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 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.

• 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

• 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