Richard Thurmond | A Story of Discovery - Ep. 100
On Life and Meaning
Richard Thurmond is a community and economic development executive for a place-making organization. In this episode we explore basketball, editing and publishing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and the values of curiosity and humility.
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Claude Alexander, Jr.| The Park Church - Ep. 99
On Life and Meaning
Claude Alexander, Jr. is bishop and senior pastor of a Baptist church. In this episode we explore the mission of the church, racism, misogyny and homophobia, segregation on Sunday mornings, the death of a brother, a crisis of faith, living with mystery, and the love of God.
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Jess George | Hope and Optimism - Ep. 98
On Life and Meaning
Jess George is a government and community affairs manager for a fiber optic company. In this episode we explore the digital divide, confronting bullies, being an ally to immigrants, and dropping keys to beautiful rowdy prisoners.
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Sonya Pfeiffer | A Life in Full - Ep. 97
On Life and Meaning
Sonya Pfeiffer is an art gallery owner and criminal defense attorney. In this episode we explore story-telling, standing up to the power of the state, unconventional paths, the Owl theory, the practice of Ahimsa, and the one chance we have in this life.
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Beatriz Friedmann | Conscious Evolution - Ep. 96
On Life and Meaning
Beatriz Friedmann is a school counselor and information technology consultant. In this episode we explore emigrating from Brazil to North America, a corporate career, a summer of loss and pain, finding new purpose, and becoming present one step at a time.
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Ken Lambla | Interdisciplinary Design - Ep. 95
On Life and Meaning
Ken Lambla is founding dean of a college of arts + architecture. In this episode we explore returning from Patagonia, merging fields of study, interdisciplinary design, stewardship, community, and how arts inform a life
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Clarence Armbrister | A Nurturing Place - Ep. 94
On Life and Meaning
Clarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of a historically black college and university. In this episode we explore strategic goals, the benefits and challenges of HBCUs, a family story of defiance, the power of education, public service, and the value of relationships.
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Liz Clasen-Kelly | The Sacredness of Human Life - Ep. 93
On Life and Meaning
Liz Clasen-Kelly leads an agency serving men experiencing homelessness. In this episode we explore helping people needing shelter, working to end homelessness, abundant love, and encountering Christ in the in-between.
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Natalie Frazier Allen | Art Empowered - Ep. 92
On Life and Meaning
Natalie Frazier Allen leads an organization that connects youth to the arts. In this episode we explore adverse childhood experiences, the power of the arts to heal trauma, telling the truth, Spelman College, and reflections on career, family and faith.
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Tom Warshauer | Neighborhood Development - Ep. 91
On Life and Meaning
Tom Warshauer leads a municipal community engagement team. In this episode we explore neighborhood development, Wilmington and New Orleans, home restoration, planting ideas, and enjoying diverse and authentic lives.
info_outlineStephanie Cooper-Lewter is executive director of Leading on Opportunity, an initiative to improve economic mobility in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is responsible for developing goals and strategies to implement systemic change. Stephanie previously served as vice president of initiatives and public policy for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and as president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia, South Carolina. She has received numerous awards, including the University of Minnesota Distinguished Alumni Award. Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bethel College, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota, and Ph.D. in social work from the University of South Carolina.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in economic mobility, leading systemic change, overcoming poverty and personal challenges, and living into purpose.
IN THIS EPISODE
- Stephanie explains the Leading on Opportunity Council and the relevance of the measurement upon which Charlotte is ranked among cities in economic mobility.
- She describes the timeline of events that led to the formation of a Leading on Opportunity Task Force and Leading on Opportunity Council.
- She notes what the Leading on Opportunity Task Force Report examined and recommended.
- She discusses cross-determinant factors of segregation and social capital in economic mobility.
- Stephanie talks about what theories of change are helping prioritize her work.
- She defines what she means by access and opportunity.
- She considers how the community has embraced the language of economic mobility and whether it is dampening other initiatives in Charlotte.
- She addresses the difference between equitable opportunity and equal chance in economic mobility work.
- Stephanie shares the circumstances of her birth in Indian and adoption in America.
- She remembers her adoptive mother and sisters and growing up in Minnesota.
- She recalls her time at Bethel College in St. Paul, how her life changed, and how her experience as a young single mom struggling with poverty informs her work today.
- She highlights how her career evolved and the wisdom figure who supported her most.
- Stephanie shares the challenges she has faced, how she is doing, and what is it about her work that resonates most with who she is.
plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Adopting Charlotte
To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning