Chanda Freeman

Chanda is a native of the city of Jackson, which is nestled between Nashville and Memphis, in rural West Tn. Her passion for social and economic justice began at an early when she testified at the state capitol with other youth with the Tennessee Hunger Campaign. They encouraged the legislature to support a bill that provided free and reduced lunch for low-income families.

Chanda also served as part of an international delegation of women working to promote asset accumulation strategies such as micro-entrepreneurship and Individual Development Accounts for low-income women. Her work with this group resulted in the signing of the first national trade agreement between low-income female microentrepreneurs operating businesses in Kenya in the United States.

Chanda is a graduate of Union University, Jackson, TN. She is Master Level Social Worker and a highly sought-after community development planner and consultant. Chanda has worked in public health for many years, and she has over 20 years of experience working with faith and community-based organizations.

Prior to joining TJC, as a Program Manager on the Health Policy Team, she served as a Community Health Development Program Director for the TN Department of Health. Her primary focus was centered around community health improvement processes, building capacity, and strengthening the infrastructure of community health councils to improve health outcomes in rural West Tennessee.

Chanda continues to follow her passion for justice, she is the founder of the West TN Rosenwald Historical School Project. She is also a founding member of the West TN Minority Contractors Association, Community Youth Builders Community Development Corporation and JumpIn Inc. She Board Member for a host of community organizations and she is a minister at Christian Lifeway Ministries in Oakfield, TN. When not working she enjoys reading and spending time with her daughter and beloved fur baby Maslow.

You can reach Chanda at cfreeman@tnjustice.org