Gathering Ground

Summary What does it mean to do research that refuses to look away and to protect that work when the political climate demands retreat? In this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten sits down with Dr. Amanda Lewis, current director of the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago, and Dr. Beth Richie, the institute's former director, to mark 25 years of community-centered, justice-oriented scholarship. Together, they trace IRRPP's origins in faculty activism, make the case for engaged research as a more rigorous — not less rigorous — approach to knowledge-making, and speak plainly about what it means to keep saying the word "race" when institutions around the country are flinching. 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.

Summary In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten welcomes Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and Joel Brammeier, CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, for a powerful conversation on environmental justice, water equity, and community voice in the Great Lakes region. They discuss the legacy of environmental racism, the role of policy and federal investment, and how community-centered solutions, from permeable playgrounds to local volunteer programs, are building climate resilience. **Episode Highlights** - Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis shares her path from LGBTQ+ advocacy to water leadership and her vision for community-centered infrastructure. -Joel Brammeier reflects on civic engagement, clean water access, and the regional work of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. -Both guests speak to the intersection of climate change, racial justice, and the power of community-driven solutions. **Links and Resources** - Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis: www.mwrd.org/commissioner-precious-brady-davis - Alliance for the Great Lakes: www.greatlakes.org - MWRD Rain Barrel Program: www.mwrd.org/rain-barrels - Learn more about your water: www.greatlakes.org/get-involved 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.

Welcome to Season 8 of "Gathering Ground"! We’re kicking things off with a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW). Host Mary Morten is joined by Christine Grumm, Alicia Bailey, and Keenya Lambert for a powerful conversation on philanthropy, collective giving, and building community from the ground up. Together, they reflect on the evolution of CFW, the South Side Giving Circle, and the broader women’s funding movement, from personal pathways into philanthropy to the global push for justice and financial empowerment. Episode Highlights: - Christine Grumm on co-authoring The Uprising of Women in Philanthropy and decades of movement-building - Alicia Bailey’s reflections on belonging, grantmaking, and collective giving in the South Side Giving Circle - Keenya Lambert on becoming CFW’s new CEO and the legacy she’s proud to inherit and advance Links and Resources: - Chicago Foundation for Women – www.cfw.org -The Uprising of Women in Philanthropy – www.womensfundingnetwork.org/the-uprising - South Side Giving Circle – www.cfw.org/southside

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 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

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 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 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.