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Conversations that Spark Change
SVPI’s Fireside Chats feature visionary conversations with movement leaders, change-makers, and innovators from around the globe. Hosted by SVPI CEO Ciara Garcia, these conversations explore the intersection of democracy, philanthropy, community, and belonging — and what it means to build a more connected, equitable, and human-centered world.
The series examines systems change, civic participation, and collective care, and explores how we show up for one another and reimagine the future together.
From conversations spanning continents and causes, these are the moments that stayed with us. Watch the highlights below, then explore the full series of Fireside Chats.
Fireside Chat — Dr. Michael McAfee
Dr. Michael McAfee, CEO of PolicyLink, shares his perspective on what it means to lead with love, build collective power, and use equity as a guiding framework for systemic change. The conversation spans philanthropy, community-centered leadership, and what it will take to build a nation that truly works for everyone.
Equity is about designing a nation that works for everyone.
— Dr. Michael McAfee, CEO of PolicyLink
Fireside Chat — Nathaniel Smith
Nathaniel Smith, Founder and Chief Equity Officer of the Partnership for Southern Equity, reflects on his journey and what it means to put people at the center of transformative change. From the resilience of the U.S. South to the role of philanthropy in advancing justice, this conversation is a powerful call to run the race — and pass the baton.
We believe that the people that are closest to the problem are actually closest to the solution.
— Nathaniel Smith, Founder and Chief Equity Officer of the Partnership for Southern Equity
Fireside Chat — Pamela Shifman
Movements are at the core of democracy. They always have been, and they always will be.
— Pamela Shifman, President of Democracy Alliance
Fireside Chat — Anne Mosle
Anne Mosle—Vice President at the Aspen Institute, founder and executive director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute, and co-chair of the Aspen Forum on Women and Girls—opens the Fireside Chat series with a conversation on leadership, equity, and social change. Anne reflects on the origins of Ascend and its continued work to create opportunity for families through a bold, multi-generational approach.
Imagine the world if we flip the script from mission chasing money…what if money was fueling mission?
— Anne Mosle, Founder and Executive Director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute
Fireside Chat — Blythe Keeler Robinson
Blythe Keeler Robinson, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers, opens up about her lifelong commitment to equity and what it means to give every child — and every family — the opportunity to thrive. The conversation moves from the power of early childhood education to the urgent case for greater national philanthropic investment in Atlanta and the U.S. South.
A just society means that our dreams are realized and that there’s nothing in the way of realizing those dreams.
— Blythe Keeler Robinson, President and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers
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State of the Network Report
The State of the Network Report reflects SVPI’s progress and vision, showcasing affiliate work to boost connection and collaboration through events, a resource hub, and and ongoing opportunities for peer learning and partnership.