Gathering Ground

What does it mean to lead a movement when the movement itself is under pressure? In this episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary sits down with Darlene Nipper, CEO of Rockwood Leadership Institute, and Russell Roybal, Board Chair of Rockwood and Executive Vice President at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, to mark Rockwood’s 25th anniversary and explore what it truly means to lead from the inside out.Episode Highlights- Darlene Nipper on Rockwood’s evolution — from environmental training to a cross-movement leadership powerhouse that centers leaders of color and LGBTQ+ communities- Russell Roybal on the “elevator exercise” — a pivotal Rockwood experience that helped him trace workplace triggers back to childhood, and why personal leadership is inseparable from organizational leadership- Leading with joy: How Rockwood’s approach breaks leaders down and builds them back up, centered in what truly matters to them- How Rockwood is responding to the current political moment - with new grassroots programs, community crisis response, and unwavering investment in leader renewalIf 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," Mary speaks with Sharon Bush, President of Grand Victoria Foundation, and Sol Anderson, President and CEO of Evanston Community Foundation, about how philanthropy can move closer to the communities it seeks to serve. Drawing from their distinct place-based work across Illinois and in Evanston, they discuss trust-based grantmaking, community-led decision making, and the responsibilities funders hold in advancing racial justice.Sharon and Sol reflect on how foundations can support grassroots leadership, sustain commitments to equity in a shifting political climate, and rethink traditional funding models. Their conversation highlights the importance of proximity, trust, and collaboration in building philanthropic practices that strengthen communities and support lasting change.Episode Highlights:- Sharon Bush on pioneering trust-based philanthropy and sustaining racial justice commitments across Illinois- Sol Anderson on community-led grantmaking and the importance of proximity to power- A look inside two foundations rethinking how resources flow to grassroots leaders- Why rest, renewal, and imagination matter for movement leaders and funders alike

This episode of "Gathering Ground" brings together two sector-shifting leaders: Bina Patel, CEO of Saathi Impact Consulting, and Vu Le, writer of the blog Nonprofit AF. With honesty and clarity, they join Mary to examine how the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors perpetuate inequality, reward compliance, and resist transformation.Together, they explore how movements are being co-opted, how "toxic intellectualizing" replaces real action, and why we must stop maintaining systems we claim to be dismantling.Episode Highlights:- Bina Patel on strategic compliance and the quiet parts that keep systems unjust- Vu Le on the myth of philanthropy and why nonprofits must get political- A call to stop obeying tyranny in advance and begin organizing for collective liberationLinks and Resources:- Saathi Impact Consulting – https://saathiimpact.com- Nonprofit AF Blog – https://nonprofitaf.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 episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary sits down with three powerhouse advocates — Dr. Latonya Penny, Cathy Renna, and Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy — for a timely conversation about what LGBTQ+ rights look like across the U.S.From legislative battles to grassroots resistance, the episode traces the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope fueling this moment. Guests reflect on the real-life impact of policy wins and setbacks, the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities in the South, and the growing need for coalitions that center intersectionality, joy, and long-term strategy.Episode Highlights:- Dr. Penny on how Southern LGBTQ+ leaders are resisting burnout and building power despite political pressure- Illinois State Representative Cassidy on expanding coalitions beyond shared identity or ideology, and why it works- Cathy Renna on executive orders, misinformation, and why local education and media matter more than everLinks and Resources- Laughing Gull Foundation – www.laughinggull.org- National LGBTQ Task Force – www.thetaskforce.org- Rep. Kelly Cassidy – www.repcassidy.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 sits down with four brilliant artists and activists to explore the intersection of art and social change. Amanda Williams, Tonika Lewis Johnson, Lisa Yun Lee, and Shannon Downey share how their personal histories, creative practices, and collaborations fuel powerful movements for justice, community, and joy.Together, they reflect on how art can illuminate systemic inequities, bring people together across differences, and create the conditions for new futures.Episode Highlights:• Amanda Williams and Tonika Lewis Johnson on their collaborative projects and the politics of place• Shannon Downey on craft as community organizing and creative resistance• Lisa Yun Lee on the National Public Housing Museum as a civic anchorLinks and Resources:Tonika Johnson – https://www.tonijphotography.comNational Public Housing Museum – https://www.nphm.orgAmanda Williams – https://awstudioart.com/home.htmlShannon Downey – https://www.badasscrossstitch.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.

This special "Gathering Ground" episode looks back at the most powerful conversations from 2025. Join Producer Vince Pagán-Hill as he revisits memorable moments that reveal how people create meaning, challenge injustice, and build collective power, from journalism and philanthropy to the arts, climate justice, and healthcare.

SummaryIn this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten sits down with three dynamic guests (Anna DeShawn, Victor Salvo, and Haven Crawley) for a powerful conversation about queer joy, representation, and the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ equity. From grassroots media to public art, the stories shared in this episode remind us that history, creativity, and visibility are all tools for liberation.Episode Highlights- Anna DeShawn on building a Black queer media ecosystem through E3 Radio and Queer News- Victor Salvo on the creation of the Legacy Walk and why public memory matters- Haven Crawley on performing queer narratives and making space for youth expressionLinks and Resources- E3 Radio: https://e3radio.fm/- Queer News Podcast: https://e3radio.fm/queer-news/- Legacy Walk: https://legacyprojectchicago.org/legacy-walkIf 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," Mary leads a powerful conversation marking the 50th anniversary of Howard Brown Health, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ health organizations. With guests Staci Bush, Ron Nunziato, Jessica Halem, and current CEO Dr. Travis Gayles, the discussion traces Howard Brown’s past, present, and future.Together, they reflect on the organization’s early days, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the fight for culturally competent care, and the political realities shaping LGBTQ+ health today. From personal stories to policy, this episode uplifts a community-centered legacy and the urgent work ahead.Episode Highlights- Dr. Travis Gayles on leading Howard Brown through a shifting political and public health landscape- Ron Nunziato on the organization’s early days and its transformation during the AIDS crisis- Jessica Halem and Staci Bush on culturally competent care and the legacy of the Lesbian Community Cancer ProjectLinks and Resources- Howard Brown Health: https://howardbrown.org/- Liberating Healthcare: https://donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donateIf 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.

This episode of "Gathering Ground" brings together four visionary media leaders—Jhmira Alexander, Silvia Rivera, Susy Schultz, and Tracy Baim—for a candid conversation about the state and future of journalism. They explore the collapse of legacy news models, the spread of misinformation, and why community-centered, equity-driven journalism is not just a goal, but a necessity.Episode Highlights- Jhmira Alexander on building trust and centering community through storytelling at Public Narrative- Silvia Rivera on reimagining local news infrastructure at the MacArthur Foundation- Susy Schultz on creating investigative tools to dismantle systemic racism in media- Tracy Baim on the LGBTQ+ press, legacy media preservation, and Press Forward ChicagoLinks and Resources- Public Narrative: www.publicnarrative.org- Press Forward Chicago: www.cct.org/pressforward- MacArthur Foundation: www.macfound.org- Investigative Project on Race and Equity: www.raceandequityproject.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.

SummaryIn 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-involvedIf 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 annual fireside chat episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten is joined once again by friends, leaders, and truth-tellers Tracie Hall and Angelique Power. Together in Chicago, they reflect on a year marked by grief, resistance, clarity, and community.From the normalization of cruelty and censorship to the beauty of collective care and intergenerational strength, this conversation is a raw, reflective, and strategic look at what it takes to keep fighting - and keep feeling - in a world that demands both.Episode Highlights:- Angelique shares her reflections on urgency, cruelty, and the clarity required in today’s political climate.- Tracie discusses her work on Black Information Future and the threats of narrative erasure.- All three emphasize the role of self-care, ancestral wisdom, and Black joy as essential forms of resistance.If you’ve been listening to "Gathering Ground" over the years, you know this is one of our most anticipated annual conversations—and we’re so grateful you’re here for it.Find more: https://www.studiocchicago.com/gathering-ground

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 advanceLinks 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

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 community memory.Episode Highlights:- Why Tracy felt compelled to document 50 years of Howard Brown Health’s legacy - The role of Windy City Times in LGBTQ+ journalism and preserving community history - Press Forward Chicago and what’s next for local, independent mediaLinks and Resources: - Liberating Healthcare Book – donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donate- Press Forward Chicago – www.cct.org/press-forward - Windy City Times – www.windycitytimes.com

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.