We recently connected with Shana Mccormick and have shared our conversation below.

Shana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

The scaffolding company I was working for when the pandemic hit was apart of a larger group of companies of which, there was a Nonprofit arm. With the City being shut down, the industry I was in (construction – accounting – my job was the collect on open invoices and client relations) along with many others, came to a halt. A group of us from the various companies got together to form a task force, to brainstorm how we could tap into the many resources we had available to help fill gaps within our communities. Thankfully we had access to something that was in high demand: transportation. With all the job sites being shut down, the lots were full of unused vehicles and we also had access to some eager to help, brave drivers. We began by transporting supplies, then meals for World Central Kitchen and from there on out I started to build a network of community based groups, all via word of mouth, allowing us to get goods to where they were needed most. I took a deep interest in the build out of what is today RAP4Bronx (Relief Access Program for The Bronx) because I had witnessed first hand the overwhelming and disproportionate need some of our community members faced during that most unprecedented time. From organizing the schedule, driving, coordinating donations and everything in between – I quickly became immersed in something I realized I loved. The reasons as to why some communities were disproportionately affected during that time is why RAP4Bronx is still around today. I left my position with the scaffolding company in 2021 to focus all my attention on service to community and doing my part in trying to improve health outcomes through consistently showing up, resource sharing and maintaining trusted relationships. The goal when I started was to simply address the emergency need for food and other essential supplies through using existing resources. It quickly grew into something bigger once I got acquainted with all the organizers and amazing people I had the honor of working with – it was the birth of a trusted, community centric, no frills, no questions asked, community program that at times, feels like a family. There’s no better place to learn about community organizing than The Bronx, NYC.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a passionate advocate for community, connection, and creating meaningful impact. My journey into my current work began with two fundamental loves: helping others and organizing. These passions found a purpose during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. I helped launch an emergency food relief initiative that has since grown into a trusted food access and equity program, Relief Access Program for The Bronx (RAP4Bronx).

RAP4Bronx provides fresh foods, seasonal wellness fairs, and consistent community service—three pillars we believe are essential to improving health outcomes in the communities we serve. What sets us apart is our commitment to consistency. We don’t just show up; we stay, we listen, and we build trust over time. This foundation of reliability is key to creating lasting change, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

I have a deep appreciation for local agriculture and sustainability, and I enjoy incorporating these principles into my daily life. Whether it’s sharing a meal with others, understanding the journey of our food, or discovering innovative ways to nurture our planet, I believe these thoughtful, intentional actions help pave the way for a better world.

One of the things that brings me the most joy is seeing the mutual trust within our network of community partners. Over time, this network has grown into a vibrant ecosystem where leaders from different organizations and groups collaborate seamlessly. Witnessing partnerships form and flourish after an introduction I facilitated fills me with such joy.

I take pride in saying my work is rooted in passion and purpose. I aim to create experiences and services that connect people, solve problems, and give back to the community. Everything I do is underpinned by a desire to build strong, lasting relationships and contribute to a better future for all.

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

I believe my reputation has been built on a foundation of authenticity, honesty, and consistency. I approach everything I do with a genuine passion for the mission, and I let that shine through in my actions and interactions. Being true to myself has always been my guiding principle, and it naturally resonates with others who share the same drive for meaningful change.

I don’t see reputation as something that needs to be “built” in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a reflection of who I am and how I show up every day. I’m committed to being present, staying consistent, and fostering mutual respect with those who are equally passionate about the work we do. Humility and honesty are my grounding values, and I think they’ve played a big part in creating the trust and respect I’ve earned over time.

By simply being myself and staying true to my values, the reputation has followed naturally.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the key to succeeding in this field lies in resilience and adaptability. Overcoming funding challenges and finding creative alternatives to ensure a program not only survives but thrives is crucial. It’s also essential to navigate diverse personalities effectively, fostering collaboration while keeping the mission front and center.

Equally important is staying true to yourself and unwavering in your morals and values. Remaining grounded in what you stand for provides clarity and strength, even when faced with difficult decisions or setbacks. These qualities help sustain long-term success and build trust with those you serve and work alongside.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.skylinefoundation.us
• Instagram: rap4bronx