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Black Philanthropy: Our Stories

Black Philanthropy: Our Stories

By: Michelle Renee Jackson
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 "Black Philanthropy: Our Stories” is an unprecedented podcast that brings you inside the world of Black and African-American philanthropy like never before. Produced by Simuel + Murray and hosted by award-winning writer-director Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, this powerful series features authentic conversations with foundation presidents, philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, board members, and consultants who are driving meaningful change through giving. Whether you're a donor or foundation looking to give more effectively or a nonprofit professional seeking to raise more money, this podcast delivers the tools, strategies, and inspiration you need to make a greater impact. Learn how to: • Donate more purposefully and strategically • Build stronger, more meaningful donor and community relationships • Raise more money for your mission • Prioritize storytelling in your philanthropic work This is more than a podcast—it’s transformation, for you and for philanthropy. Each episode challenges, inspires, and reminds you that you are not alone in your commitment to change the world through giving. Subscribe now and join a global community of Black and African-American leaders changing the world through philanthropy.2025 Economics Management Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 005: Quitting a DOUBLE LIFE, the DJ in philanthropy with Steve Vassor

    005: Quitting a DOUBLE LIFE, the DJ in philanthropy with Steve Vassor
    Jul 3 2025
    How can you bring your full self into philanthropy—beats, values, and all? In this episode of “Black Philanthropy: Our Stories,” host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, award-winning writer-director, sits down with Steve Vassor, a philanthropic strategist, DJ, and systems thinker whose unconventional path through music, activism, and nonprofit leadership has reshaped how he approaches philanthropy. From spinning records to shifting systems, Steve shares how his Haitian roots, creative lineage, and deep commitment to community have guided his journey. He opens up about the power of programming within foundations, the courage it takes to challenge toxic work cultures, and why he believes philanthropy must be a space for experimentation and authenticity. This episode is a masterclass in bringing your whole self to the work—and a call to action for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t “fit” in philanthropy. Subscribe on Apple, Youtube, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. In this episode, you will hear: · - Steve’s journey from youth worker to philanthropic leader · - How his DJ identity and Haitian heritage shape his approach to service · - The difference between grantmaking and operating foundations—and why it matters · - Why he believes philanthropy must be a space for experimentation and courage · - How to evaluate whether an organization aligns with your values before you apply Skills and Tips You’ll Learn: · - How to bring your full humanity into philanthropic work · - Questions to ask before joining a nonprofit or foundation · - How to navigate power dynamics and imposter syndrome in philanthropy · - The importance of community, mentorship, and cultural alignment · - Why storytelling and systems thinking are essential tools for change Recorded on March 18, 2025 About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv: Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy, where she has used her expertise in film, videography, and photography to help organizations secure their largest gifts. She is the Founder and Principal Artist of Simuel + Murray, a production company named after her grandmothers' maiden names, with bases in New York and Los Angeles. Michelle’s storytelling has transformed how philanthropic organizations connect with their audiences, distinguishing them through compelling visual narratives. Her work has been a game-changer in philanthropy. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Hulu, and Georgetown. Michelle is dedicated to helping foundations and nonprofits exceed their goals through the power of story. 🔗 Connect on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/ Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson About Steve Vassor: Steve Vassor is a dad, husband, mentor, man of faith, and professional DJ whose life mission is to mobilize and liberate people. With a career spanning local, regional, and national nonprofit and municipal organizations, Steve brings a deep commitment to community building, coalition development, and leadership support. He has trained leaders, designed strategies, and strengthened institutions to improve life chances and conditions for historically excluded communities. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health from Morgan State University and a Master’s in Social Service Administration from Case Western Reserve University. He currently serves on two boards and chairs a third. Based near Atlanta with his wife and two dogs, Steve continues to blend creativity, strategy, and service in all that he does. 🔗 Connect on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevevassor/ Instagram: @djstevevassor | @stevevassor Twitter/X: @stevevassor Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then leave a quick note with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast. Produced by Simuel + Murray Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations they are affiliated with or employed by. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your own legal or financial professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Episode 004: From Foster Youth & Incarceration to Funder: Brianna Rogers Reworks Philanthropy

    Episode 004: From Foster Youth & Incarceration to Funder: Brianna Rogers Reworks Philanthropy
    Jun 25 2025
    What happens when a woman with lived experience of foster care and incarceration becomes a funder? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, we meet Brianna Rogers, a systems disruptor and philanthropic strategist whose journey from fear to advocacy is reshaping the field of philanthropy. Brianna brings a radical, community-centered approach to her commitment to philanthropy. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and power-building. From her early days navigating adversity to her leadership in shifting philanthropic power dynamics, Brianna challenges performative norms and calls for authentic, proximate leadership. She reminds us that philanthropy must not only fund change—it must embody it. This conversation is a powerful invitation to reimagine philanthropy as a space where lived experience is not only welcomed but essential to driving institutional change. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. In this episode, you will hear: Brianna Rogers’s transformative journey from fear to advocacy in philanthropy The role of lived experience in reshaping philanthropic leadership and bridging community needs with boardroom decisions Challenging conventional norms in philanthropy by promoting authenticity and rejecting performative practices The importance of mentorship, representation, and demystifying philanthropy for underrepresented communities Embracing failure as a stepping stone for personal and professional growth in the philanthropic sector Encouragement for those with lived experiences to take bold steps in redefining the philanthropic landscape Skills and Tips You’ll Learn: How to lead with authenticity and lived experience in philanthropic spaces Strategies for shifting power and building community-centered funding models How to challenge traditional workforce strategies and center worker well-being Tips for funders on aligning across sectors for economic equality The importance of mentorship and representation in philanthropy How to use your story as a tool for advocacy and systemic change Recorded on May 5, 2025 About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv: Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy, where she has used her expertise in film, videography, and photography to help organizations secure their largest gifts. She is the Founder and Principal Artist of Simuel + Murray, a production company named after her grandmothers' maiden names, with bases in New York and Los Angeles. Michelle’s storytelling has transformed how philanthropic organizations connect with their audiences, distinguishing them through compelling visual narratives. Her work has been a game-changer in philanthropy. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Hulu, and Georgetown. Michelle is dedicated to helping foundations and nonprofits exceed their goals through the power of story. Connect on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/ Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson About Brianna Rogers: Brianna Rogers, from the Bay Area, CA, is not just a grantmaker—she is a systems disruptor, power builder, and strategist who uses philanthropy as a vehicle for deep, structural change. As Initiative Officer at The San Francisco Foundation’s ReWork the Bay team, she leads efforts to build economic power for historically excluded workers by aligning funders, labor leaders, and community organizations around a shared vision for racial and economic justice. A National Urban Fellow, Brianna holds a B.A. in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Public Policy Management from Georgetown University. She serves on the boards of the East Oakland Youth Development Center and the Solano Community Foundation. Connect on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannarogers2025/ Instagram: @fortysomething Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then leave a quick note with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits Produced by Simuel + Murray and Emerald City Productions Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations they are affiliated with or are employed by.
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    52 mins
  • Episode 003: Take Control of Your Life & Raise More Money, with Steven Wallace

    Episode 003: Take Control of Your Life & Raise More Money, with Steven Wallace
    Jun 18 2025

    How can we lead with love in a sector that often prioritizes metrics over impact? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Wallace, a master fundraiser and executive recruiter whose 28-year career in philanthropy has been defined by deep listening, authentic connection, and a relentless commitment to honoring the humanity of donors and colleagues alike.

    From his early days fundraising door-to-door as a child to leading multimillion-dollar campaigns at major institutions, Wallace shares how his approach to fundraising is rooted in service, empathy, and integrity. He reflects on the power of seeing donors not as dollar signs but as people with passions, histories, and dreams—and how that perspective has helped him raise countless seven-figure gifts.

    Wallace also speaks candidly about the challenges Black professionals face in traditional philanthropic spaces and why he believes not only fundraisers but all of us must take ownership of our careers. This conversation is a reminder that philanthropy, at its best, is about love in action, and that love begins with seeing and valuing people for who they truly are.

    This conversation is a masterclass in relational fundraising, a call to action for empathic leadership, and a celebration of the joy that comes from doing the work fundraising.

    Recorded on: April 29, 2025 In this episode, you will hear:
    • Wallace’s journey from aspiring broadcaster to nationally respected fundraiser and executive recruiter
    • The story of a transformative $2M+ gift that began with a donor who “wasn’t going to give”
    • How listening and empathy can unlock generosity and trust
    • The importance of representation in fundraising leadership
    • Why fundraisers must advocate for themselves and take control of their careers

    Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:

    • How to lead fundraising conversations with authenticity
    • Strategies for navigating power imbalances with donors
    • Tips for building trust and long-term relationships with supporters
    • How to use storytelling to connect donors to impact
    • How to recognize when it’s time to leave an unsupportive organization
    • The importance of self-love and self-care in sustaining a career in philanthropy

    About Steven Wallace:

    Steven W. Wallace brings nearly three decades of experience in philanthropy to his work in executive search and leadership consulting at Aspen Leadership Group. He has held senior leadership roles at some of the nation’s most respected institutions, including serving as Associate Vice President in the Office of Philanthropy at City of Hope. Prior to that, he spent 12 years with Providence Health & Services as Vice President of Development for both Providence Holy Cross Foundation and Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation.

    Steven’s career also includes key fundraising and donor relations roles at California State University, Northridge; the University of Chicago, where he launched the university-wide Harper Society; Columbia University; Hunter College; and UC San Francisco’s School of Dentistry. A frequent speaker at CASE, AHP, and The Summit: THE Event for Inclusive Philanthropy, Steven is known for his empathetic leadership, deep donor relationships, and unwavering commitment to representation in the philanthropic sector. He holds a BA in Mass Communications from UC Berkeley and an MPA from the University of San Francisco.

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to subscribe here and follow us if you haven’t yet—or better yet, drop a review or 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then leave a quick note with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Subscribe today on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen Episode Credits

    Produced by Simuel + Murray and Emerald City Productions
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    1 hr and 15 mins
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