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.

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
Black and white image shows the face of original Broncos player Lionel Taylor
Colorado Matters

Aug. 26, 2025: Denver’s original unsung Bronco, Lionel Taylor; Chandra’s Katrina story

He’s a Denver Broncos original who was a game changer even though he avoided the spotlight. From player to coach, we remember Lionel Taylor. Also, the influence of James Dobson on today’s Conservative Christian movement following the evangelical leader’s death. Plus, Manitou Springs grapples with the changing cannabis market in El Paso County. Then, Chandra shares her personal family story surviving Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. Later, a college degree in Mariachi music, and the origin of the People’s Republic of Boulder.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Black and white image shows the face of original Broncos player Lionel Taylor

The legacy of an original Denver Bronco: Lionel Taylor was record-setter who broke barriers as a player and as a coach

Lionel Taylor wasn’t one to hog the spotlight, but his achievements both as a player and as a coach illustrate his love for football. Among his many records, Taylor was the first wide receiver in pro football history to complete 100 catches in a season when he played for the Denver Broncos in the 1960s. He died at his home near Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Aug. 6.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Water flows through a series of sediment retention ponds built to reduce heavy metal and chemical contaminants from the Gold King Mine accident
Colorado Matters

Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what’s been the impact and what’s changed, or hasn’t, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what’s being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield