Foundation Leaders to Participate in Conference Discussions Focused on Philanthropy, Journalism, Education, and Economic Mobility

Mischa Kirby, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s vice president of strategy and communications, and Kirsten Russell, the foundation’s vice president of community impact, will each participate in upcoming conferences hosted by national and state-level organizations, highlighting their expertise as leaders in the philanthropic field.

First, Kirby will participate in this year’s Florida Philanthropic Network Statewide Summit on Philanthropy Feb. 18-20 in Winter Park, Florida. The summit convenes leaders from private, family, and community foundations; corporate giving programs; state and local government; businesses; nonprofits; and academia.

At the conference, Kirby will join a panel titled “Lighting the Way: Philanthropy’s Role in Revitalizing Local Journalism.” The session will examine how charitably led initiatives supporting independent journalism build trust and provide vital information to communities, ultimately strengthening democracy. The panel is led by John Annis of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. For her part, Kirby will share how the Community Foundation's longstanding Season of Sharing initiative expanded in its 20th year to support a dedicated newsroom position that examines personal stories and the overall quality of life in the region as it relates to housing, childcare, transportation, and more. Other panelists will review additional local support of newsrooms to enhance civic life. Since 2000, Season of Sharing has raised nearly $54 million and helped more than 57,000 households remain in their homes during times of crisis. Expected to attend are funders who may be considering philanthropic investments in media and journalism in their regions.

In early March, Russell will have two roles at the 29th annual Beyond School Hours national education conference held in Orlando, which brings together educators and administrators working with students of all ages across the learning day.

At the conference, Russell will moderate a panel titled “Advancing Economic Mobility Through a 2Gen Lens: Empowering Parents Through Education and Workforce Development.” That discussion will include Women’s Resource Center President and CEO Ashley Brown, along with the center’s Pathways to Success Support Specialist Mary Tucker and Sarasota parent and daughter team, Felicia Phillips and Amanie Tomlinson. The 2Gen—or two-generational—model places an emphasis on supporting parents pursuing post-secondary education and career development, which creates ripple effects of stability and upward mobility for the entire family. Russell will also participate in a panel titled “Behind the Grant: A Conversation With Funders,” which will provide attendees with a candid look at how funding decisions are made, going beyond general grant application advice to explore the motivations and strategies that influence how charitable dollars are distributed.

To learn more about this year’s Florida Philanthropic Network Statewide Summit on Philanthropy, click here. For more information about the Beyond School Hours conference, click here.