『Black Philanthropy: Our Stories』のカバーアート

Black Philanthropy: Our Stories

Black Philanthropy: Our Stories

著者: 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 マネジメント マネジメント・リーダーシップ 社会科学 経済学
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  • 015: From Crack Dealer to Hope Dealer, Ken Miller CFRE on Prison, Mastering Fundraising & Mentoring Black Men
    2025/12/02

    What does it take to transform a life from selling drugs to raising millions for nonprofits? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Ken Miller, CFRE, a nationally recognized fundraising strategist, mentor, and advocate for Black men in development. Ken's story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose—a testament to the power of second chances and the calling to serve.

    Ken opens up about his early life in foster care, his struggles with addiction, and the years he spent incarcerated. He shares how a $10 crack cocaine sale led to a six-year prison sentence—and how that moment became the turning point toward a life of impact. Today, Ken is a Certified Fundraising Executive who has raised millions for nonprofits and tribal communities, founded Men of Color in Development, and mentors Black men across the country to thrive in philanthropy.

    This episode is raw, inspiring, and packed with lessons on courage, integrity, and the transformative power of giving.

    Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    · Ken's journey from foster care, addiction, and prison to becoming a CFRE

    · How fundraising became his passion—and why he calls it 'gratitude in action'

    · The role of faith and self-esteem in overcoming fear of 'the ask'

    · Why Black men are underrepresented in fundraising and what Ken is doing to change that

    · How mentorship and representation can transform careers and communities

    Skills and Tips You'll Learn:

    · How to make fundraising asks with confidence and courage

    · Why self-esteem is critical for success in development roles

    · Strategies for retaining Black men in the fundraising profession

    · How to build authentic donor relationships that lead to major gifts

    · The importance of integrity and mentorship in leadership

    Recorded on: August 19, 2025

    About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv:

    Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy, known for using film and visual storytelling to help organizations secure transformational gifts. She is the Founder and Principal Artist of Simuel + Murray, a production company with bases in New York and Los Angeles. Michelle's work has redefined how nonprofits connect with donors through compelling narratives.

    Connect on:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/
    Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson

    About Ken Miller:

    Ken Miller is an author, speaker, and the founder of Denali FSP, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainable funding. His book, Becoming Ken: One Black Man's Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again, chronicles his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and authenticity. Through his keynotes and programs like "From Rock Bottom to Resilience," Ken inspires audiences to embrace truth, face adversity, and make meaningful life choices.

    Connect on:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/
    Website: https://kenmillerspeaks.com

    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. Drop a review or 5-star rating—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. Listeners should consult their own attorney or financial advisor for guidance. This episode does not provide legal or financial advice.

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    1 時間 55 分
  • 014: From Feeling Unworthy to Leading Health Equity, Maisha Simmons' Journey through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
    2025/11/08
    How does one help to embed equity into the DNA of a major philanthropic institution like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, speaks with Maisha Simmons, Associate Vice President of Equity and Culture at RWJF. Together, they discuss how Maisha leads efforts to operationalize equity, diversity, and inclusion across RWJF's programs and policies. Maisha reflects on her journey from grassroots community development to national leadership, including early roles in grant writing, advocacy, and public health. She shares insights into RWJF's reparative philanthropy work, the emotional and strategic dimensions of equity leadership, and the importance of centering community in every solution. This episode offers valuable lessons for funders, nonprofit leaders, and equity advocates seeking to understand how institutional change happens and why it must be rooted in justice. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. In this episode, you will hear: Maisha's career path from community development to RWJF How her work evolved from childhood obesity prevention to reparative philanthropy The mission and impact of RWJF's Equity and Culture department Why centering community is essential to health equity The role of lived experience in shaping philanthropic strategy Reflections on legacy, leadership, and systemic repair Skills and insights you'll learn: How to operationalize equity in large institutions Why reparative philanthropy goes beyond traditional grantmaking How to build sustainable, community-rooted strategies Navigating power dynamics in philanthropy The importance of historical context in equity work How to lead boldly while staying grounded in purpose About Maisha Simmons: Maisha Simmons is Associate Vice President of Equity and Culture at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Since joining RWJF in 2008, she has led initiatives in health equity, violence prevention, family-supportive policies, and state-based strategies in New Jersey. Her work centers on embedding equity into institutional systems and advancing reparative practices in philanthropy. Maisha has held senior roles at the NAACP and United Way and began her career in community development and public health. She is an ABFE Fellow and recipient of the 2015 Emerging Leader Award from the Association of Black Foundation Executives. She holds an MPA from CUNY/Baruch College, a master certificate from Kean University, and a BA from Douglass College at Rutgers University. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maisha-simmons-ba02494/ About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv: Michelle Renee Jackson is an award-winning storyteller, writer-director, and host of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories. 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. Her work has helped organizations secure their largest gifts through compelling visual storytelling. She has delivered keynotes at Harvard, Yale, Hulu, and Georgetown. Connect on LinkedIn: Michelle Renee Jackson Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson Website: www.michellereneejackson.com Podcast Pages: Website: Black Philanthropy: Our Stories Follow and Review: Follow the show on Apple Podcasts by clicking the '+' in the top right corner. Leave a review or 5-star rating to help others discover the show. Go to "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." 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.
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    1 時間 17 分
  • 013: How to Protect Your Foundation's Mission in a Politically Charged Climate, with Rey Ramsey
    2025/10/11
    How do leaders in philanthropy navigate challenges to their mission, purpose, and legacy in a time of political uncertainty and social change? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, a Simuel + Murray podcast, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, to explore his journey from fundraiser to funder, and the strategy he uses to lead the Foundation through challenging times. Rey shares how his upbringing in Philadelphia, the influence of his sixth-grade teacher, and his early career in fundraising shaped his commitment to "lifting the human spirit." He discusses the ethical complexities of philanthropy, the importance of honoring ancestors, and the power of saying "yes" to those often told "no." This episode is a masterclass in partner-centered leadership, radical pragmatism, and the pursuit of justice through mission-focused investments, storytelling, courage and service. Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. In this episode, you will hear: Rey's journey from fundraiser to CEO of a half-billion-dollar foundation The promise he made to his sixth-grade teacher that shaped his life's mission Why he banned the word "grantee" and replaced it with "partner" How the Nathan Cummings Foundation is investing in racial, economic, and environmental justice How venture grants are changing the game for emerging changemakers Why justice is not illegal and why foundations must stay mission-aligned in turbulent times The story behind Rey's upcoming book, Tyranny of False Choices (Forbes, March 2026) Skills and Tips You'll Learn: How to defend your foundation's mission in politically-charged climates. Why investing is different from spending and why it matters How to build authentic relationships with funders and partners Navigating fear, compliance, and courage in today's philanthropic landscape How to use data, storytelling, and radical pragmatism to drive impact Why legacy is built through investments, not accolades Recorded on October 3, 2025 About Rey Ramsey: Rey Ramsey is the CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, where he oversees a half-billion-dollar endowment focused on racial, economic, and environmental justice. A former fundraiser and nonprofit leader, Rey brings decades of experience in housing, human services, and impact investing. He is the creator of the web series Diary of a Single Mom and author of the forthcoming book Tyranny of False Choices. Rey is passionate about removing barriers, expanding access, and investing in people and ideas that drive social change. Connect on: www.nathancummings.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rey-ramsey-992263a/ About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv: Michelle Renee Jackson is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy. 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 work has helped organizations secure their largest gifts through compelling visual storytelling. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes at Harvard, Yale, Hulu, and Georgetown. Connect on: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson Website: www.michellereneejackson.com Podcast Pages: Website: https://www.simuel-murray.com/podcast-black-philanthropy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/black-philanthropy-our-stories-the-podcast Follow and Review: If you haven't yet, follow us by clicking the '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. Drop a review or 5-star rating to help others discover the show. Just go to "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review"—it only takes a moment and makes a big difference. Produced by Simuel + Murray www.simuel-murray.com 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 時間 19 分
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