Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Chenault. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A Social Architect, trained as a journeyman carpenter, Justin thinks about the building process and the connection or, more often than not, the disconnection of that development process to the end-user. As he moved into the field of community development, he felt a call to address and minimize that disconnection, becoming more involved in my greater Akron community.
Justin was recently promoted as the Executive Director for North Hill Community Development Corporation. Because of his previous experience in commercial construction, he applies a unique perspective to economic and community development in Akron. He leads, creates, and develops systems and teams that achieve high output productivity with sustainable outcomes. Justin believes in instilling greatness in every team member, eliminating nonproductive hierarchies in the workplace, and empowering employees to command their positions.
He is passionate about community, making deals happen, and creating opportunities and impact.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
“No struggle, No progress”, Fredrick Douglass.
Sometime pursuing your passion doesn’t look like anything you’ve seen or read before.
Mostly because it’s your journey! You have to learn how to trust the journey.
Racism in the construction industry could be brutal. There wasn’t HR to complain to, and if you did, you were often given your last check and your name back on the list for hire. You had to learn how to just do the work right, fast, and then go home.
My desire to do work on the regional level was huge! I believed in my creativity and my desire to change the community I lived in, but the struggle to find collaborators, community leaders and engagement was real.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about North Hill Community Development Corporation?
The mission of North Hill Community Development is to unite people, places, and programs in stimulating a robust and creative economy in North Hill, while anchoring a flourishing intercultural community that celebrates its vibrant diversity.
NHCDC is uniquely positioned at the intersection of grassroots initiatives, local entrepreneurial development, and innovative cultural programming within one of the most racially diverse and socio-economically mixed neighborhoods in the country. Community collaboration is what drives the heart and work of NHCDC with a large range of partnerships with communities from different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds.
NHCDC has also collaborated with over 50 local artists and cultural groups in order to drive and create a cohesive community vision.
We launch NoHi pop in Aug. 2020, during the heart of the pandemic. We were able to return over $170k to local culinary art entrepreneurs to invest in their business.
NHCDC is committed to revitalization in North Hill’s commercial corridors and are building our footprint in Temple Square. We realize North Hill has the opportunity to be a cultural tourism destination in the city of Akron. As well as celebrate the rich history of North Hill’s African American and Italian communities.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My success has been forged through a combination of my belief in God, family, mentors, and by a core group of friends. My core group and I operate under the motto, “Am I my Brother’s Keeper and I my Sisters Keeper, YES I AM”.
We all believe that metal sharpens metal and we hold each other accountable in thought and action.
My work/success in the community wouldn’t be possible without two people, Katie Beck and Jason Dunn Sr.
Katie Beck is such a creative. She provided me with the space to grow as a community builder. She encouraged and empowered me to articulate my vision through her compassion and leadership.
Jason Dunn Sr is such a powerhouse in the tourism industry. He is extremely talented at creating authentic experiences by empowering local communities. His vision is amazing. For the past 20 years, he is always a phone call away when I need support.
Contact Info:
- Website: Northhillcdc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northhillcdc/
Image Credits
Riley Chaney
