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

Nov. 5, 2024: How E.coli outbreak changed a local burrito chain; Embracing fatherhood in Indigenous families

The recent E.coli outbreak at McDonald’s has the owner of Colorado-based burrito chain “Illegal Pete’s” rethinking food safety. Then, a mother’s search for accountability after her son endures years of racist slurs in a Weld County middle school. Plus, a program that helps Native American fathers connect with their families. And Colorado Wonders about grocery bag fees.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Author Evette Dionne stands next to Manual High School student Jaci Colllins-Falcon and Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in front of a CPR News sign at an event at the Blair Caldwell African-American Research Library in Denver.
Colorado Matters

Oct. 31, 2024: From civil rights to suffragists, the legacy and power of Black women in elections; how to engage young voters

When it comes to elections, Black women are historically a voting block that can wield a lot of power. Evette Dionne, the author of “Lifting as we Climb: Black Women’s Battle for the Ballot Box” joins Chandra Thomas Whitfield at the Blair Caldwell African-American Research Library, along with future voter, 17-year-old Jaci Collins-Falcon, a senior at Manual High School. Plus, how some Denver students are using technology to help people register to vote and to understand the ballot.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
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