In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie talks with Shantel Suárez Ávila and Claire Groebner about centering lived experience, embracing rhythms of play, and taking an abundance-minded approach to equity. They explore how shared leadership and joyful, purpose-driven work can strengthen resilience, build trust, and create authentic community impact. Shantel and Claire are also leading a much-needed—and impressive—movement to support civil society through an Emergency Declaration amid federal pressure. Their work with the emerging San Diego Solidarity Network is creating the largest mutual-aid umbrella the city has ever seen.

Key Takeaways:

• The use of an Emergency Declaration for communities under attack is proving an effective model that other cities and neighborhoods can mimic.
• Systemic change happens when organizations transform structures, not just fundraising, and embrace long-term collective reimagining.
• Sustainable impact grows through rest, play, and joy, which strengthen resilience and reduce burnout.
• Equity thrives when leadership centers those most affected, creating authentic, enduring solutions.
• Abundance-driven fundraising fosters collaboration, celebrates community strengths, and shifts power toward shared prosperity.
• Purpose-driven urgency inspires bold, fearless action and daily solidarity.

"We have to demand that the systems change. We mean well in our work, but sometimes still perpetuate the same inequity we’re trying to address." — Shantel Suárez Ávila

"Shared leadership is hard, and that’s one reason we don’t see much of it. But it’s also beautiful—it challenges us to do better and question our assumptions." — Claire Groebner

Episode References: 

• Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center – https://olivewoodgardens.org/
• Cooking for Salud Program (Olivewood Gardens) – https://olivewoodgardens.org/our-programs/cooking-for-salud/
• San Diego Solidarity Network – https://www.sdsolidarity.com/
• Community-Centric Fundraising Movement – https://communitycentricfundraising.org/
• Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center – https://chicanoparkmuseum.org/
• The Kitchenistas Documentary (YouTube trailer) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YNKKlDA5Ls
• Waymo (Autonomous Driving Technology) – https://waymo.com/

About Shantel Suárez Ávila: Shantel Suárez Ávila is the Founder and Principal Strategist of Más Allá, a fundraising consulting firm advancing equity and justice. She has raised $50M+ for women-led and BIPOC-led organizations and began her career at Obama for America Headquarters in 2012. As co-steward of the Community-Centric Fundraising San Diego Chapter, Shantel helps organizations close funding gaps and reimagine philanthropy. An alumna of DePaul University (BA in Public Policy) and certified in Project and Change Management, she draws inspiration from her Mexican immigrant roots and enjoys yoga, gardening, and outdoor adventures with her husband and dogs in Escondido, California.

Connect with Shantel:

Website: https://www.sdsolidarity.com/ , https://www.masallaconsulting.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-su%C3%A1rez-%C3%A1vila/ 

About Claire Groebner: Claire Groebner is the Associate Director at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center. She holds a B.A. in Sociology – Social Inequalities and Spanish Literature from UC San Diego and previously worked in various departments there. Inspired by her love of people, nature, and food, Claire became involved in the food justice and farm-to-table movements. In her free time, she enjoys traveling on foot, dancing, gardening, and cooking homegrown meals.

Connect with Claire:

Website: https://olivewoodgardens.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairegroebner/

Connect with Kristine:

Website: <a href="https://www.impactfullinc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(17, 85