Gathering Ground

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.

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 reflections on running for political office and the importance of mentorship and self-love in navigating challenging spaces.For more information on Morten Group's work with the City of Bozeman in creating their equity and inclusion plan, follow us on LinkedIn and check out the rest of our "Blueprint for Belonging" series with “Gathering Ground” Producer Vince Pagán-Hill!

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.

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.

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 change.

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

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 transformative power of art in reshaping societal perceptions.

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.

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 Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management's website.

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

Mary sits down again with Angelique and Tracie to talk rest, resilience, and renewal.Visit the main “Gathering Ground” podcast page: http://gatheringgroundpodcast.com.

Mary, her co-host Monique Jones (President & CEO of Forefront), and her guests discuss trends in the social impact sector so far this year and what we can expect for the rest of 2023.This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary and Monique were pleased to be joined by:Vu LeFounder of Nonprofit AFJulianne BuckExecutive Director of Community Foundation of Grundy County

Mary and her guests discuss radical self-care — what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can be the driving force to lead us to liberation.This time on "Gathering Ground," Mary was pleased to be joined by:Jacqueline BoydFounder of The Care PlanJacqulyn HamiltonDirector of Wellness, Culture, and Action, Chicago Freedom School

Mary sits down with Karla Estela Rivera and Shannon Downey to discuss how they used their creative practices to stay connected with others and continue their activism efforts despite the COVID-19 pandemic.Karla's Instagram: @kestelariveraShannon's Instagram: @badasscrossstitch

This month, we’re thrilled to debut Inside MG, a new series on “Gathering Ground” that will give you an inside look into how we do what we do. Every Morten Group team member is essential in collaborating with our client partners in their vital work, and we want to introduce you to some of them!For our first Inside MG conversation, Mary was thrilled to be joined by Morten Group’s Senior Project Director Geneva Porter and Client Relations and Project Management Director Sarah Menke, to hear all about executive placement at Morten Group.In the second half of our episode, Mary, Geneva, and Sarah discuss their top five tips for jobseekers ahead of Morten Group's upcoming workshop, Finding the Right Fit: Do’s and Don’t’s for Job Seekers. Subscribe to Morten Group's newsletter today to be among the first to sign up when registration opens!

Take a look back into the “Gathering Ground” archives this month to a conversation Mary had with Janine Hill (SOAR Strategies) and Amina Dickerson (Dickerson Global Advisors). January is a month of intention-setting and resolution, and there is no better place to start than being intentional about self-care.In this June 2020 episode of “Gathering Ground,” the three discuss their philosophies and strategies around coaching, offer advice on choosing a mentor that is a good fit, and the importance of self-care as a regular practice.

On this episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary sat down with Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden, and Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins to talk about some of this year's hot-button voter issues and how citizens can participate in making a change in their communities.Visit the main podcast page: gatheringgroundpodcast.com

On this episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary was thrilled to talk to Rahnee Patrick, Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services for the Illinois Department of Human Services, and artist Sandie Yi. They discussed Rahnee’s experience at Access Living and the Department of Human Services and Sandie’s experience as an artist and disability culture worker.

In response to the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, limiting access to safe and legal abortion across the country, Mary sits down with three women who continue to advocate for the individuals most impacted: Marie Khan, Director of Programs at Midwest Access Coalition; Natalie Moore, WBEZ journalist and playwright of The Billboard: A Play About Abortion, and activist and co-founder of SisterSong Loretta Ross.

Mary was thrilled to be joined once again by Tracie Hall and Angelique Power for another fireside chat — this time recorded on location in Detroit at the beautiful Motown Motivated Studios! Since missing last year's conversation, both of these powerhouses have continued to thrive in their work — Tracie as Executive Director of the American Library Association and Angelique as President and CEO of Skillman Foundation in Detroit.If you missed part one of this episode, you can find it at gatheringgroundpodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please enjoy the conclusion of this phenomenal conversation between these equally phenomenal women.---“Gathering Ground” will be taking a brief hiatus as we line up some exciting new guests for the fall. Thank you for tuning in for another season of “Gathering Ground.” We'll see you in September!