Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chenee’ Joseph. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chenee’, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our nonprofit organization was founded in 1980 by Dr. Coretta Scott King, Christine King Farris, and John Cox. Our primary mission is to preserve the Old Fourth Ward district’s rich history while ensuring affordable housing availability for its residents. This mission is deeply meaningful to us, as it enables us to improve the lives of countless people while celebrating the area’s historical significance.

Over nearly four decades, we have actively participated in urban revitalization initiatives within the Old Fourth Ward community. We are proud to have successfully revitalized hundreds of properties, which has resulted in the creation of more than 124 single-family homes, 500 units of multi-family housing and 200,000 square feet of commercial space.

As we continue our efforts, we are currently working on a transformative $32M mixed-use commercial development project that aims to rejuvenate the area while maintaining affordability for residents.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Chenee’ Joseph, and I am a community development professional specializing in urban revitalization and equitable, affordable housing development.

Originally from the Virgin Islands, I moved to Clayton County at age 10. My passion for community development is rooted in my personal experiences and education.

I hold a Journalism degree from Georgia State University and a Master’s in Building Construction from Georgia Tech. As a proud mother of a Spelman College student, my love for travel, food, and art drives me to improve communities through my organization.

I began my career at the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) and gained several years of experience in project management, community engagement, and real estate development.

My journey with HDDC started as a community engagement intern, where I was introduced to community development in a meaningful way. At that time, the organization was led by Atlanta luminary Mtamanika Youngblood, who was appointed by co-founder Dr. Coretta Scott King.

As the President and CEO of the Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), I am honored to safeguard Atlanta’s oldest surviving community development corporation. HDDC has spearheaded nearly four decades of pioneering urban revitalization work in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a moment when I pivoted from being a journalist to working in the building construction industry. This decision came as a realization that I wanted to contribute more directly to helping people rather than potentially bringing unwanted attention to their issues.

I vividly recall an assignment where I was covering the story of a woman who had tragically lost her son. Witnessing her pain, I realized that my current path might not be the best way for me to impact people’s lives. This pivotal experience led me to rethink my career choice.

Drawn towards building construction, I was passionate about creating positive change by helping people build better lives and communities. The satisfaction of making tangible contributions has been incredibly fulfilling since that pivotal shift.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

There are two key elements that have played significant roles in our success: consistency and persistence. Throughout our journey, we have been unwavering in our mission, ensuring that we continuously move forward despite any challenges or obstacles we face.

A prime example of this is the FRONT PORCH project. From the outset, we recognized that this community desperately needed homeownership as an option. Despite pressure from banks to remove the homeownership segment in favor of rentals, we remained steadfast and did not compromise our values or objectives. Had we succumbed to those pressures and adjusted our approach merely for funding purposes, the entire landscape of the project would have shifted and ultimately detracted from our mission.

By staying true to our core principles and persevering through difficulties, we have emerged as a trusted and reputable force within the market. We believe that these crucial qualities have allowed us not only to maintain but also thrive in a competitive environment.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hddc.org, www.cheneejoseph.com
• Instagram: @hddccommunity
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chene%C3%A9-joseph-bb12b66/

Image Credits
Chenee’ Joseph