004: Brianna Rogers | From Foster Youth & Incarceration to Funder, Brianna Reworks Philanthropy

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.

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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

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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 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.