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
Mauri Ingram and Esra Khalil on moving from scarcity to abundance
Mauri Ingram (CEO, Whatcom Community Foundation) and Esra Khalil (Senior Program Officer, Community Foundation of Southwest Washington) join our podcast to counter a narrative we hear too often: “we don’t have the budget and time to do equity work.”
In this episode, they explore what it means to truly resource equity — not just with dollars, but with time, energy, creativity and intention. Both leaders share how their organizations have embedded equity into budgets, professional development, board governance and daily practices, reminding us that a budget is a values statement and that thriving communities “don’t happen by accident.”
They share practical examples on redirecting existing funds, shifting board agendas, leaning on partnerships instead of recreating the wheel and big mindset shifts, like moving from scarcity to abundance. As Mauri and Esra remind us, equity work requires a willingness to let go of business as usual in order to prioritize what truly matters: relationships, values and community love. 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.