Chandra Thomas Whitfield

Host/Producer, Colorado Matters

[email protected]

Chandra Thomas Whitfield joined CPR as a host and producer of its daily interview show, Colorado Matters, in 2022.

Professional background:
Whitfield has produced stories for NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Essence, Ebony and a number of other national media outlets. She also hosted and produced the award-winning podcast “In The Gap” from In These Times magazine, which explored how the gender pay gap and pay discrimination affects the lives and livelihoods of Black women who work in America.

A New Orleans native by way of Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University graduate, she is also an alumna of a diverse mix of journalism fellowship programs, including the Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism at the Ohio University and Ted Scripps Fellowship in Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder. Most recently she completed the Medill and The Garage Media Entrepreneur Fellowship with Northwestern University’s esteemed Medill School of Journalism.

Education:
Bachelor's of Arts degree in Journalism, Clark Atlanta University.

Awards/recognition:
Whitfield is the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including “Journalist of the Year” awards from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Atlanta Press Club, as well as honors from the Association for Women in Communications, the Colorado Association of Black Journalists and Mental Health America. An award-winning feature story she penned for Atlanta magazine is widely attributed with helping contribute to a change in Georgia law and a young man's early release from a 10-year prison sentence.

A woman in a blue dress stands in front of a large screen with words that say Nevertheless, we persisted
Colorado Matters

Oct. 2, 2025: Pediatricians push back against federal dismissal of science; ‘Gathering Place’ elevates Southern Colorado

“Chaos and confusion.” That’s what the head of the American Academy of Pediatrics says families are up against as the federal government rethinks established science for everything from vaccines to autism. Dr. Susan Kressly was recently in Colorado for the AAP’s annual conference. Then, an effort to get girls interested in construction jobs. Plus, we visit “The Gathering Place” which elevates the southwest in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. And, remembering renowned conservationist and researcher Dr. Jane Goodall with her visit to Colorado.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
WILD HORSE ROUNDUP AT LITTLE BOOK CLIFFS
Colorado Matters

Sept. 30, 2025: How a federal gov’t shutdown could impact Colorado; ‘Wild Horse Inmate Program’ ends

The federal government could shut down tonight if Congress doesn’t find common ground. CPR’s Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim explains the impasse and potential impact on Colorado. Then, a program that creates a bond between inmates and wild mustangs comes to an end; StoryCorps shares the experience of two men whose lives were changed by the program. Also, a Denver man’s very personal experience of choosing to die on his own terms amid debate about Colorado’s Medical Aid in Dying Law. And for Hispanic Heritage Month, how the Latino Leadership Institute is fostering future leaders amid DEI pushback.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Image shows a snowy steeped mountain with a man in a blue jacket on a mono-ski heading down at a 45-degree angle.
Colorado Matters

Sept. 25, 2025: Adapt and Thrive: Pioneering sit-skier Bob Meserve to be inducted into Hall of Fame this weekend

After a spinal cord injury from a skiing accident left him paralyzed, Bob Meserve of Fort Collins didn’t abandon the sport he’d fallen in love with as a young kid — he instead chose to help transform it! The award-winning sit-skier turned adaptive sports industry leader, will be inducted into the Colorado Snowsport Museum Hall of Fame this weekend. We also remember a Vail icon, John Dakin, the longtime “face” of the U.S. Ski Team who became a pioneering ski race caller. Plus, this season is the last run for Powderhorn’s West End ski lift built in 1972.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A hand holds a vial out of a box of vials with blue tops
Colorado Matters

Sept. 23, 2025: Vaccines and changing guidelines; Could how we drive be early indicator of dementia?

The Trump administration continues to question long-standing science with unproven ties between vaccines, autism, and a popular painkiller. Meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined new recommendations for vaccines. We’ll sort it out with CPR’s health reporter John Daley. Then, new research looks at if activities, like the way we drive, could be an early indicator Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
An attendee at the vigil holds flowers at a vigil
Colorado Matters

Sept. 18, 2025: A family’s hope after school shooting; ‘One Book’ inspires connection, photo exhibit

Matthew Silverstone was critically injured in the shooting at Evergreen High School. His family wants the community to know who he is as he fights to recover; we share his uncle’s message. Then, the Denver Public Library wants to get more people reading by sharing one book to encourage conversation. It’s also inspired a photo exhibit. Plus, Sunday is the “21st Night of September,” and this year it takes on special meaning for Denver’s Philip Bailey and the legendary Earth, Wind and Fire.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
The gold dome of the Colorado state Capitol
Colorado Matters

Sept. 4, 2025: How Colorado took political power plays out of redistricting; Teacher puts students first

Would Colorado follow the lead of Texas and California and redistrict Congressional seats for political gains? Voters changed the state constitution to make sure that sort of manipulation can’t happen here. We speak with the architect of Colorado’s effort to take politicians out of re-drawing districts. Then, public school teachers have faced a dizzying array of new directives from the Trump administration, from funding cuts to mandates on diversity, equity and inclusion. How one Denver teacher tries to put her students first. Then, Aging Matters provides a guide to navigating the grieving process. And, another Colorado community is hoping to embrace a dark sky.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A man gestures toward a small herd of cows while holding a bucket.
Colorado Matters

Sept. 2, 2025: Ranchers grapple with drought, tariffs, wolves, and inspiring the next generation

Ranchers in our state have a lot to juggle, says the newly-elected president of Colorado’s Cattlemen’s Association, Curt Russell. Things like drought, wildfire, and wolves; not to mention regulation challenges and the uncertainty of tariffs. Then, from A.I. to filling a nearly billion dollar budget hole to addressing bad behavior in the state capitol, Purplish breaks down the special session. And a classroom garden where blind students are growing confidence along with plants.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield