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Philanthropy Speaks
Philanthropy Speaks
Author: Community Foundation of Greater Flint
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© 2025 Philanthropy Speaks
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A podcast by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Philanthropy Speaks brings you candid conversations with leaders from the nonprofit sector and inspiring individuals who are making an impact in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan. Tune in as we explore the stories and initiatives driving positive change in our community.
30 Episodes
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Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of ...
What does it look like when a community pantry feels more like a neighbor’s living room? In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, co-hosts Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer and Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint sit down with Nate Jonker, Treasurer of the Clio Area Human Services Fund, to explore how the organization in northern Genesee County is tackling food insecurity, rural poverty, and access to basic needs with a fresh approach. The f...
This episode of Philanthropy Speaks marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Host Lynn Williams, Director of Equity & Community Engagement, sits down with Jessica Dixon, Community Advocacy and Peer Specialist at the Disability Network, for a conversation about the disability experience, ableism, intersectionality, and inclusion. Jessica discusses how the Disability Network ...
Legacy giving and planned gifts can shape vibrant, long-lasting futures for our communities. This episode of Philanthropy Speaks features a conversation with Aaron Hamp. Aaron is the founder and president of INC Systems and co-founder and president of ProSwipe. In addition to his businesses, Aaron is a proud member of the Legacy Society at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Alongside host Lottie Ferguson, Vice President of Development and Donor Services at the Community Foundation of ...
Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide, self-harm, mental health, gun violence, and death, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In honor of Mental Health Month, Philanthropy Speaks presents a powerful conversation featuring CFGF President & CEO Dan Kildee, community advocate and nurse Tarnesa Martin ("Nurse T"), and host Moses Bingham, CFGF Director of Strategic Initiatives. Together, they open up about mental health...
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, this episode of Philanthropy Speaks features a conversation with Lucine Jarrah, Executive Director of the Arab American Heritage Council (AAHC). Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, dives into the rich culture, stories, and leadership of the Arab American community in Flint and Genesee County. Lucine shares how her Lebanese heritage shapes her identity and fuels her passion for advocac...
In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're celebrating National Reading Month by exploring the role reading plays in strengthening our communities. Host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Susana Quintanilla, the founder and director of El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil (EBFE). Tune in to hear how EBFE is preserving Mexican culture and empowering children through dance, music, and education, all while promoting literacy i...
In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we shine a light on the powerful story of the St. John Street neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community in Flint, Michigan through the lens of the documentary St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood. This film celebrates the vibrant history and enduring spirit of the St. John Street neighborhood, a once-thriving Black community in Flint. The documentary highlights the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its residents in the ...
In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're observing the National Day of Racial Healing through a discussion with local racial healing practitioners. Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Elizabeth Jordan, Patrick McNeal, and Regina Laurie. Tune in to discover how these community members conduct racial healing circles and visioning sessions throughout Flint and Genesee County—and the insights, lessons, and persp...
In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we're highlighting the Sacred Heart Veteran Village—a transitional housing program designed specifically for local veterans. Host Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Katie Baxter and Tom Haeussler from Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties. Tune in to discover how this innovative project will create a community of 24 to 26 small homes, complemented by a Community Veteran Resourc...
In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we’re highlighting Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month. Host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Asa Ascencio Zuccaro. Asa is the Executive Director of Latinx Technology & Community Center, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the dignity and quality of life for the Flint & Genesee County Latinx community and other cultures. Tune in to discover how this community-d...
In this special episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we’re highlighting National Literacy Month with an in-depth conversation on the transformative power of literacy in Flint and Genesee County. Host Sue Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Vincent Slocum, Executive Director of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. Together, they explore how raising literacy levels strengthens families, drives community development, and fosters l...
In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, Lynn Williams, Director of Equity & Community Engagement of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with Flint neighborhood advocate Carma Lewis to celebrate Black Philanthropy Month. Carma is a CFGF Board Member, Office Manager for US Representative Dan Kildee, and President of Flint Neighborhoods United. Tune in to discover Lynn and Carma's philanthropic journeys, passion towards Flint and Genesee County, and what inspires them to giv...
In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, Lydia Starrs, Senior Program Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with Jennifer Silverton and Teresa White, the founders of Xceptional Heroes. These dedicated mothers of young adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities share their journey of establishing an organization that creates meaningful opportunities throughout Genesee County. Tune in to discover the impactful mission of Xceptional Heroes, the vital resources t...
In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks—Championing Fatherhood, Host Moses Bingham, Director of Strategic Initiatives of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is joined by Shon Hart and Alan Jordan of InvolvedDad. Explore how Shon Hart founded InvolvedDad, an organization that empowers men to be engaged fathers by providing training, coaching, and peer support in a safe environment. Learn more about the Dialogue Initiative from Alan Jordan, teaching youth about healthy dialogues with thei...
Join us in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks as we dive into entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and the evolving food scene in Flint, Michigan. Host Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, engages in a captivating dialogue with Tony Vu, the pioneering force behind Flint Social Club. Explore Tony's remarkable journey, from the legacy of his Vietnamese heritage to his pivotal role in nurturing culinary innovation and community empowerment in Flint. Support ...
Description: In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, join us as we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful initiatives of the women from the Flint Area Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. This episode's host Lottie Ferguson, Vice President of Development and Donor Services has a meaningful conversation with her Links sisters Lennetta Coney and Wanda Harden. Discover their motivations, challenges, and successes in giving back to the community through their partnership with the Community...
As August marks National Breastfeeding Month, we dive into an important topic that is often overlooked but deeply impactful – breastfeeding and its connection to racial and ethnic disparities within Flint and Genesee County. Join Lydia Starrs, Senior Program Officer, and Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer, as they have a conversation with Shonte Terhune Smith, the driving force behind YOLO Breastfeeding, a transformative organization dedicated to empowering birth and breastfeeding families. Fin...
Empowering Youth: Exploring the Work of Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH) On this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, we have the privilege of shining a spotlight on the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH). Vice President, Sue Peters has a conversation with Natasha Thomas, Program Coordinator at MOASH about the work of the organization and how they support LGBTQ+ youth. MOASH’s mission is to mobilize youth voices, engage community partners, and ...
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