Advocate. Storyteller. Coalition Builder.
Chakena is a cross-sector, social change leader. For over a decade, she’s worked to empower communities to advocate for change and demand a seat at the decision-making table where our voices and insights are desperately needed.
She has three core leadership principles:
work hard.
be kind.
lead with empathy.
This has allowed her to develop trust with community partners to build coalitions, create lasting relationships with stakeholders across sectors, and help them work together to achieve their goals.
Specialization
Through my experiences in political campaigns, community and electoral organizing, governance, and advocacy, I’ve seen firsthand the power of community-centered leadership.
I specialize in showing how individuals and communities can drive meaningful change by engaging with political systems and advocating for equitable policies. My passion lies in making complex and often obscure topics accessible, empowering everyday people to take action and create lasting impact.
Areas of Focus
Environmental Justice & Water Policy
Running for Office & Political Campaigns
Civic Engagement, Voting Rights, and Democracy
Nonprofit Board Membership & Leadership
US History, Social Movements, and Community Organizing
Leadership Development and Skill Building
Black Maternal Health
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Let’s work together
Young, Black, and Green | Green Table Talk Panelist
Metropolitan Planning Council | Vision for Water Panelist
Infraday Midwest | Climate Resiliency Panelist
Posse Chicago | Panelist
Cause the Effect | Panel Moderator
Chicago300 | Panelist
MWRD Ribbon Cutting - Robbins, IL | Moderator
Ignite | Women in Politics Panelist
Connecticut College | Panelist
Short Film | Co-Director, Co-Producer
Libby Elementary | Keynote Speaker
Stanford University | Climate Summit Attendee
Reproductive Rights Rally | Featured Speaker
MWRD Ribbon Cutting
Connecticut College | Featured Fundraiser Speaker
My Community Plan Foundation | Guest Speaker