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.

Astronaut John Herrington, in a full space suit, waves to the camera as he floats outside a space craft.
Colorado Matters

Nov. 6, 2025: The first Native American in space describes a ‘very humbling feeling’

Growing up in Colorado, John Herrington fell in love with rock climbing. Little did he know that would start his climb to the stars. A citizen of the Chickasaw nation, Herrington is the first Native American to go into space. Then, the impact of federal energy cuts on innovation in Colorado. Also, training and retaining nurses in rural areas. And, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A group of people are gathered together standing in a line.
Colorado Matters

Nov. 4, 2025: Lawsuit asserts ICE is not following federal law; Colorado’s grey wolves heading south?

ICE agents can detain someone without a warrant under certain conditions. Now a judge will decide if agents are flaunting federal law in Colorado. Then, a noteworthy development with the reintroduction of grey wolves in Colorado. Plus, a farm that honors Native American heritage at the site of much pain. Also, Purplish explores uncovered history hidden inside the state capitol. Second graders in Grand Junction embrace the power of a single act of kindness. And music from Littleton artist Conrad Mata, with a little help from his dad!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Image shows two men in blue suits wearing glasses
Colorado Matters

With national Voting Rights Act under debate, Colorado enshrines access to voting

The nation’s landmark Civil Rights law, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, marks its 60th year this year, but the milestone comes amid debate that it’s being systematically weakened. Today we look at its past, present and future through a lens focused on Colorado with political analysts Alton Dillard and Terrance Carroll, as Colorado enshrines the right and access to vote in state law.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
king-pettus
Colorado Matters

Oct. 30, 2025: The past, present and future as the Voting Rights Act turns 60; In-person voting for inmates

As the Supreme Court deliberates changes, the Voting Rights Act turns 60. We look at its past, present and future with local political analysts — this after Colorado took action in its last legislative session to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Colorado state law also requires all county jails to offer in-person voting for eligible individuals — we explore how the process is working in Jefferson County.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Father with two daughters
Colorado Matters

Oct. 28, 2025: A lung cancer doctor shares the same path as his patients; Purplish explores capitol history

A Colorado doctor was diagnosed with the same lung cancer he’s researched and treated all his life. He only recently decided to share his story when chemotherapy made him horribly sick. Dr. Ross Camidge talks about sharing the same path as his patients, and how he views death and what comes next. Then, from artwork to hidden history on the walls, Purplish explores the many stories the state capitol has to tell. Plus, just in time for Halloween, a Colorado haunting… and a reimagining of Ichabod Crane.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Denver area resident and food assistance recipient Dawn Washington, center, speaks with reporters
Colorado Matters

Oct. 23, 2025: What’s next in the government shutdown? ‘Make A Circle’ looks at early childhood development

The government shutdown will hit federal workers hard tomorrow as they miss their first paychecks. What will it take to find a solution? We’ll check-in with our Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim. Then, the cost of child care can often rival college tuition. At the same time, child care workers have traditionally been underpaid and undervalued. A new documentary, “Make A Circle,” challenges the system to change. Also, we continue the series “Wired, Wired West,” and celebrating 20 years of roller derby action in Colorado Springs!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Democratic U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen at the CPR News studios in Denver
Colorado Matters

Oct. 21, 2025: Pettersen on federal cuts to mental, behavior health care; Honoring Demaryius Thomas

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat who represents the state’s 7th Congressional District, is concerned that federal layoffs, furloughs, and funding cuts to grants, will have a devastating effect on mental and behavioral health services, including helping people trying to break addiction. Then, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we re-share a discussion about the importance of knowing breast density. Plus, the “Wired, Wired West” explores the impact of A.I. on water. And the late Demaryius Thomas is inducted into the Denver Broncos’ Ring of Fame.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Colorado Matters

Oct. 16, 2025: What will Dominion sale mean for elections? Plus, Colorado’s Voting Rights Act

Now that Colorado-based Dominion Voting Systems is being sold, there are questions about what that will mean to upcoming elections. We talk with county clerks who rely on the system that’s been at the center of election lies and debunked conspiracies. Then, as the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to rollback another provision of the Voting Rights Act, Colorado’s taken action to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Later, a mom rushed in to save her children in the Uvalde school shooting. A documentary about her actions screens in Colorado this weekend. And, known as “Pueblo’s little jewel box,” it’s marking a 125-year milestone.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Mt. Princeton in the Collegiate Peaks, seen from near Buena Vista
Colorado Matters

Oct. 14, 2025: Motorcycle crashes are up; state troopers say distracted driving is just one reason

More and more motorcycle riders are dying on Colorado roads. Last year, 165 motorcyclists died, the highest number ever recorded in our state. Sgt. Ivan Alvarado with the Colorado State Patrol explains some of the reasons behind the trend. Then, we speak with Laurie Montoya, the founder of the Lakewood-based non-profit, BikerDown Foundation, which advocates for and helps bikers who get injured and their families. Plus, Colorado jazz musician Tony Exum Jr. is back on stage in Denver on Saturday.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
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