Movement Money: Interview with Lisa Owens

Movement Money is back! 

In this episode, co-hosts Allison Budschalow and Michael Gast interview Lisa Owens, Executive Director of the Hyams Foundation.

We explore her journey from leading tenant organizing in Boston to running a $135 million private foundation whose mission is to build working class power in Massachusetts. Starting with her own money story, Lisa talks about her transition from the predominantly white suburban spaces of her childhood to working-class-led tenant organizing to the owning class institution of philanthropy, and the “brain drain” when movement organizing leaders make the jump to working in philanthropy. 

Recorded just days after the 2024 election, this conversation offers reflections on the political moment, raising questions that we continue to grapple with: 

• How do we build sustainable movements? 
• What role should philanthropy play? 
• And how do we create real cross-class solidarity today?

The episode concludes with definitions of some movement terminology, making it less jargon-y and (hopefully) more accessible to listeners new to the current buzzwords of progressive organizing and philanthropy.

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Organize the Rich Radio is produced in partnership with Rowhome Productions.