect on their personal paths into the sector, the shift from charity to solidarity, and what it means to fund with equity, trust, and imagination. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating, challenging, or reimagining the philanthropic space.Episode Highlights:- How Kelly, Daisy, and Evette each found their way into philanthropy and the lessons they've learned along the way.- The growing call for philanthropy to move beyond charity toward solidarity, trust, and systems change.- What gives each guest hope for the future of the sector, from young leaders to activist-informed grantmaking.Links and Resources:- Polk Bros. Foundation – www.polkbrosfdn.org- Quad Cities Community Foundation – www.qccommunityfoundation.org

In this special live episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary sits down with journalist Natalie Moore to talk about her new podcast, “Making: Stories Without End.” The series explores the cultural and political power of soap operas—yes, soap operas—and why they deserve a second look.Episode Highlights:- The untold history of Erna Phillips and the women behind soap opera innovation- How soaps pioneered social issue storytelling through shows like “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light”- Natalie's behind-the-scenes experience at “Days of Our Lives” and her journey creating this podcast passion projectLinks and Resources:- Making: Stories Without End – www.wbez.org/making-stories-without-end- WBEZ – www.wbez.org- Natalie Moore – www.natalieymoore.comIf 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 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 contractorsLinks 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 communitiesLinks and Resources:- Learn more about 3Arts: www.3arts.org- Follow Avery R. Young: www.averyryoung.comIf 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.comIf 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.orgIf 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 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.comIf 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 Sánez, President 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 inequitiesIf 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 justiceLearn 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, CEO of the Field Foundation. They explore how their work at the crossroads of art, culture, and social justice fosters community engagement, creative expression, and systemic change.Read the full Episode 59 transcript: https://www.studiocchicago.com/gathering-ground-episode-59-transcriptEpisode 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 organizationLinks and ResourcesPoetry FoundationIllinois HumanitiesProject&/Monuments to MovementsField FoundationIf 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.

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 Becon-Consuegra, three leaders with firsthand experience in sunsetting foundations.

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.

This time on “Gathering Ground,” Mary engages in an insightful conversation with Akaya Windwood and Rajasvini Bhansali, authors of "Leading with Joy." They discuss the power of joy in leadership and team-building, creating supportive work environments, generational leadership succession, and much more.

In this episode, Mary and her guests, Sean Thomas-Breitfeld and Frances Kunreuther, co-directors of Building Movement Project, dive into the challenges and triumphs of BIPOC leadership in nonprofits. Centering data from the most recent Race to Lead Report, they explore data on racial equity and the importance of mentorship for future leaders.

This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary delves into the transformative equity work happening in Montana. She sits down with Montana's first openly transgender legislator, State Representative Zooey Zephyr, and Dani Hess, Community Engagement Coordinator at the City of Bozeman. They spend the episode unpacking their efforts at the state and municipal levels, particularly through initiatives like the "Belonging in Bozeman" Equity and Inclusion Plan. The episode also explores Representative Zephyr's reflections on running for political office and the importance of mentorship and self-love in navigating challenging spaces.For more information on Morten Group's work with the City of Bozeman in creating their equity and inclusion plan, follow us on LinkedIn and check out the rest of our "Blueprint for Belonging" series with “Gathering Ground” Producer Vince Pagán-Hill!

Mary and guest Nina Rose Fischer explore the pursuit of safer communities through innovative programs such as the Youth Police Initiative. She guides us through the strategies that underpin these programs and foster positive relations between youth and police, including alternative incarceration, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation techniques.

In this episode, Mary dives into the world of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, exploring her journey from law to politics and the unique perspective she brings to leadership. They delve into Stratton's initiatives like "We Thrive" and discuss the power of inclusive language in the fight for reproductive rights.Filled with insights for BIPOC women and calls to action for all, this episode is an inspiring exploration of impact, community, and building a more equitable future.

This time, the amazing Gina Torres joins Mary on "Gathering Ground"! This Afro-Latina powerhouse shares her inspiring journey, from juggling acting dreams and odd jobs to captivating audiences with iconic roles like Zoe from "Firefly" and Jessica Pearson. They delve into character development, casting struggles, and the fight for inclusive storytelling, leaving you empowered and ready to celebrate diverse voices. Tune in for a conversation that illuminates talent, challenges myths, and sparks change.

Dive into Gathering Ground's best moments of 2023! Relive inspiring talks with Angelique Power and Tracie Hall, laugh with Gina Yashere's "Bob Hearts Abishola" journey, and learn about self-care as a radical act. Grab a drink, cozy up, and let's gather, listen, and make 2024 even better.Visit the main podcast page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

This time Mary is in conversation with Tonika Johnson, a native Chicago artist whose work intricately weaves societal observations into creative expression.From daily commutes bridging the city's diverse neighborhoods to groundbreaking projects like the Map Twins and Folded Map projects, Tonika reveals how her art dismantles barriers and uncovers the historical layers of systemic racism.Gain insight into the enduring effects of segregation on communities like Inglewood and discover the transformative power of art in reshaping societal perceptions.

On this episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary and her guests discuss The Leadership Institute, a game-changing event hosted by Morten Group, LLC, and The Care Plan. Mary welcomes Jacqueline Boyd, Victor Motherwell, and Jacob Frazier, three key figures making the event possible. They delve into the institute's objectives, their unique session contributions, and how leadership is evolving in the modern workplace.Visit the podcast main page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com.

In August 2023, Mary moderated a panel with Kate Piatt-Eckert, Director of Forefront's Mission Sustainability Initiative, and Dr. Jennifer Madden, Dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. From their different lenses, they discussed the importance of collaboration and partnership between nonprofit organizations ahead of Axelson Center's upcoming conference, Synthesizing Strengths.If you're listening before October 20, 2023, make sure you register for the conference by visiting Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management's website.

On this episode Mary sits down with stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and co-creator of "Bob Hearts Abishola" Gina Yashere. They discuss her experience with Chuck Lorre, the 2023 writers' strike, and her recently released book, Cack-handed: A Memoir.Visit the main podcast page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

Mary sits down again with Angelique and Tracie to talk rest, resilience, and renewal.Visit the main “Gathering Ground” podcast page: http://gatheringgroundpodcast.com.

Mary, her co-host Monique Jones (President & CEO of Forefront), and her guests discuss trends in the social impact sector so far this year and what we can expect for the rest of 2023.This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary and Monique were pleased to be joined by:Vu LeFounder of Nonprofit AFJulianne BuckExecutive Director of Community Foundation of Grundy County

Mary and her guests discuss radical self-care — what it is, what it isn't, and how it can be the driving force to lead us to liberation.This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary was pleased to be joined by:Jacqueline BoydFounder of The Care PlanJacqulyn HamiltonDirector of Wellness, Culture, and Action, Chicago Freedom School

Mary sits down with Karla Estela Rivera and Shannon Downey to discuss how they used their creative practices to stay connected with others and continue their activism efforts despite the COVID-19 pandemic.Karla's Instagram: @kestelariveraShannon's Instagram: @badasscrossstitch

This month, we're thrilled to debut Inside MG, a new series on “Gathering Ground” that will give you an inside look into how we do what we do. Every Morten Group team member is essential in collaborating with our client partners in their vital work, and we want to introduce you to some of them!For our first Inside MG conversation, Mary was thrilled to be joined by Morten Group's Senior Project Director Geneva Porter and Client Relations and Project Management Director Sarah Menke, to hear all about executive placement at Morten Group.In the second half of our episode, Mary, Geneva, and Sarah discuss their top five tips for jobseekers ahead of Morten Group's upcoming workshop, Finding the Right Fit: Do's and Don't's for Job Seekers. Subscribe to Morten Group's newsletter today to be among the first to sign up when registration opens!

Take a look back into the “Gathering Ground” archives this month to a conversation Mary had with Janine Hill (SOAR Strategies) and Amina Dickerson (Dickerson Global Advisors). January is a month of intention-setting and resolution, and there is no better place to start than being intentional about self-care.In this June 2020 episode of “Gathering Ground,” the three discuss their philosophies and strategies around coaching, offer advice on choosing a mentor that is a good fit, and the importance of self-care as a regular practice.

On this episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary sat down with Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden, and Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins to talk about some of this year's hot-button voter issues and how citizens can participate in making a change in their communities.Visit the main podcast page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

On this episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary was thrilled to talk to Rahnee Patrick, Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services for the Illinois Department of Human Services, and artist Sandie Yi. They discussed Rahnee's experience at Access Living and the Department of Human Services and Sandie's experience as an artist and disability culture worker.

In response to the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, limiting access to safe and legal abortion across the country, Mary sits down with three women who continue to advocate for the individuals most impacted: Marie Khan, Director of Programs at Midwest Access Coalition; Natalie Moore, WBEZ journalist and playwright of The Billboard: A Play About Abortion, and activist and co-founder of SisterSong Loretta Ross.

Mary was thrilled to be joined once again by Tracie Hall and Angelique Power for another fireside chat — this time recorded on location in Detroit at the beautiful Motown Motivated Studios! Since missing last year's conversation, both of these powerhouses have continued to thrive in their work — Tracie as Executive Director of the American Library Association and Angelique as President and CEO of Skillman Foundation in Detroit.If you missed part one of this episode, you can find it at gatheringgroundpodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please enjoy the conclusion of this phenomenal conversation between these equally phenomenal women.---“Gathering Ground” will be taking a brief hiatus as we line up some exciting new guests for the fall. Thank you for tuning in for another season of “Gathering Ground.” We'll see you in September!

Mary was thrilled to be joined once again by Tracie Hall and Angelique Power for another fireside chat — this time recorded on location in Detroit at the beautiful Motown Motivated Studios! Since missing last year's conversation, both of these powerhouses have continued to thrive in their work — Tracie as Executive Director of the American Library Association, and Angelique as President and CEO of Skillman Foundation in Detroit.As is often the case with Angelique and Tracie, our time together was so rich and meaningful that it couldn't fit into just one episode. Tune in on July 19 for part two of this amazing conversation!

This time on “Gathering Ground,” Mary meets with Dr. Diana N. Derige, Vice President of Health Equity Strategy & Development at the American Medical Association's Center for Health Equity, to discuss her role and the health disparities that are impacting Latinx and intersecting identities. Recently, alongside two of her colleagues, Diana edited and contributed to April's volume of the AMA Journal of Ethics titled Health Equity in US Latinx Communities. This issue of the Journal includes articles like "Should Clinicians be Activists?" "Latino Invisibility in the Pandemic," and "Language and Health (In)Equity in US Latinx Communities."

It's no secret that the last couple of years threw workplaces across industries into an unexpected spin as we began to find ways to take care of their teams amid social reckonings and a global pandemic. Despite these efforts, many employers have started seeing the effects of what many refer to as The Great Resignation.If you've ever partnered with us, you know that Morten Group does all of our work through an asset-based equity lens, so we encourage our client partners to flip the script and consider this an opportunity for a Great Retention. The time has come for us to ask, how can we foster organizational cultures that encourage our team members to feel they can succeed where they are?In this month's episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary talks to two leaders in the executive placement field to get their take on this trend and find out how their experience compares to what we've seen in our work at Morten Group.Don't miss this great conversation with Kittleman's Managing Director and Principal Michelle Saddler and NonprofitHR's CEO Lisa Brown Alexander!

On this episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary welcomes co-leaders from three different organizations to the podcast. They discuss the successes and pitfalls of co-leadership models, how their organizations took steps to break free from the single-leader hierarchy, and what they've learned from each other during their time as partners in their leadership.

This time on “Gathering Ground,” Mary welcomes activist, advocate, internationally recognized academic, and dear friend Dr. Cathy J. Cohen. Mary and Cathy discuss Cathy's Black Youth Project, how it informed Mary's 2011 documentary Woke Up Black, and GenForward and More Than Diversity, two of Cathy's most recent initiatives. Later, they share experiences of the pandemic's forced shelter-in-place providing unexpected family bonding; Cathy's recent Freedom Scholar award; and her extensive work in the realm of HIV and AIDS. You won't want to miss this special episode!READ THE FULL EPISODE 29 TRANSCRIPT

This time on “Gathering Ground,” we were pleased to welcome Pop Culture Collaborative CEO Bridgit Antoinette Evans onto the podcast to discuss her work within and outside of the Collaborative. Mary and Bridgit talk about everything from the intersection of philanthropy and pop culture, Bridgit's experience in Issa Rae's writing room for “Insecure,” and Bridgit tells a fantastic story that exemplifies the importance of being able to tell your own story in the way that feels the most true to your experience.This won't be the last time she'll be on “Gathering Ground,” but make sure you catch this episode to meet Bridgit and get an inside look at the place where activism and popular culture meet — Pop Culture Collaborative!

As much as we wish things were different, young people engaged in organizing and advocacy work often need the support of accomplices to make sure they make it past the gatekeepers to the “adult” world — which is where this time's “Gathering Ground” guests come in. Tony Alvarado-Rivera and Keisha Farmer-Smith work with Chicago Freedom School, a Chicago institution that creates new generations of critical thinkers who use their unique experiences and power to create a just world.The work of the Freedom School has spanned almost 15 years and has earned it the Mary F. Morten Award for Justice at Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago's BYOBrunch for Public Health. A little later in the episode, we also hear from Karen A. Reitan, President and CEO of PHIMC, about why CFS was chosen for this honor.

Earlier this year, Morten Group had the honor of working with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's office on a comprehensive racial equity training program that included collaborating with 40 state agencies on developing diversity, equity, and inclusion action plans. Through this process, we were able to take a deep dive into the inner workings of our state's government and bring an equity lens to the very top — including having the pleasure of welcoming Governor Pritzker as he participated in one of our all-day sessions!This time on “Gathering Ground,” Mary sat down with three of the leaders whose offices are making sure that they continue their racial equity journey and ensure that their work is being carried out throughout the state: Dr. Carmen Ayala, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent, Dr. Sekile Nzinga, newly appointed Chief Equity Officer for the State of Illinois, and Dr. Christina Smith, Illinois Department of Human Rights Training Institute Director.Each described how their offices were working to create a more equitable state for all Illinoisans, what they've learned so far during the pandemic, and how they are ensuring the work would not only continue, but thrive. READ THE FULL EPISODE 26 TRANSCRIPT

This time on “Gathering Ground,” we've brought back Building Movement Project Co-director Sean Thomas-Breitfeld to discuss the organization's 2020 report, Race to Lead Revisited: Obstacles and Opportunities in Addressing the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap. Mary and Sean discuss the experiences of people of color in nonprofit leadership, what the pandemic and reopening have been like, and what's coming next from Race to Lead.

ake a look back at this special live episode from early April 2020, where we spoke to arts leaders from across the city to hear about what they anticipated for the arts during the pandemic. Guests included: Jessica Kadish-Hernandez, Morten Group consultant and co-founder of Chicago Artist Relief Fund; Michelle Boone, former Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer at Navy Pier; Claire Rice, Executive Director of Arts Alliance Illinois; and Amy Eshleman, Chicago’s First Lady.

This time, Angelique Power (President, The Field Foundation of Illinois) and Tracie Hall (Executive Director, American Library Association) return to “Gathering Ground” to talk about their takeaways from the last year, how the world is different and the same, and how we encourage ourselves to keep moving forward.(Here is the link to the Crain’s article referenced in the conversation.)

This time on “Gathering Ground,” Mary sits down with some of Morten Group’s past and current client partners – Marie Kurose, CEO of Workforce Development of Seattle-King County; Ruth McFarlane, Vice President of Advancement at Ms. Foundation; and John Peller, President/CEO of AIDS Foundation Chicago. A year into the pandemic, the four begin their conversation with how COVID-19 has impacted their organizations and talking about their wins and challenges from the last year. They discuss how some communities are helping some of our most vulnerable populations, and, now that we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, what the future looks like for their offices and the sector at large.