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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: http://gatheringgroundpodcast.com/ Read the episode transcript:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 AF Julianne 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 Boyd Founder of The Care Plan Jacqulyn Hamilton Director 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: @kestelarivera Shannon's Instagram: @badasscrossstitch