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 fight to ensure scouting is inclusive to all children, leaders

The stated mission of the Boy Scouts, now known as Scouting America, is to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” But what happens when an organization founded on those principles is accused of turning its back on an entire group of people, leading to a legal battle for change?

July 18, 2024: How big a concern is the bird flu?; Opening the great outdoors to Colorado preschoolers

The headlines may sound alarming: at least six human cases of bird flu in Colorado. We’ll get some context about what that means. Then, Colorado is unique in the nation when it comes to teaching preschoolers outdoors. We’ll hear why that can improve their ability to learn. Plus, embracing wellness at a farmer’s market that works to eliminate food deserts. And we go on a stravage to benefit the body and the mind.
NEW CU CHANCELLOR JUSTIN SCHWARTZ

July 16, 2024: CU Boulder’s new chancellor on challenges, opportunities; A Winter Park jazz tradition

The University of Colorado Boulder has a new chancellor for the first time in 15 years. Justin Schwartz talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead at the state’s flagship university. Then, three players with ties to Colorado lead Team USA’s 3X3 Men’s Basketball team. And the 41st annual Winter Park Jazz Festival is back! We revisit how it’s become a multi-generational summertime tradition.
Winter Park Jazz Festival Becky Taylor

How the Winter Park Jazz Festival became a multi-generational summertime tradition

It’s become a summer ritual for many Coloradans. More than four decades of music, emanating through the crisp mountain air. The 41st Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival returns this weekend, featuring artists Anthony Hamilton, Stokely, Average White Band and Lalah Hathaway, to name a few. Becky Taylor is the longtime emcee and arguably the face of the fest. Tracy and Stephanie Williams, sisters who live in Aurora, have been faithful attendees for years.
CHATFIELD STATE PARK SWIM BEACH HOT SUMMER WEATHER

July 11, 2024: Maintaining health, envisioning cooler neighborhoods amidst Colorado’s extreme heat

As extreme heat grips parts of Colorado, we’ll ask the state climatologist if triple-digit temperatures are the new norm. And we’ll break down the many ways heat can impact our health — like the difference between heat stress and heat stroke as well as rethinking the way neighborhoods and cities are built to keep them cooler in the future. Also, saving dinosaur ridge and Colorado Wonders about turquoise.
Virus Outbreak Fighting Loneliness

July 9, 2024: Helping older Coloradans stay in their homes; Creating connection through a simple call

As people get older, many want to stay in their homes and age in place. But with the high-cost of housing and the unexpected turns life can take, it can be a challenge. “The Golden Girls” project helps women 50 and older in Mesa County. And Housing Resources of Western Colorado works to help people stay in their homes. Plus, how a phone call overcomes the loneliness that can come with aging.

July 2, 2024: A hot and smoggy summer; Denver’s own Prince celebrates The Artist’s 40-year milestone

Denver just experienced its second-hottest June on record, and that’s led to poor air quality. It’s likely a sign of things to come this summer. Then, Phillip Lamar is the founder and front man of Colorado’s premiere Prince tribute band; he reflects on The Artist’s legacy on the 40th anniversary of the iconic Purple Rain. And Aging Matters revisits scams and how to avoid them.
DENVER RENT

June 27, 2024: A school welcomes new immigrants beyond the classroom; Is a law to help renters working?

Children who made the harrowing journey from South America to the U.S. are filling up Denver’s classrooms. Beyond teaching, schools have become a one-stop shop for everything from dental care to warm clothes and other necessities. A new film documents packed classrooms, overwhelmed teachers, and a community trying to fill the gaps. Then, Colorado has a new law that’s supposed to save renters money. But is it working? And, one man’s very personal mission to make outer space inclusive.
Two women who hire older workers to help with preschool and aging care.

June 25, 2024: Older workers answer the call for preschool, aging care jobs; From football to dentistry

The fastest growing population in Colorado is 65 and older. But instead of retirement, it can also be an opportunity to help others while staying engaged. Then, the complexities of finding missing LGBTQ+ people. Also, a summer music festival rises to a creative challenge. And he traded in the football drills for the dental ones. Plus, illustrations as art.

June 18, 2024: Colorado’s ‘Red Flag’ gun safety law used inconsistently; JoFoKe bares her soul on stage through music

When it comes to Colorado’s so-called “Red Flag” gun violence prevention law, where you live often dictates when it’s used, if it’s used at all. Then, her family’s musical legacy goes back four generations, but JoFoKe isn’t relying on that as she makes her own mark, baring her soul on stage. For Black Music Month, we re-share our February interview with the Denver singer/songwriter. Plus, a big fossil find near Colorado Springs.