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.

CPR Host with guest

Jan. 7, 2025: Exploring senior housing options; ‘Purplish’ previews the legislative session

Many seniors want to stay in their homes. But what happens if aging in place doesn’t work anymore? Expert advice on our series, Aging Matters. Then, the legislature returns to work facing a budget shortfall of more than $600 million. Our public affairs podcast, Purplish, looks at the impact – and what lawmakers still hope to accomplish. Also, a Western Slope university helps first-generation students stay in school.
Portrait of Irving Andrews

Dec. 17, 2024: Honoring a legal and civil rights pioneer; How science and magic intersect; DIA’s Santa!

Colleagues and family honor the legacy of Irving P. Andrews, a Denver lawyer who overcame racism and fought for civil rights. Then, Denver author Laura Krantz asks, “Do You Believe in Magic?” which explores how magic interrelates with science. Plus, an Estes Park man’s milestone as a Bears superfan in Aging Matters. And, Santa lands at DIA’s new Layover Lounge to make hectic holiday travelling a little merrier on Concourse B.
Photo shows a father, his granddaughter, and daughter in seats at a theater awaiting a performance.

Dec. 10, 2024: Password posting investigation; Aging Matters with the gift of time

An investigation into passwords posted online by the secretary of state’s office is finished. We talk through recommendations to keep it from happening again. Then, when Bev Marsh gave her father a calendar last Christmas he was a bit confused, until he realized it truly was the gift of time. Plus, Sheridan Guerin, the first Black dancer in Colorado Ballet history to perform as Clara in the Nutcracker, one again takes on the role in the holiday classic. We revisit Chandra Thomas Whitfield’s interview with Guerin and young dancers of color.

Dec. 3, 2024: Aging Matters: ‘Change Makers’ helps navigate life’s next chapter; Avoiding real estate scams

People approaching retirement often face many challenges, such as how to manage finances and healthcare. But they also often grapple with questions about identity, self-worth and, ultimately, what to do next with their lives. Change Makers, a new program offered at the University of Colorado Denver, offers older adults and others a way to navigate those important questions. Plus, a reminder about how to avoid real estate scams.