Chanda Smith Baker

Narrative strategist | Builder of leaders | Advocate for liberated leadership

Chanda Smith Baker has spent her life supporting people, organizations, and communities in doing their best work. A daughter of North Minneapolis and a descendant of generations of educators, advocates and builders, Chanda has led with community at the center across nonprofits, boardrooms, philanthropy and the airwaves. She envisioned North Market, co-founded the Black Collective Foundation MN, and amplifies bold voices through her podcast Conversations with Chanda. 

Chanda is a connector, a coach and a cultural strategist who insists that diverse leaders deserve support systems that allow them to lead fully and unapologetically. She is recognized for her profound ability to help others discover their voice and reach their fullest potential.

With the Bush Fellowship, Chanda will deepen her leadership through executive coaching, personal and leadership retreats, intentional self-care practices and formal development opportunities that strengthen her communication, strategic storytelling and ability to influence change beyond formal organizational roles.

What change are you trying to create?

I want to create a leadership development ecosystem that embraces difference as a strength, where individuals are empowered to lead in ways that honors who they are and where they come from. This is a departure from traditional leadership programs that often prioritize conformity and assimilation. At the core of this approach is the ideal of leadership as liberation—urging leaders to break free from the constraints of conventional expectations in a way that allows them to embrace their full humanity. 

Why are you the one to lead this change?

I have a track record of leadership and community advocacy, and I understand the unique challenges that diverse leaders face. I have insights into how to affect change within large institutions while keeping the needs of community at the forefront. I am known for supporting leaders as they grow into their leadership. My experience as a Northside resident, a single mother, nontraditional student and social sector executive allows me to curate spaces that are safe and supportive for leaders to share their experiences. I’m now positioned to leverage my influence, network and commitment to support leaders in a newly imagined way.