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.

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June 11, 2024: Marking a milestone of ideas for a better world; Harnessing the wind in Colorado

This month, the Aspen Ideas Festival marks 20 years of thought-provoking conversation, from students to celebrities to global leaders, exchanging ideas for a better world and human experience. Then, how high-dosage tutoring is helping students rebound from the pandemic learning gap. And answering a Colorado Wonders question about harnessing the wind.

June 6, 2024: How technology could change farming amid worker shortages; 80 Something fights ageism and stereotypes

Colorado farmers can’t find enough workers. Is technology like Artificial Intelligence the answer, and what are the trade-offs? Plus, incentives add up to buy or lease an EV. Then, “80 Something” is a vibrant new exhibit featuring artists over the age of 80. Also, learning to navigate Denver without GPS. And helping teens embrace wellness.

May 30, 2024: Selling plasma for income; Local stars return to Colorado with U.S. Women’s Soccer

When money’s tight, some people sell their plasma. People can get up to $200 per donation. We’ll explore the ethical implications with a CU-Boulder professor who studied who donates and why. Then, 50 years ago this week, six young Chicano activists were killed in a series of bombings in Boulder. Later, marking the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision ending segregation in public schools, with one of the Little Rock Nine. And, three hometown heroes return to the pitch with U.S. Women’s Soccer.

May 28, 2024: ‘After Action,’ a veteran fights a different battle; Reexamining the path of an 18th century explorer

She fought terrorists around the world as an analyst for the Army. But after being exposed to hazardous chemicals during her service, Elba Barr is now engaged in a different battle: to get health care and benefits from the U.S. government for herself and other veterans. Then, retracing the final journey of 18th century Captain James Cook while reexamining exploration and colonization.

May 24, 2024: Where did Latinos sit on the bus during segregation? History professor, actress weigh in on DCPA play

A new play that immerses the audience in elaborate, layered soundscapes at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts asks the question, “Where Did We Sit on the Bus?” for Latino Americans during a time of segregation. Actress Satya Chavez joins us along with Ramon Del Castillo, a retired professor of Chicana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

May 21, 2024: The impact ADUs could have on housing; Colorado’s ‘Swan of Harlem’

Colorado’s putting a lot of stock into the idea of ADUs, Accessory Dwelling Units, to help ease the housing crunch. We’ll talk about the potential impact and how similar programs are working in other states. Then, Denver native Karlya Shelton-Benjamin is among a pioneering group of ballerinas known as the Swans of Harlem. Plus, how one Pueblo educator is making sure students don’t get left behind when it comes to technology.