In this live edition of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten welcomes longtime friend and Chicago media icon Tracy Baim to discuss her latest book, “Liberating Healthcare: 50 Years of Resistance, Resilience, and Healing at Howard Brown Health.” From the early days of LGBTQ+ organizing to the modern fight for inclusive, affirming healthcare, Tracy unpacks why she felt this history needed to be documented now. Together, they explore journalism, movement building, and the urgent need to preserve co...
Jul 27, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 73
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, Da...
May 27, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 72
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 b...
May 08, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 71
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 f...
Apr 17, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 70
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 ne...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 69
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 towa...
Feb 27, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 68
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 jour...
Feb 13, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 67
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 .
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 66
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 a...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 65
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 V...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 64
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, ...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 63
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 adva...
Oct 03, 2024
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 ...
Sep 20, 2024
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 colla...
Sep 13, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 60
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 exp...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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!...
Jul 22, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 58
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...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 57
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 Gr...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 56
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 ....
May 09, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 55
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.
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 54
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.
Apr 11, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 53
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 ...
Mar 28, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 52
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.
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 51
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....
Feb 13, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 50
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 ch...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 49
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
Jan 08, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 48
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 transfo...
Nov 29, 2023
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 ....
Oct 23, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 46
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 Axel...
Oct 03, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 45
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
Oct 03, 2023•Season 1Ep. 44
