When Whole Cities invested in the Chicago South Side neighborhood of Englewood to help build a sustainable local food system and grow community health, it brought its Community First Principles to life—and attracted the attention of Chanta, an Englewood native.

Before joining the Foundation in 2020, Chanta earned her BA in Political Science from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She went on to serve as a frontline fundraiser and communication professional in social justice and opportunity youth-focused organizations for more than a decade. She was selected for the Association for Fundraising Professionals Chicago Chapter’s Fellows Program, the Young Nonprofit Professional Network of Chicago’s Leadership Institute, and the African-American Leadership Institute.

Chanta creates shared value partnerships, promotes the engagement of diverse stakeholders, and champions authentic storytelling. Chanta is proud to contribute to the Foundation’s unique community-led approach to philanthropy and feels lucky to have the opportunity to support food access work in communities she so deeply cares about.