PITTSBURGH, Pa., March 6, 2018 – The Heinz Endowments today announced the launch of “We Can Be,” a new podcast series hosted by foundation President Grant Oliphant. The weekly podcast debuts tomorrow (Wednesday, March 7), and will be available for download on major podcast platforms including iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Podbean, as well on the Endowments’ website.

“We Can Be” joins the Endowments’ storytelling channels - including h magazine and the foundation’s website - as a vehicle for thoughtful discussion and insight around local, national and global challenges, and to help showcase the work of nonprofits and regional institutions.

Each weekly installment in the 20-episode inaugural season of “We Can Be” features Mr. Oliphant in conversation with prominent figures in fields related to the Endowments’ three emphasis areas of Creativity, Learning and Sustainability, which are committed to advancing equity as they support projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Mr. Oliphant explores the unique journeys of leaders in and around the community change movement as they tell their stories of leadership and possibility. “Every leader has had a personal path to the work they now do,” says Mr. Oliphant. “On ‘We Can Be’ I am honored to share their often moving, sometimes funny, and always inspiring accounts of how they came to believe that together we can be a healthier, smarter, and more creative and just community.”

The first episode of “We Can Be” features a conversation with Veterans' Breakfast Club's Nick Grimes about his experiences serving in the military and returning to civilian life, and the role post-9/11 vets can play in bridging racial and cultural divides. Mr. Grimes details his journey from young evangelical conservative from Mobile, Ala., to director of The Veterans Breakfast Club's Post-9/11 Veterans Storytelling Project and an advocate for striving for a "more perfect union."

Upcoming episodes of “We Can Be” feature conversations with a diverse slate of regional and national leaders. Future guests include Public Source Executive Director Mila Sanina, who recounts her childhood in Kazakhstan; actor and writer David Conrad, who describes his experiences with former steelworkers he met while researching an upcoming project; and Center for Coalfield Justice Executive Director Veronica Coptis, who traces her path to prominence in the world of environmental justice.

“We Can Be” is produced by the Endowments and Treehouse Media. Theme music is composed by John Dziuban, with incidental music by Josh Slifkin.

The Heinz Endowments, one of the nation’s leading private foundations, aims to create more just communities, and model solutions to major national and global challenges. The Endowments focuses on advancing a sustainable future for our community and planet, successful learning outcomes for young people and their families, and a culture of engaged creativity for all.

For information about “We Can Be,” please follow:

Facebook        theheinzendowments
Instagram       theheinzendowments
Twitter            @heinzendow
www.heinz.org  

For high-resolution images related to this release, please contact Scott Roller at sroller@heinz.org and 412-338-2619 or click on links below:

Grant Oliphant
Nick Grimes
We Can Be logo

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