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.

Colorado Matters

Oct. 24, 2024: Support for domestic violence survivors as cases remain high; Nuggets are back in action

The number of people killed by domestic violence in Colorado is down by more than a third, but the number of cases is still high. Then, the Denver Nuggets open their NBA season tonight. What will it take to be a contender again for the championship? Plus, hometown hero Chauncey Billups gets his Basketball Hall of Fame moment. And later, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, begins next week. It’s a time of remembrance and a celebration of life.  And food… is a central part.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A turquoise Grand Valley Transit Bus, partially obscured by a mailbox, drives southbound on 29 Road past a pair of campaign signs for the 29 Road Interchange. A larger, blue sign is adorned with the slogan "Finish the Loop" while a smaller yellow sign sits in front of it reading "No On 29 Rd!"
Colorado Matters

Oct. 22, 2024: Creating savings incentives for renters; Voters to decide Mesa County interchange project

Homeowners are able to build equity when they pay their mortgage; renters don’t have that benefit. A new program hopes to create a different type of incentive. Then, voters in Mesa County will decide on a big interchange project this election that contrasts philosophies and vision. Plus, what we can learn from the highest alpine garden in North America. And a spine-chilling story to get into the Halloween spirit!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
PUEBLO-VOTE-240130
Colorado Matters

Oct. 17, 2024: How third-party candidates might impact Congress; Colorado Medical Society’s new president

There’s a saying, “every vote counts.” And when an election is too close too call, third party candidates are often labelled as spoilers. A look at how they might affect the race in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. Then, creating health equity, advocacy, and supporting the mental health of doctors. Those are some of the priorities of the state’s largest group of physicians, the Colorado Medical Society. We speak with Dr. Kim Warner, its new president. Also, beer is big business in Colorado, and, the founder of the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Children’s Chorale is retiring.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Pivot Solar 23 is a community solar
Colorado Matters

Oct. 15, 2024: Elevating Latino leadership; Rethinking philanthropic giving; Community solar questions

The Latino Leadership Institute based in Denver, is celebrating its tenth anniversary helping elevate and empower diverse leaders in business and beyond. Then, a court case has philanthropic organizations rethinking how they support diverse communities. Later, why aren’t there more community solar gardens in Colorado? And the nation’s oldest active band comes to Colorado.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Obit Mutombo Basketball
Colorado Matters

Oct. 10, 2024: Remembering Dikembe Mutombo; Reimagining Crested Butte

He came to the United States with the dream of becoming a doctor — instead, Dikembe Mutombo became a basketball star in Denver and around the world. But he always maintained his desire to help. Then, Colorado’s longest-running mining fight is over; locals in Crested Butte celebrated after securing permanent protections for Mt. Emmons, and now they turn to tackling affordable housing. Also, rediscovering Denver’s Manhattan Beach, and the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Rep. Yadira Caraveo and Gabe Evans
Colorado Matters

Oct. 3, 2024: Candidates for CD8 on priorities for a district that’s both urban and rural

The state’s newest congressional district, District 8, was designed to be Colorado’s only toss-up seat between the two major parties. Today we hear from the two candidates vying for that seat. Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo is a pediatrician and Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress. Republican Gabe Evans is a state representative, former police officer, veteran and grandson of Mexican immigrants.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
KROGER-KING-SOOPERS-SAFEWEAY-CANON-CITY-PHIL-WEISER
Colorado Matters

Oct. 1, 2024: Grocery store merger heads to court; Colorado’s Filipino community celebrates 70 years

The Colorado lawsuit to stop what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history heads to court. We look at what it could mean for shoppers. Then, the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley faces scrutiny after claims of an unsafe workplace and inhumane living conditions. Plus, a 70th anniversary milestone for Colorado’s Filipino community. And new citizens sign up to vote for the first time.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Sunanda Babu works with preschoolers
Colorado Matters

Sept. 26, 2024: From careers after retirement to outdoor excursions, Aging Matters knows no limits

A record number of Coloradans are nearing retirement age, and that could be good news for pre-schools. Industries that are struggling to find staff, like education and senior care, are hiring older people who may be looking for a second career or simply a way to stay involved and active. Then, we meet a group that gets older people outside, socializing, and trying something new. Cycling Without Age Littleton provides bike rides to people who can no longer ride themselves. This is an Aging Matters on Colorado Matters special.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield