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 Project Links and Resources - Howard Brown Health: https://howardbrown.org/ - Liberating Healthcare: https://donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donate 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.

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 Chicago Links 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.org 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.

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 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

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 media Links 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 contractors Links and Resources: - Elevate –www.elevatenp.org - Clean Energy Workforce Development –www.elevatenp.org/workforce - Clean Energy Business Accelerator –www.elevatenp.org/business-accelerator

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 communities Links and Resources: - Learn more about 3Arts: www.3arts.org - Follow Avery R. Young: www.averyryoung.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.

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 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, 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.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 updates.

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 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 inequities 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," 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 justice Learn 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, President of Field Foundation of Illinois. They explore how their work at the crossroads of art, culture, and social justice fosters community engagement, creative expression, and systemic change. Episode 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 organization Links and Resources - Poetry Foundation: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/ - Illinois Humanities: http://www.ilhumanities.org/- Project&: http://www.projectand.org/ - Monuments to Movements: http://www.monumentstomovements.org/ - Field Foundation: http://www.fieldfoundation.org/ 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. READ THE FULL EPISODE 59 TRANSCRIPT: https://www.studiocchicago.com/gathering-ground-episode-59-transcript