002: Hella Dope, So Needed, and Back to Basics with C’Ardiss Gardner-Gleser
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Release Date: 06/16/2025
Episode 003: Take Control of Your Life & Raise More Money, with Steven Wallace
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
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...
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002: Hella Dope, So Needed, and Back to Basics with C’Ardiss Gardner-Gleser
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to show up authentically in philanthropic spaces that assure you that you’re not the right fit and that you just don’t get it? In this episode, I sit down with C’Ardiss Gardner Gleser, a philanthropic leader whose life journey—from teen mom to Yale graduate, from forklift operator to family philanthropy consultant and entrepreneur—embodies the relentlessness and brilliance of Black and African American leaders in philanthropy navigating systems that are often more complicated than they need to be. Gardner Gleser shares how her lived experience—not just her...
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001: My Father, Solomon. The Definition of Black Philanthropy
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Losing a parent reshapes the way we see the world, and for me, the passing of my father, Solomon Neal Jackson III, profoundly influenced my perception of giving. His legacy of kindness and generosity, often expressed through his open door and legendary gumbo, taught me that philanthropy is far more than institutional frameworks. It’s about community and love. My journey through Black philanthropy has been illuminated by these personal stories and conversations with leaders like Tony Simmons, who exemplify the timeless tradition of Black people supporting one another. The essence of Black...
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Welcome to Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
"Black Philanthropy: Our Stories" explores the untold stories of professionals and philanthropists dedicated to black philanthropy. Join our host and award-winning storyteller, Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, as she interviews black leaders in philanthropy across the U.S. Each episode, features an interview with a trailblazer, like the foundation leader who has allocated over $90 million in grants to nonprofits, or the entrepreneur who teaches middle-class, black families how to start their own family foundations. Whether you're a philanthropist, or whether you’re a part of a foundation,...
info_outlineWhat does it mean to show up authentically in philanthropic spaces that assure you that you’re not the right fit and that you just don’t get it? In this episode, I sit down with C’Ardiss Gardner Gleser, a philanthropic leader whose life journey—from teen mom to Yale graduate, from forklift operator to family philanthropy consultant and entrepreneur—embodies the relentlessness and brilliance of Black and African American leaders in philanthropy navigating systems that are often more complicated than they need to be.
Gardner Gleser shares how her lived experience—not just her credentials—has shaped her approach to philanthropy. She speaks candidly about the obstacles she’s faced, the inspiration she draws from her ancestors’ strength, and the importance of showing up fully and unapologetically in spaces that not-so-quietly demand conformity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of truth-telling, listening to community, and audacious love.
Together, we explore how Black philanthropy is not new—it’s rooted in mutual aid, family, and the everyday acts of care that have sustained our communities for generations. Gardner Gleser reminds us that philanthropy, at its core, is about love in action. And that love must be embodied—not just written into checks or mission statements.
This conversation is a call to action for funders, practitioners, and community members alike to reimagine philanthropy as a space of healing, truth, and radical care.
In this episode, you will hear:
- C’Ardiss’s journey from teen motherhood, Yale, and entrepreneurship within philanthropy
- The role of lived experience in shaping philanthropic leadership
- Why philanthropy must move beyond transactions to transformation
- The importance of relational repair and vulnerability in philanthropic work
- A redefinition of philanthropy rooted in love and action, not paperwork
Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:
- How to leverage your lived experience as a leadership asset
- Strategies for navigating philanthropic spaces with authenticity
- Tips for staying grounded in your values while working in philanthropy
- How to advocate for community-centered funding practices
- Ways to foster relational repair and build trust across divided communities
- How to challenge gatekeeping in philanthropy with courage and clarity
- The importance of storytelling in shifting power and perception
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Episode Credits
Produced by Simuel + Murray and Emerald City Productions