Can we talk about...? A podcast on leading for racial equity in philanthropy
Can we talk about…? is a podcast that invites philanthropic leaders into candid conversations with their peers to normalize the messiness of leading for racial equity and reflect on what it takes to create lasting transformation.
In Season 3, Mares Asfaha guides us through a deep dive of equity in community philanthropy organization.
This podcast is brought to you by Philanthropy Northwest.
Can we talk about...? A podcast on leading for racial equity in philanthropy
Lilliane Ballesteros and Lindsay Boswell on getting creative (while staying in compliance!) to show up for community
Lilliane Ballesteros (Latino Community Fund) and Lindsay Boswell (Yakima Valley Community Foundation) join us to challenge philanthropy’s biggest myths and self-imposed rules.
Together they explore what it looks like to move money differently: from buying pom poms for community events to setting up ESG investment portfolios and even to making grants directly to individuals – and yes, all while staying in compliance. They share how they embrace compliance not as a barrier, but as a creative tool for showing up for community in authentic ways.
This episode underscores a central truth: relationships don’t happen over email. They happen when philanthropy shows up where community already is — at BBQs, celebrations and neighborhood gatherings — and when funders rethink data, time and compliance as levers for equity rather than excuses for delay. See the full episode guide.
Each episode of season 3 spotlights lessons from Toward Transformation, Philanthropy Northwest’s equity-focused guide, and brings you real-world case studies, tough questions and tangible ideas you can bring back to your organization.