011 Ex-Army Officer's Eye-Opening Take on the World of Philanthropy, with Darrin Goss
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Release Date: 09/20/2025
011 Ex-Army Officer's Eye-Opening Take on the World of Philanthropy, with Darrin Goss
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What can philanthropy learn from military leadership, ancestral resilience, and faith-driven service? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Darrin Goss Sr., President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, to explore his journey from Army officer and minister to foundation president. Darrin shares how his Charleston roots, military training, and ministerial calling shaped his approach to leadership in philanthropy. With over 30 years of experience across sectors, he offers his perspective on hope, influence as capital, and the...
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010: A Love Letter to Black Women, with Dr. Yanique Redwood
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to center Black women’s healing, challenge philanthropy’s contradictions, and reclaim joy as a radical act? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Dr. Yanique Redwood—author, strategist, and former foundation CEO—to explore the emotional, structural, and spiritual dimensions of Black women’s experiences in philanthropy. Dr. Redwood shares the journey behind her powerful book White Women Cry and Call Me Angry, a memoir that speaks directly to Black women navigating racism in philanthropic spaces. From...
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009: Surviving Cancer & Leading with Love, with Edward Jones
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to lead with courage, stay mission-driven, and institutionalize love in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Edward Jones, Vice President of Programs and Philanthropic Advising Services at ABFE – A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Edward shares his journey from a temporary role in philanthropy to becoming one of the sector’s most respected voices. He opens up about surviving stage four prostate cancer and how that experience deepened his commitment to justice, community, and...
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008: On Moving $150m+, Community Mobilizing, and Faith, with Jason Garrett
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to lead with faith, bridge divides, and build belonging in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Garrett, Senior Vice President of Faith, Bridging, and Belonging at the Freedom Together Foundation. Jason shares his journey from Wall Street to Harvard Divinity School, from community organizing to leading one of the most innovative philanthropic portfolios in the country. With deep insight and humility, he reflects on the spiritual and strategic dimensions of giving, the challenge of saying...
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007: Golden Handcuffs & Sacred Callings, with Yvonne Moore
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to be called to philanthropy “for such a time as this”? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Yvonne Moore—strategist, founder of Moore Philanthropy, and truth-teller in the sector—to explore the tension between comfort and courage in Black philanthropy. Yvonne opens up about the “golden handcuffs” that keep many professionals from taking bold action, the ancestral legacy that fuels her work, and why she believes philanthropy must be more than a job—it must be a calling. With honesty, wisdom, and...
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006: From Teacher to Foundation President by 34, with Jason Terrell
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to lead a foundation while honoring your calling, your family, your hair, and your roots? In this episode of "Black Philanthropy: Our Stories," host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Terrell, President of the Dobbs Foundation, former educator, and co-founder of Profound Gentlemen. Jason shares his deeply personal journey from teaching middle school English to leading one of Georgia’s most historic philanthropic institutions. Jason reflects on how his upbringing, faith, and family shaped his path. From co-launching a nonprofit with $90,000 in seed funding...
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005: Quitting a DOUBLE LIFE, the DJ in philanthropy with Steve Vassor
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
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...
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004: From Foster Youth & Incarceration to Funder: Brianna Rogers Reworks Philanthropy
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
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...
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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...
info_outlineWhat can philanthropy learn from military leadership, ancestral resilience, and faith-driven service? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Darrin Goss Sr., President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, to explore his journey from Army officer and minister to foundation president.
Darrin shares how his Charleston roots, military training, and ministerial calling shaped his approach to leadership in philanthropy. With over 30 years of experience across sectors, he offers his perspective on hope, influence as capital, and the role of Black professionals in shaping the future of philanthropy.
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How military service and ministry shaped his leadership style
- Reflections on ancestral resilience and honoring those who 'didn’t jump'
- The challenges of DEI backlash and tokenism in philanthropy
- Why he believes in developing future leaders and building his own “coaching tree”
- How philanthropy must adapt its tactics while staying true to its mission
Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:
- How to lead with empathy and strategic influence
- Ways to support and mentor emerging philanthropic professionals
- How to navigate fear, hope, and complexity in leadership
- Why emotional intelligence is essential in grantmaking and community work
- How to respond to DEI skepticism with results and integrity
Recorded on April 10, 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.
Connect on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/
Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson
About Darrin Goss Sr.:
Darrin Goss Sr. is President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, the largest community foundation in South Carolina. Under his leadership, the Foundation has doubled its assets and distributed over $190 million in grants and scholarships. A U.S. Army veteran and ordained minister, Darrin brings strategic discipline and a deep commitment to equity, policy advocacy, and leadership development. He previously held leadership roles in corporate, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, and serves on several national and regional boards.
Connect on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-goss-sr-b07a49a/
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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 episode is for informational and storytelling purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult their own attorney, financial advisor, or other qualified professionals for guidance specific to their situation.