WHITNEY REYNOLDS

Investing in our city, WRL IN LAWNDALE

WHITNEY REYNOLDS LIVE hits the road: Whitney Reynolds & the team, recently visited a local high school to conduct a live interview, sparking a wave of hope and positivity among students and faculty alike. With her engaging presence and empowering message, Reynolds brought a sense of encouragement and inspiration to the school community.

Amidst the bustling halls of North Lawndale College Prep, Reynolds captivated the audience with her prescreening, live Q&A with one of her guests & authentic discussion with the students. Students eagerly listened as she shared insights and stories of perseverance, resilience, and the power of belief in oneself. It truly was amazing!

Through the live interview, Reynolds touched on important topics such as mental health, finding purpose, and overcoming challenges, instilling a sense of hope and motivation in the young minds present. Her genuine empathy and relatable approach resonated deeply with the audience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. The students questions to her after really encouraged the team that this season is on mission!

In the aftermath of the live interview, the high school community buzzed with excitement when Whitney shared that one of her partners SIMPLE MODERN was gifting the school $1,000 in product. Reynolds' visit left a lasting impact on the students, faculty, and staff, reminding them of the importance of resilience, optimism, and the pursuit of one's passions.

Whitney Reynolds' presence at the local high school served as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that amidst challenges and uncertainties, there is always room for growth, positivity, and the belief in a better tomorrow. Her inspiring words continue to resonate, guiding individuals on their journey towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Girl Power, The Gift Of Connection

I’m so glad you’ve found this blog post! Most the time this tab “WITH WHIT” is full of updates from the show yet, going forward this will also be home to inspirational thoughts from me (WHITNEY)! After all you are with us on this journey!

MODERATING FOR HEYMAMA- A COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

I recently moderated an event for HeyMama and it was mid conversation that it hit me… there is so much power in vulnerability and it may just be the super power for true connection. In a world where we often find ourselves pulled in various directions, fostering meaningful connections with others can be a transformative experience. I personally understand the power of connection and that’s what guides our show. Through our program and personal interactions, I’ve learned there are remarkable women from all walks of life. Let's delve into the essence of these connections and the invaluable lessons we can learn from the remarkable women brought to the forefront by recent vulnerable conversations.

1. Embracing Our Authentic Selves:

Vulnerability involves being comfortable with our imperfections and embracing our authentic selves. By acknowledging and sharing our vulnerabilities, we create an environment that encourages others to do the same. This authenticity allows us to connect on a deeper level, free from barriers and pretenses. When we are genuinely ourselves, we attract people who resonate with our true essence.

2. Fostering Empathy and Understanding:

When we expose our vulnerabilities, we invite others to empathize with our experiences and emotions. Sharing our struggles and fears allows others to relate and understand our journey. This empathy creates a safe and supportive environment where true connection flourishes. By understanding each other's vulnerabilities, we become more compassionate and accepting, cultivating a stronger sense of unity and understanding.

3. Building Trust:

Vulnerability is the key to building trust and intimacy in relationships. When we open up and share our deepest thoughts and emotions, it demonstrates a level of trust and vulnerability that others appreciate. This reciprocal sharing encourages others to reciprocate, solidifying trust and creating a foundation for authentic and intimate connections. By allowing others to see and accept our vulnerabilities, we build a strong bond based on genuine acceptance and mutual support.

4. Inspiring Courage and Growth:

When individuals open up about their vulnerabilities, it inspires and empowers others to do the same. The act of sharing encourages a ripple effect, creating a supportive community where individuals feel safe to explore and express their own vulnerabilities. This environment of courage and growth fosters personal development and allows individuals to break free from fear and shame, ultimately leading to greater self-acceptance and personal fulfillment.

The power of vulnerability + connection should not be underestimated. By embracing it, we pave the way for authentic connections with others. By sharing our fears, struggles, and emotions, we foster empathy and understanding, building relationships rooted in trust and intimacy. Vulnerability inspires courage and growth, providing a pathway for personal development and self-acceptance. In a world that often emphasizes strength and invulnerability, let us harness the transformative power of vulnerability and embrace the connections it can bring into our lives.

LOVE + LIGHT

-Whit

PS: YOUR STORY MATTERS

PSS: To see this play out first hand: WATCH OUR NEW SEASON, COMING 10/16

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Community Give Back!

FASHION + PHILANTHROPY:

The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind is a renowned organization that serves individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have other disabilities. It was founded in 1906 and has since become a leading provider of programs and services that promote independence, opportunity, and inclusion for individuals with visual impairments. Tracey Tarantino DiBuono is being honored this year at the CL fall fashion show Flair! GET TICKETS FOR 9/22: https://chicagolighthouse.org/event/f... Through funds raised at this event, the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind continues to make significant strides in improving the lives of individuals with visual impairments.

BIG KUDDOS to Tracey and the team with their commitment to empowerment, inclusivity, and the overall well-being of the blind community is truly commendable.

Whitney models for DAY ON THE TERRACE! The Service Club of Chicago is a charitable organization of women which has continually served the charitable needs of Chicago and its surrounding communities since 1890. The mission of The Service Club of Chicago is to award grants that will expand facilities, improve equipment and initiate new programs for Chicagoland’s 501(c)(3) organizations, thereby assisting the community as a whole.

The Service Club of Chicago is unique from other charitable organizations because our purpose is to provide funding where others leave off. Charitable organizations often request grants provided by our Philanthropic Fund for items not covered by government or corporate support. Other times we are asked to step in to support them in critical times for unplanned items that might have been either overlooked or unexpected. We fund projects not covered by an agency’s current operating budget, including pilot program and seed-money needs. For many of these organizations, we help to bridge these gaps because there is nowhere else to turn.

The Service Club of Chicago is an all-volunteer organization. The members raise all of the funds that directly fund our Philanthropic Grant Program. Our Philanthropic Committee, staffed entirely by our trained members, vets every single grant request to ensure that the worthiest organizations receive the most necessary help. Once an organization is vetted and eligible to receive a grant from us, we do not distribute funds to it. Instead payment is made directly to the vendor for the requested item and the item is sent to the organization, ensuring that the allocated grant satisfies the specific, requested need.

What else sets us apart from other charitable organizations is that we don’t focus on a single cause, but rather an array in one portfolio. This allows us to impact a variety of social welfare, health, education and cultural organizations and institutions. Because of this, we are able to reach the greatest number of people that we can throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.


MORE EVENTS HERE

iHeart + Whitney, THIS WEEK.

LISTEN THIS WEEKEND- ON iHEART RADIO!

MORE ON ALWAYS BE KIND NP:

My name is Larry Ross. Last year, my life changed forever with a devastating injury I suffered during a routine  workout. After the surgeons put my arm back together, my wife and doctors told me of my cancer diagnosis. I  was scared out of my mind. But from the horrific moment of my injury, through my treatment, to today, the kindness extended to me by so many people was overwhelming. I believe THAT kindness is directly related to my cancer being in remission. 

While going through treatment I learned the financial and mental impact of cancer. While I felt so sick and some days were just awful, I still knew that not everyone in my same situation was as fortunate as me. With the help of my loving family and friends, I was able to handle the weekly expenses and mental strain associated with cancer.  Far too many people cannot say the same. I will NEVER forget my good fortune and want to repay it. I want to help as many people as possible to feel the good fortune that I felt. That is why my family and I formed Always Be  Kind – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for cancer patients and their families. 

What makes us different? We will solve the seemingly small problem of “we need $20 today for parking at the hospital and don’t have it”. Or “we have tuition to pay today but also have to pay for prescriptions”. Brutal choice for anyone. Sad situations like this start small but over time devastate a family’s budget and bring stress to those who can least afford an additional burden. We are the place to go for help. And we are just beginning. . 

How can you help? 

  • First, please know that kindness matters. No gesture is too small. Spread kindness. It matters.  Trust me.  

  • Second, if you can, please make a donation and know that the money will be appreciated and put to the best use. 

We will build Always Be Kind into an organization that helps many – not just with financial help but by spreading the idea that kindness can help to heal – I am living proof. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my family – thank you for supporting Always Be Kind

Whitney & DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Did you know- WHITNEY once needed a dress to walk in a pitch the network? TRUE STORY!

Back in 2010 when Whitney pitched NBC she needed to borrow an outfit to actually pitch her show. Fast forward years later, she heard the mission of Dress for Success. Now, she serves on Chicago’s Adivsory Counsel and recently hosted WOMEN, WINE AND WARDROBE!!

GET INVOLVED!

WHITNEY + WENDY WILKINS

WOMEN, WINE, WARDROBE

Whitney host WALK FOR THE BEAR!

Join Hundreds Across the Country in the Critical Fight Against Pediatric Cancer!


Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Walk for the Bear is your chance to join forces with hundreds of others whose lives have been touched by pediatric cancer. Together, we will raise the funds needed to defeat this devastating disease. 

JOIN US NEXT YEAR! (and as you can see below, she’s been doing it EVERY YEAR)!!!!!!

WHITNEY + BABY ACHER 2016

2022

Whitney Host PUBLIC MEDIA AWARDS!


September 13, 2022 

 

Columbia, SC – The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) recognizes public media’s achievements with the annual Public Media Awards (PMA). The 54th PMA winners will be announced at the PMA Gala on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the 2022 NETA Conference and CPB Public Media Thought Leader Forum. 

 

The Public Media Awards, presented by NETA, honor our member's work in the highest caliber community engagement, content, education, and marketing and communications. A mosaic of relevant content that reflects both creativity and diversity that paint rich stories of truth and consequence. Piece by piece and member by member, we come together as choreographers of the public good, to spark more imagination and inspiration than we ever could have alone.  

 

“Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees,” said NETA President Eric Hyyppa. “As always, the entries are outstanding and shine a spotlight on the exemplary work that is happening across the public media system.”  

 

Whitney Reynolds will host the 54th Public Media Awards. Reynolds is the executive producer, host, and "chief inspo officer" of the Telly Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Whitney Reynolds Show. Reynolds believes in more seats at the table, inspiration in the hard moments, and hope for all. This mindset for unique programming originally bucked the trend when the Whitney Reynolds Show launched on PBS.  

 

“It's exciting to be back in person and hosting this live event for shows across the nation in public television,” said Reynolds. “I am truly honored to be a part of a forever positive memory with everyone involved!” 

 

With the exception of the overall excellence categories, stations compete within their divisions based on their station size. Awards are judged by a group of expert panelists from within the public media system, as well as industry professionals working outside of public media. 

 

54th Public Media Award Finalists: 

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CATEGORIES 

Local Project 

·         Civics Bowl, KSPS 

·         Dolly Parton Special Event, Arkansas PBS 

·         Evictions and Rental Assistance in Indiana, WFYI 

·         GRACE UNDER PRESSURE: Town Halls on Mental Health, WNET 

·         Inquire Within, WQED 

·         Mending Walls: The Documentary, VPM 

·         The World Games 2022 Collaborative Murals, Alabama Public Television 

National Project 

·         Becoming Helen Keller National Station Engagement Initiative, WNET 

·         Bee in My Garden Days, WFSU 

·         TPT NOW and FBI Partnership on Hate Crime Education, TPT 

·         "Who Killed Vincent Chen?" Community Events, Detroit Public Television 

Community Initiative 

·         AAPI Stories, Detroit Public Television 

·         Alaska Mental Health Deep Dive, Alaska Public Media 

·         Covid-19 PSA, Arkansas PBS 

·         Del Valle Resource Guide, Austin PBS 

·         You're Uninvited: Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species, WSKG 

Kids & Family 

·         Celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, Alaska Public Media 

·         Cyberchase: Green It Up, WNET 

·         KMOS PBS Adventure Day, KMOS 

·         Multicultural Children's Festival, WPSU 

·         Rise and Shine Power Packets, Arkansas PBS 

 

CONTENT CATEGORIES 

News & Public Affairs 

·         Go Coast - Louisiana, WLAE 

·         Kentucky Edition, KET 

·         Moving Off Morris St., NorCal Public Media 

·         Nevada Week, Vegas PBS 

·         Oklahoma News Report, OETA 

·         Oklahoma News Report: Cock Fighting, OETA 

·         Outdoor Idaho: The Next Chapter, Idaho Public Television 

·         Revisiting "Who Killed Vincent Chen?", Detroit Public Television 

·         Roots, Race & Culture 2021-2022, PBS Utah 

·         VPM News Focal Point, VPM 

Cultural Feature 

·         A Good Life, WXXI 

·         Bring Her Home, TPT 

·         Hi-Neighbor! The Story of the Narragansett Brewing Company, Rhode Island PBS 

·         KWTO - Legendary Live Country Radio, Ozarks Public Television 

·         L.A.: A Queer History, PBS SoCal 

·         Mavericks, Montana PBS 

·         Then, Now and Always, The St. Joseph River Story, WNIT 

·         VPM News Focal Point - Black Churches of Virginia Series, VPM 

·         Walter Tevis: A Writer's Gambit, KET 

·         Womontown, Kansas City PBS 

Historical Feature 

·         Agnes 50: Life After the Flood, WVIA 

·         Devil's Fire, WSKG 

·         Greater Chattanooga: All Truths Will Out, WTCI PBS 

·         Let Ohio Women Vote, CET Connect 

·         Local, USA: A Tale of Three Chinatowns, WORLD Channel, GBH 

·         Rise of the Freemen, Montana PBS 

·         Surviving New England's Great Dying, New Hampshire PBS 

·         The Baldies, TPT 

·         Trail of History: Urban Renewal, PBS Charlotte 

Topical Feature 

·         7 Days: The Opioid Crisis, Arkansas PBS 

·         Election 20/20: Detroit to DC, Detroit Public Television 

·         From Chaos to Resiliency, WUCF 

·         Palmetto Perspectives - Monuments and Memorials, SCETV 

·         Redlining: Mapping Inequality in Dayton and Springfield, CET | ThinkTV  

·         The Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia, KET 

Education 

·         Carolina Impact: Education Equity, PBS Charlotte 

·         Critical Race Theory (Weekly Story), Rhode Island PBS 

·         Learning to Read: Alphabet Hunt, Nashville Public Television 

·         Oklahoma News Report: Native Language Preservation, OETA 

·         Oral Histories With The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Arkansas PBS 

·         Ziggy's Arts Adventure, Louisiana Public Broadcasting 

Visual Arts 

·         Art Alley Gallery, Arizona Public Media 

·         Bridging the Divide, WMHT 

·         Curate Series: Season 6 Episode 8, WHRO 

·         Gallery America: Matt Goad, OETA 

·         Insiya Dhatt, NorCal Public Media 

·         Next Door Neighbors: The Art of Healing, Nashville Public Television 

·         Vibrant Light: Stained Glass of the Basilica at the University of Notre Dame, WNIT 

Performing Arts 

·         Art Moves Us, Kansas City PBS 

·         Beyond the Baton, Nebraska Public Media 

·         Curate 757: Swamp Dogg, WHRO 

·         Essential: The Making of The Light We Share, WTCI PBS 

·         Eye of The Arts | Billy Foster, Lakeshore Public Media 

·         Greater Sarasota: The Sound of Change, WEDU 

·         Kevin Belton's Cookin' Louisiana, WYES 

·         Musical Portraits, Blue Ridge PBS 

·         Stories from the Stage: One Way or Another, GBH - WORLD Channel 

Digital Media 

·         Hometowns | Episode 1 - River and Rails, Blue Ridge PBS  

·         Indie Alaska, Alaska Public Media 

·         Let's Learn GA!, GPB 

·         Relish, TPT 

·         Shipwrecks! The Immersive Experience, PBS Wisconsin 

·         Winter ticks wiped out nearly 90% of the moose calves scientists tracked in part of Maine last year, Maine Public Media 

Short Form 

·         Asian American Stories of Resilience and Beyond, WORLD Channel - GBH 

·         Curate 757: Freeman Vines, WHRO 

·         Eye On The Arts | Lotton Art Glass, Lakeshore Public Media 

·         Eye On The Arts | Roberto Ferrer, Lakeshore Public Media 

·         Flipping the Script: Open Arms Dance Project, Idaho Public Television 

·         Friends & Neighbors | Garwood Orchards, Lakeshore Public Media 

·         Friends & Neighbors | ROCKaBLOCK, Lakeshore Public Media 

·         Hometowns | Episode 1 - River and Rails, Blue Ridge PBS 

·         In Their Words - Metal Artist, Iowa PBS 

·         Speaking Volumes, Arkansas PBS 

Podcast 

·         American Veteran: Unforgettable Stories, GBH 

·         Center of Gravity, Nebraska Public Media 

·         Off the Page, WSKG 

·         "On Our Minds": A Teen Mental Health Podcast (Season Two), WETA 

·         Speaking of…, Milwaukee PBS 

·         The Growing Season, Arkansas PBS 

Military Chronicles 

·         American Veteran, GBH 

·         A Solemn Promise, Maine Public Broadcasting 

·         Carolina Impact: Veteran's Special, PBS Charlotte 

·         Offutt Lab, Nebraska Public Media 

·         VIA Short Takes: A Soldier's Duty: A Reflection of 9/11, WVIA 

·         VPM News Focal Point - EMDR Treatment for Veterans, VPM 

·         Will the A-10 Have a Future, Arizona Public Media 

 

EDUCATION CATEGORIES 

Educational Resources for the Classroom 

·         Becoming Helen Keller, WNET 

·         Inside the Work: Through Her Eyes - A Newport Nutcracker Reimagined, Rhode Island PBS LearningMedia Resources, Rhode Island PBS 

·         Nature WY, Wyoming PBS 

·         NewsDepth: Season 52, ideastream 

·         Social Studies Shorts, KET 

·         StoryMaker by PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, WETA 

·         The Legend of the Lost Emerald, PBS Wisconsin 

Educational Resources for the Community 

·         APT Family Box Program, Alabama Public Television 

·         Hope Givers, GPB 

·         Level Up Land! WFSU Summer Challenge 2022, WFSU 

·         Michigan Learning Channel Summer Workbooks, Detroit Public Media 

·         Nature WY, Wyoming PBS 

·         Rise and Shine Summer Learning, Arkansas PBS 

·         The Future is You!, West Virginia Public Broadcasting 

·         What's Bugging You? Animated Series, VPM 

Teacher Professional Learning 

·         A Summit of all its Parts!, PBS North Carolina 

·         Cultural Competence Professional Development for Virginia, WHRO 

Learning Events 

·         Best Practices for Closing the Pandemic Learning Gap in Ohio's Schools Webinar and Podcast Series, PBS Western Reserve 

·         Georgia Peanuts Live Exploration, GPB 

·         Intersession Camps, Basin PBS 

·         JumpStart Read for the Record 2021, KRWG Public Media 

·         PBS Wisconsin Education's Media Literacy Production Workshop, PBS Wisconsin 

·         Rise and Shine Summer Learning, Arkansas PBS 

·         SciGirls, WSKG 

·         The $100 Founding Father, Nashville Public Television 

·         The GreenBeats Environmental Experience, WHRO 

·         Week of the Young Child 2022, Rhode Island PBS 

Innovation in Education 

·         Iowa Science Phenomena, Iowa PBS 

·         Mobile Virtual Reality (VR) Lab, GPB 

·         Science Trek 360: Geocaching, Idaho Public Television 

·         Student Advisory Board, WHRO 

·         Virtual Field Trips for Students, WPSU 

 

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS CATEGORIES 

Integrated Media Campaign 

·         Agnes 50: Life After the Flood, WVIA 

·         Call of the Canyon: Zion National Park, PBS Utah 

·         Cyberchase: 20 Years and Counting - Cyberchase 20th Anniversary & Season 13 Launch, WNET 

·         Hi-Neighbor! A Larger Than Life Film Event, Rhode Island PBS 

·         Launching Statewide News Program VPM News Focal Point, VPM 

·         Mind Over Matter: A Mental Health Initiative, WVIA 

Special Events 

·         Adventure Day, KMOS 

·         Celebrating Nebraska Pollinators, Nebraska Public Media 

·         Centro Hispano Evening of Dreaming -Decolonizing Dinner, Wisconsin PBS 

·         Downing of a Flag Screening and Discussion Events, South Carolina ETV 

·         Franklin & Citizen Science: Sharing Stories of Collective Impact, WETA 

·         Muhammad Ali "The Greatest" Poetry Slam, WEDU 

Promotion 

·         Adventure Day, KMOS 

·         Car Donation: Life is a Highway, TPT 

·         GED Promotional Spots, Rhode Island PBS 

·         Shipwrecks!, PBS Wisconsin 

Social Media 

·         Call of the Canyon: Zion National Park, PBS Utah 

·         Healthy Smile Campaign, Arizona PBS 

·         Ms. Martha Reads with the First Lady, WHRO 

·         NOVA: Science & Society in Nebraska, Nebraska Public Media 

·         Playlist 48, season 1, Arizona PBS 

Annual Report 

·         2020-2021 Annual Report, Nebraska Public Media 

·         2021 Annual Report, NorCal Public Media 

·         2021 Report to the Community, Alaska Public Media 

·         Knowledge is Beautiful - FY21 Impact Report, PBS North Carolina 

 

INDEPENDENT PRODUCER CATEGORY 

·         A Gun Conundrum, Michael Price & Kansas City PBS 

·         The Extraordinary Life and Art of the Islander, Anthony Thaxton, Robert St. John, & Mississippi Public Broadcasting 

·         The Kitchenistas, Mary Ann Beyster, David Romero, & KPBS 

·         Training for Freedom, Dr. Richard Campbell & PBS Western Reserve 

·         Wisconsin Foodie, Arthur Ircink, Luke Zahm, & PBS Wisconsin 

 

OVERALL EXCELLENCE CATEGORIES 

Excellence in Education 

·         Arkansas PBS Overall Excellence in Education, Arkansas PBS 

·         GPB Education, GPB