Solid Ground believes poverty is solvable. We create pathways out of poverty through direct services and by changing systems. Solid Ground’s Social Justice Salon Series takes attendees on in-depth journeys through our service areas and our people-focused, social justice-oriented programs. Each session includes an opportunity to learn from the voices of folks who are embedded in the work, as well time for attendees to ask questions and move into deeper discussions.
Past Salon Recordings
WHAT:
Women of Color Leading Change
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 | 7-9pm
WHERE:
The Forum at Town Hall Seattle
This community conversation featured four BIPOC women leaders of King County antipoverty organizations sharing their experiences and visions for solving poverty. They lead their organizations to respond to community needs, create positive change during turbulent times, and dismantle the racism and other oppressions that are root causes of poverty.
About the panelists:
Andrea Caupain Sanderson, CEO, Byrd Barr Place
Janice Deguchi, Executive Director, Neighborhood House
Shalimar Gonzales, CEO, Solid Ground
Estela Ortega, Executive Director, El Centro de la Raza
TraeAnna Holiday (Moderator), Converge Media
WHAT:
Equitable Eating
WHEN:
Wednesday, June, 2023 | 4:30-6:30pm
WHERE:
The Great Hall at Town Hall Seattle
QUESTIONS?
Contact us: events@solid-ground.org
This community conversation featured a panel of food justice advocates, Solid Ground program staff, urban farmers, and other leaders. They discussed what’s already being done to create a more resilient food system here in King County – and how we can all support the innovative programs in place across our region.
Panelists:
- Lisa Chen (she/her), Program Manager, City of Seattle Food Equity Fund
- Laura Emmerson (she/her), Educator & Partnerships Coordinator, Solid Ground Community Food Education
- Devan Rogers (they/he), Communications & Development Manager, FEEST
- Carmen Smith (she/her), Executive Director, White Center Food Bank (WCFB)
- Yamila Sterling-Baker (she/her), Program Manager, Solid Ground Food System Support
- Hannah Wilson (they/them), Yes Farm Manager, Black Farmers Collective
- Christina Wong (she/her), Public Policy & Advocacy Director, Northwest Harvest
WHAT: Untangling the Safety Net
WHEN: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | 12-2pm
WHERE: The Forum at Town Hall Seattle
Too often, people who need and deserve public benefits programs encounter steep eligibility requirements, confounding paperwork, and other barriers – some of them insurmountable. We hope to see you for this in-person community conversation about how we can untangle our safety net and make it accessible for everyone who needs it.
Panelists:
- Derrick Belgarde (he/him), Executive Director, Chief Seattle Club
- Marcy Bowers (she/her), Director, Statewide Poverty Action Network
- Erin Bryant-Thomas (she/her), Director of Equity and Justice, King Co. Regional Homelessness Authority
- Kirk McClain (he/him), Residential Case Manager, Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing
- Kim McGillivray (she/her), activist and Solid Ground Community Accountability Council member
- Neal Simpson (he/him), Moderator, Solid Ground Communications
WHAT: Interrupting Generational Poverty Through Youth Development
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2022 | 1-4pm
WHERE: The Forum at Town Hall Seattle
Truly ending poverty requires stopping generational or inherited poverty. This Salon investigated how Solid Ground services and advocacy work to create pathways to success for youth in our programs. We heard from community partners and youth participants as we explored the many ways we can build healthier communities for our younger generations. We also heard amazing performances by two talented youth artists from Totem Star.
Watch video:
Panelists & performers:
- Anna Cronin (she/her) – Event Emcee, and Solid Ground’s Senior Director of Philanthropy & Communications
- Aleyanna Grae (they/them) – Seattle-based singer, songwriter, and spoken word poet (Instagram: @grae.dreamer)
- Stephanie Hippo (she/her) – Sand Point Housing tutor and mentor
- David Olivera (he/him) – Children’s Group Facilitator, Sand Point Housing campus
- ZAG (he/they) – Hip-Hop Artist, Producer, Poet, DJ, and social justice activist (Instagram: @zagboi)
WHAT:
Addressing Our Community’s
Homelessness Crisis
WHEN:
Thursday, May 12, 3:30-5pm
WHERE:
glassybaby Seattle
Permanent housing with place-based support services as needed is one key to ending homelessness. This Salon showcased Solid Ground’s approach – including amplifying resident voices – and presented innovative housing models.
Panelists:
- Emily Alvarado – Enterprise Community Partners, Vice President and Pacific NW leader
- Doug Baldwin Jr. – Vault 89 Ventures
- Dee Hillis – Solid Ground Residential Services Director
- Nicole Macri – Event Emcee, Deputy Director for Strategy at Downtown Emergency Service Center, and Washington State House of Representatives member (43rd District)
- Lhorna Murray – activist and Solid Ground housing resident
- Mary Ruffin, Foster Garvey PC law clerk and Solid Ground Board member
Questions about the Social Justice Salons?
Contact Anna Cronin, Senior Director of Philanthropy & Communications, at annac@solid-ground.org for more information!
Stellar Salon Supporters
