Description

Listen in as Kristine and Gigi discuss:

• Creating tangible ways to tap into and direct political energy for the benefit of all
• What makes Georgia “sexy” from a political perspective
• How being turned away at the voting booth sparked Gigi’s passion for democracy
• That anger is a “moving” emotion, a great place to start – but a terrible place to get stuck
• Staying informed is fundamental to staying engaged
• Treating yourself like a houseplant; know what’s essential to keep you growing and thriving

Key Takeaways:

• Latine philanthropy is making inroads and changing narratives, but has a long way to go to reach parity with the opportunities waiting to be unlocked
• When all eyes were on Georgia it was exciting, but the work continues and the state will continue to be a laboratory for building multi-racial coalitions and a stronger democracy
• Budgets are social contracts – where money goes belies what communities care about
• People and communities with few barriers must help those with many

"Democracy is under threat. We need smarter, prepared, committed people in the [political] space, and they need to be well compensated so that they continue to do the work that is meant to address … the most complicated issues." — Gigi Pedraza

Episode References: 

• Hispanics in Philanthropy: https://hipfunds.org/ 
• Pizza to the Polls: https://polls.pizza/ 
• Democracy Fund: https://democracyfund.org/ 
• Interfaith America: https://www.interfaithamerica.org/ 

About Gigi Pedraza: Gigi Pedraza is the founder and Executive Director of the Latino Community Fund in Georgia a direct service and philanthropic intermediary dedicated to accelerating positive and equitable change for Latinos in Georgia through its pillars: Advancing People’s Democracy, Protecting and Building Communities and Expanding Economic Opportunity.

During her tenure, she has been successful at expanding knowledge of the Latino community in the state through various research projects and reports; uplifting immigrant and Latino leadership and contributions, and securing over US$13 million for the community including 41 member organizations.

Her work has been recognized with 2 Emmys for public information and human interest campaigns and many awards for their leadership and collaboration focus including the 2023 Caminar Latino Journey Award, the 2022 MLK Community Service Award from Emory University, 2022 Partner of the Year by the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, the 2018 NFL Hispanic Leadership Award, and as a member of the Latino Hall of Fame in Georgia.

Connect with Gigi: 

Website: http://www.lcfgeorgia.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcf_georgia/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gildapedraza/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latino-community-fund-lcf-georgia/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCFGeorgia 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LCFGeorgia

Connect with Kristine:

Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/ 

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