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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
In this candid and energizing Fireside Chat, 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. Together, Ciara and Michael explore how philanthropy and community-centered leadership can fuel a more just and inclusive future.
Equity is about designing a nation that works for everyone.
— Dr. Michael McAfee, CEO of PolicyLink
Fireside Chat — Nathaniel Smith
In this Fireside Chat, 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. Together, Ciara and Nathaniel explore resilience in the U.S. South, the role of philanthropy in advancing justice, and the leadership needed to build a more equitable future.
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
In the first episode of SVPI’s Fireside Chat series, CEO Ciara Garcia sits down with 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—for a powerful 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
In this Fireside Chat, Blythe Keeler Robinson, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers, reflects on her lifelong commitment to equity and what it means to give every child — and every family — the opportunity to thrive. Together, Ciara and Blythe explore the power of early childhood education, the importance of two-generation approaches to family support, and the urgent need for greater national philanthropic investment in Atlanta and the US 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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