We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chenee’ Joseph a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chenee’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

In my experience, there seems to be a prevalent assumption that as a nonprofit organization, we are somehow less competent or lack the business acumen compared to for-profit businesses. This stereotype not only diminishes the skill and dedication of our team but also overlooks the operational and strategic challenges we navigate daily. Nonprofits are very much businesses, with goals, metrics, and pressures that parallel those in the for-profit world.

This stereotype can put us at a disadvantage when it comes to forging private partnerships. We’re often viewed through a charitable lens rather than as a business partner with valuable offerings. Thus, we must assert ourselves as formidable partners or allies, irrespective of whether we’re interacting with clients or collaborators.

Furthermore, it’s essential to note that the concept of “the highest and best use” of resources doesn’t always align with community-focused initiatives. However, prioritizing societal benefits is at the heart of what makes nonprofits unique and indispensable.

It’s through discussions like these and shared stories that we can start to shift perspectives and create mutually beneficial collaborations between the nonprofit sector and Corporate America.

Chenee’, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always been deeply passionate about fostering community development, with a key focus on equitable housing and purposive urban renewal initiatives. My unique background in journalism and construction has been instrumental in shaping my approach to community engagement and development strategy.

As the President and CEO of HDDC, I am at the helm of an extraordinary team dedicated to breathing new life into Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our projects often involve urban agriculture, meticulous historic preservation, and most importantly, creating affordable housing opportunities for locals through a non-displacement strategy.

What makes us distinct from other organizations is our commitment to being community-led. At HDDC, we firmly believe that true transformation is only possible when it’s shaped by the residents themselves – those who call these neighborhoods home. By empowering them, we’ve nurtured an environment where creative solutions flourish, leading to remarkable outcomes like expansive affordable housing initiatives and vital job creation within the community.

We are extremely proud of the progress made thus far and remain dedicated to our mission. One of my personal highlights has been seeing tangible improvements in residents’ quality of life as a result of our interventions.

Above all else, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that at HDDC and in all my endeavors, it is not just about rejuvenating buildings and streets but reinvigorating communities with hope and resilience for the future.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The cornerstone of our success and reputation in the industry is undeniably the quality of work that we constantly strive to deliver. We operate by a principle that sets us apart: we refuse to conform to what is merely typical or to be defined by prevailing perceptions of what ‘affordable’ entails. To us, affordability does not undermine quality. We ensure that every project we undertake is a testament to this belief.

It’s crucial for us that our work transcends the norms and stands the test of time. The vision we have for our products and services is one where, 40-50 years down the line, they still stand strong as a source of pride for our team and satisfaction for our clients. We take immense pride in creating something enduring and exceptional, each time, every time.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For a long time, I believed that focusing solely on my end goal was paramount and everything else was just a distraction. However, this tunnel vision approach often caused me to overlook crucial factors along the way, including learning opportunities, alternate paths to success, and potential pitfalls.

The backstory to this realization comes from numerous experiences where my fierce determination both served as my superpower and, at times, my Achilles’ heel. It became increasingly clear that those who said “it can’t be done” were often projecting their own limitations onto me. Understanding this helped me recognize that sometimes it’s necessary to take stock of different influences, adapt plans, and stay flexible.

My revised approach now embraces resilience and learning. While it’s true that dedication and focus are essential, they must be balanced with adaptability and an openness to change course when warranted. The end goal is still important, but how we get there matters equally because it shapes who we become in the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hddc.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hddccommunity/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chene%C3%A9-joseph-bb12b66/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HDDCCommunity

Image Credits
Chenee’ Joseph