The UPLift with Tzedek: Real Talk for Real Change

Transcending the Check: Cultivating Trust in Community Partnerships

Tzedek Social Justice Fund Season 2 Episode 2

In this episode of TheUPLift, Delia Noemi Jovel Dubón of Tierra Fértil Coop and Stephanie Swepson-Twitty of Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation dig into the fundamental importance of trust-based community partnerships and the power of authentic, reciprocal relationships. When these social change powerhouses come together, it's nothing short of inspirational magic. Clear communication and mutual respect emerge as the heroes of this story as we unpack the delicate dance of dialogue between funders and grantees, revealing a world where questions can build bridges rather than barriers. 

About Delia: Delia Jovel Dubón was born and raised in El Salvador and has always been passionate about the social justice movement. After moving to North Carolina in 2014, she started working with local nonprofits supporting Hispanic immigrants in the Henderson and Buncombe areas. In 2020, she started Abundancia, a culturally appropriate food distribution, and Tierra Fértil Coop, a Hispanic-owned farm cooperative with various community initiatives. She loves to share time with her daughter, look for reasons to laugh, be in nature, listen to music, and plan road trips with her family.

About Stephanie: Stephanie Swepson-Twitty is the President and CEO of Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation. She is a 27+ year veteran in the Not-for-Profit Industry with skills spanning banking, finance and accounting, fundraising, grant-writing, nonprofit management and board governance, and community-centered funding strategies. Her work with Eagle has resulted in the creation of the first of its kind Community Equity Fund, an innovative community capital funding program leading the way in how historically underutilized businesses are funded. She is on the Hatch AVL Foundation, Catawba Vale Collaborative, and The Block Collaborative Steering Committees, and is a CoThinkk Core Member.

The currency of social transformation isn't just money—it's the authentic connections and strategic collaborations that Delia and Stephanie champion. Tune in to discover how these dynamic leaders cultivate a more connected and empowered Western North Carolina.


We'll see you same time, same place next month. Until then, peace.

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