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.

SCULPTOR ED DWIGHT
Colorado Matters

Nov. 27, 2025: From astronaut to artist, Ed Dwight reflects on a journey making history as he turns 92

A remarkable Coloradan – and an American pioneer – celebrated his 92nd birthday in September. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight’s history-making didn’t stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculpting important monuments to Black legends. His body of work appears in Denver and at memorials across the country, and in museums like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Photo shows a man holding a toddler boy to the left of a woman holding a young girl. They are all smiling at the camera for a family portrait.
Colorado Matters

Nov. 25, 2025: Creating community for transracial adoptees; A remarkable journey on and off the slopes

November is National Adoption Month. Today, how one Colorado organization is supporting families through the beauty and complexity of transracial adoption and creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents too. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about accountability after wildfires. And Colorado Hall of Fame skier Bob Meserve’s remarkable journey on and off the slopes as a pioneering adaptive athlete.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
10th-mountain-division-italy-sieg-20250916
Colorado Matters

Nov. 18, 2025: An enduring friendship forged in war; Moms find connection, self-care in dance parties

Her father fought in a key battle on Riva Ridge in Italy to help end World War II. Now, 80 years later, Susannah LeVon of Grand Junction reflects on his legacy through an unexpected, and enduring friendship. Then, a growing body of research finds that moms are struggling with their mental health, battling things like stress, anxiety and even depression. Two Denver moms say they have the perfect pick-me-up to help! Then, author Devon O’Neil explores grief and tragedy after a rescue attempt in the Colorado backcountry. Plus, the history of Raton Pass.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Lasagna Love
Colorado Matters

Nov. 13, 2025: Is Colorado heading toward a ‘silent recession?’; Helping overcome food insecurity

Colorado’s economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, “Silent Recession,” looking at the numbers driving the state’s economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits — including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Colorado Matters

Nov. 11, 2025: On Veterans Day, stories of battle, of reflection, and of unexpected friendship

He survived the battle of Iwo Jima; 100 year old Jim Blane of Denver reflects on this pivotal moment in World War II and how it affected his life. Then, walking in the victorious footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division which trained in Colorado. Also, veterans with brain injuries and PTSD from combat often have stomach problems too; now researchers in Colorado are exploring new treatment options. And later, the Fall of Saigon fifty years ago shapes an unexpected friendship.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
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