We recently connected with Whittney Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Whittney , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
In all honesty, I haven’t overcome my imposter syndrome. I think that anyone seeking to do impressive and ambitious work in a humble and curious way always feels at times like an outsider, particularly when you come from a background like mine. As a black woman, and often one of the younger executives in a room, there are a lot of structures in place to tell me that I am not supposed to be occupying the place of power and influence that I do. This means that my struggle with imposter syndrome is not just an internalized dynamic, it is a manifestation of my occupying of a space that was not designed or intended for me.
All that aside, it is my faith and deep commitment to the work that pushes me beyond my comfort zone and challenges me to show up fully as myself in those spaces in the hopes that it will make it easier for the next person like me to be there.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As Deputy Director and General Counsel, I help lead LCDC’s staff and strategy. In collaboration with LCDC’s Executive Director, since joining LCDC in October 2017 I helped grow the organization from 9 to 23 staff and doubled the budget to over 2-million dollars annually. In my 7 years in this role, LCDC’s impact has grown significantly including the redevelopment of 48 units of affordable rental housing, construction of 26 homes for ownership, and organizing a 250-person community wide homeowners association. I also lead a high touch economic initiative that fosters cooperative business development and
provides technical assistance.
My passion and excitement for this work comes from its potential to reduce systematic barriers that limit opportunities for healthy families. By overseeing million of dollars in real estate investment projects, creating several women owned small businesses, and organizing with 250 local leaders, I work to realize the dreams of girls and women around me for a prosperous community. I aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive city where individuals can engage in recreational activities, purchase beautiful affordable homes, express their creativity, and achieve personal and collective growth. The most important element of my work is creating an environment that supports a high quality of life, encourages innovation, and promotes the well-being of all residents.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on journey, I feel I would be described as someone who fights for positive change, who does so with empathy, and who seeks to build a strong community in a way that lifts up all examples of civic leadership.
My fight for positive change comes as someone who faces disparities head-on, bringing expertise, resources, skills, and determination to drive a hopeful vision for positive change in the face of inequality. Embedded within my leadership style is a profound awareness that extends far beyond personal boundaries to encompass the interconnected fabric of society. My journey towards civic leadership began early, shaped by my upbringing in North Lawndale amidst its myriad challenges. These experiences have instilled within me a profound commitment and empathy, motivating me to actively engage in endeavors aimed at fostering positive change. My leadership style is now framed by a deep appreciation for the need to understand and uphold the interconnectedness and dignity inherent in the collective human experience. It involves confronting issues that affect the broader community, with the aim of preserving, enhancing, or broadening shared values and ethics. I believe civic leadership knows no constraints or restrictions; anyone can assume this mantle, and any issue can be effectively addressed through organized efforts. On a daily basis, I witness acts of civic leadership both grand and subtle, particularly in the tireless efforts of North Lawndale residents striving to forge a path towards community resilience and sustainability.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth in the last 12 months has been in my ability to delegate more of the day to day operations of the organization in order to devote more time to strategic thinking and execution relating to the long-term future of the organization. This has not always been easy for me as I am someone who enjoys the details of the work and bonding with community members while working in their service. However, as we’ve grown and gained momentum in our transformative visions or North Lawndale, its become increasingly clear that the realization of the full extent of the vision requires myself and other leaders in the organization to more actively steward that vision. Although I am sad at times not be spending more of my day to day working directly with community members, the hope and potential I see emerging from the broader vision of this work excites and energizes me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.lcdc.net
- Instagram: @LCDC_60623, @LCDCcooperative
- Facebook: @LawndaleChristianDevelopmentCorporation-LCDC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whittney-smith-60623
Image Credits
Norvell Photography
Josh Benson (for the first head shot photo uploaded)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
