#89 Helping Others Find Solutions: Cheneda Samuel's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership

Thinking That Matters with Elizabeth Mahusay

In this episode of "Thinking That Matters," I am thrilled to welcome my friend and fellow Leadership McKinney Class of 2025 member, Cheneda Samuel. Together, we explore Cheneda's remarkable journey from a curious latchkey kid in Baltimore to a leader in the nonprofit sector, serving the community through her work at One Heart McKinney.

At One Heart McKinney, Cheneda plays a pivotal role in helping people access essential resources, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the importance of creating sustainable solutions that not only address immediate needs but also prevent recurring problems. Cheneda's unique approach combines her engineering mindset with her deep empathy for others, ensuring that her work leaves a lasting impact.

We also delve into the emotional aspects of seeking help, discussing how individuals often internalize rejection when faced with "no" from service providers. Cheneda shares her insights on the importance of meeting people where they are and adjusting communication styles to foster understanding and connection.

Some key topics we discussed:

• The importance of not just solving problems but also providing sustainable solutions.

• How following your passion can lead to greater fulfillment than any paycheck.

• Working with individuals in need by meeting them where they are in their current life circumstances.

I invite you to listen to this episode and reflect on how these takeaways can apply to your own journey.

More about Cheneda:

Cheneda Samuel is a seasoned nonprofit professional. Currently, she is the Director of Navigation at One Heart McKinney. She has over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit world and an extensive professional career in engineering and management.

Cheneda is passionate about helping people and getting them to their desired goals, which shows in her community service efforts. She has been volunteering at Community Garden Kitchen for five years, is an Active member of the Junior League of Collin County, where she is the Membership Council VP, and has served on the boards of Little Hearts of Hope and Train Your Future.

She has been active as a volunteer in several organizations in Collin County. And has lived in Texas for 17 years. She is originally from Baltimore, MD, and this is where her passion for serving the community began.

Connect with Cheneda:

• Website- https://oneheartmckinney.org/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneheartmckinney/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1heartmckinney

• Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2WJfGzw5AMxZlXFP60rrtA

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More about Elizabeth Mahusay:

Elizabeth grew up a self-starter who as a young woman prided herself on her independence and self-sufficiency. She found herself challenged to develop deep and meaningful relationships because of her prideful “know-it-all” approach to life and work. She projected that she was perfect yet struggled to deal with failure, thoughts of insecurity, and the feeling of inadequacy. Through her study of the Bible, time as an entrepreneur, and the accountability of some great mentors Elizabeth, is a transformed woman. Today, she passionately invests her time helping others transform their thinking.

Elizabeth is author of the recently published Transform My Thinking, God study on the book of Philippians. She has published over 170 YouTube videos and hundreds of Facebook Live videos ranging from topics of business building, daily encouragement/motivation, inspiration, marriage, and Bible exposition.

Connect with Elizabeth:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

• Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/