Tashara Brown: Common Wealth Charlotte

Tashara Brown is well known for her work as Community Engagement Manager at Charlotte Works, and she brings deep experience in community partnership, workforce development, as well as economic mobility. And today, CWC announces that Tashara will become its next CEO! “CWC has spent years developing a trusted, trauma-informed model that helps Charlotte residents move from financial crisis to financial stability. I look to continue that legacy by partnering with our team, board, and community to shape CWC’s next chapter,” says Brown - and CWC couldn’t be more excited to welcome her! Learn more about this transition at https://www.commonwealthcharlotte.org/stories.

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte is an innovative venture Philanthropy organization that provides a path for passionate and committed individuals to collectively invest their money, time, and talent into Charlotte’s most promising nonprofits. In fact, just ten years ago SVP Charlotte chose a small, promising organization as one of its investees - and that organization was CWC!  Our special guest this episode is Executive Director, Kristin Beck, who brings passion for community engagement and strategic collaboration to her role. Tune in to hear her speak more about how SVP is building a stronger, more equitable Charlotte. Learn more about how to get involved in SVP Charlotte at https://svpcharlotte.org/.

She Built This City provides industry-disruptive programming that sparks interest and builds pathways to lucrative careers in the skilled trades for youth, women, and marginalized communities, making it the ultimate goal of all initiatives and partnerships - and CWC is proud to be a partner! Our special guest this episode is Executive Director, LaToya Faustin, who will speak more about dismantling barriers and stigmas in traditionally male-dominated industries through innovative, sustainable practices that prepare clients for a future of jobs that have yet to be created. Learn more about She Built This City and how to volunteer at https://www.shebuiltthiscity.org/.

“Making the best out of a second chance.” This is what Kenny Robinson envisioned for others when he founded Freedom Fighting Missionaries (FFM) - to create pathways for those justice-involved, addressing the critical challenges they face as they reintegrate into the community with dignity. Kenny is just one of two special guests for this episode! He is joined by Ashley Schreiber, FFM’s Social Media Coordinator, who began her reentry journey with CWC by her side. The organization is currently developing its inaugural housing project: a 24-unit apartment complex designed to provide safe and affordable living for those in need. Learn more about FMM and donate at https://www.freedomfightingmissionaries.org/ and watch Ashley’s success story at https://youtu.be/j160M1xTJv4?si=yUr6Fx0aiAgTkLQ_.

"Building positive relationships that develop social capital." From the very beginning, Right Moves For Youth (RMFY) has ensured that youth have the support and guidance needed to succeed. By working with students in a group setting, RMFY promotes positive peer influence to empower students to make the right moves, strengthen new skills, and affirm each other’s growth. Our special guest is Executive Director, Ryan Grammatico, who speaks about how this organization is building better lives through extraordinary relationships. Learn how to get engaged at https://www.rightmovesforyouth.org/about/volunteers/.  pssst Interested in getting philosophical with Chuck? Write to him at [email protected] using the subject line, “Epictetus”!

Charlotte Is Creative develops and runs initiatives such as Queen City Quiz Show, the HUG (“Helpful Unfettered Gift”) creative microgrant program, and a media channel (“The Biscuit”) that covers the immense creativity and inspiring creators of Charlotte. Its co-founders, Tim Miner and Matt Olin, are our special guests for this Holiday-themed episode where you will get to hear more about their efforts to support the Charlotte arts community, along with some festive fun sprinkled in! Learn more about how to support Charlotte Is Creative at https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/.

Throughout the past 121 years, Crittenton of NC has served over 45,000 women and children across North Carolina. Best known for its Maternity Program, a residential program helping pregnant girls and women who are living in crisis and in need of a healthy, safe environment, Crittenton of NC provides comprehensive support services to help women and families thrive. Jada B. Charley is the organization’s Chief Executive Officer and also the special guest on this episode of the KnowMore podcast. Tune in as she shares with listeners about the array of services offered as Crittenton of NC works to break cycles of trauma, neglect and abuse. Learn more about Crittenton of NC and how to get involved at https://crittentonofnc.org/.

After determining that underserved college students were twice as likely to be unemployed than their counterparts for the last fifty years, Jonathan Gardner launched GardHouse, a nonprofit that strives to eliminate the systemic barriers underserved college students face when seeking post-secondary employment upon graduation. As the Founder and Executive Director of GardHouse, Jonathan joins CWC as this month’s special guest on the KnowMore podcast. During this episode, you will have a chance to understand more about Charlotte’s first work-based organization, which works primarily with college students of color and provides paid internships within small businesses and nonprofits to demonstrate that they, too, can be economic drivers and training hubs for young talent. Learn more about GardHouse at https://www.gardhouse.org/.

Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region has remained a top Habitat for Humanity affiliate since its establishment in 1983 – with over 4,200 families having been served to date! Symone Robinson has been with this organization for six dedicated years and currently serves as Education Supervisor. In her role, she is involved with every person who comes through the door having the dream of owning their own home. As CWC's next guest on the KnowMore podcast, Symone shares more about the programs that aid in Habitat’s vision of “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region at https://www.habitatcltregion.org/.

Trevor Melito is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Sandee Road Ventures (SRV), as well as the next guest of our KnowMore Podcast series! SRV aims to offer optimal investment opportunities beyond the traditional focus of value investing, which is why it targets mission-focused investments throughout the Carolinas. Take a listen today and hear why this organization is committed to empowering investors to improve the world around them while delivering positive returns. Learn more about Sandee Road Ventures at https://www.srventures.us/.