Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyatta T. Brunson.
Kenyatta, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My foundation comes from my parents. They instilled that getting a good education, staying true to myself, and having integrity were attributes that would carry me far in life. Education, self-worth, and integrity are things that can never be taken from you.
When I went away to college, I would always call my parents about certain life situations, and I remember one conversation with my father who was and is my HERO—he said, “You are a woman who is Black and the world will try to convince you that you are less than because of this. You must know your worth and as you progress through your life and your career you have to walk into each room as if you own it.” He would always say, look people in the eye when you talk to them, always be a woman of your word—this is how you build a sound foundation of trust. This advice has been at the forefront of how I choose to move in my life.
In addition, my deep spiritual faith is the bedrock of my dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others. Every day, my parents modeled what it looked like to be of service to others; they would unselfishly give to our church, family, and friends. They were my living examples of why I truly consider myself a “servant leader,” who leads with her heart. I take my work, of caring for others, very seriously.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve certainly faced challenges along the way, but those challenges have only strengthened my resolve to achieve my goals. After a difficult pregnancy and a challenging work environment, the Lord blessed me to give birth to my beautiful daughter in 2014.
The work environment was not a welcoming one for a new mother, and in 2016, I was faced with a particular struggle that I thought was going to devastate me as a woman and as a professional. After working with a particular organization for 12 years where I poured myself into the mission of empowering women, I left without a job, instead choosing to be a healthy and happy mom for my daughter.
Fortunately for me, my work and my reputation spoke for themselves, and a month later, the Lord ordered my footsteps to N Street Village as the Director of Programs, and my career bloomed from there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout my 25-year career in the nonprofit sector, I have worked with individuals from the most vulnerable populations in society, including at-risk youth, people with substance use disorders, mental health issues, and the chronically homeless. I started my career as a residential counselor in a locked-down facility and have worked in almost every front-line position in a nonprofit organization. I am extremely proud of the ladder I have climbed to get to this level in my career.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to follow my passions and do what brings joy to my life—being of service to others. Being President and Chief Executive Officer at N Street Village and the first Black woman to hold this position is indeed the most successful moment in my career, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. What continues to motivate me in this role is that, just like my parents were living examples for me, I am a living example of Black excellence for my daughter.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I love this question because my call to action this year is to give, engage, and collaborate. We’re asking people to Give: give of their time, talents, skills, and, of course, funds to allow N Street Village to continue providing women with a safe place to heal in a dignified manner.
Engage: reach out to learn about our work and why it’s so important to provide services that meet the specific needs of women. Visit our website. Follow us on social media. Come take a tour and find out how you can deepen your involvement. And Collaborate: Partner with us. We’re always looking for innovative and creative ways to meet the ongoing and changing needs of women experiencing homelessness. And many of these ideas come from the community.
And finally, the best way to support me personally is to support Black women leaders openly. There are more Black women leaders now than ever before, and we are leading in unprecedented times, but we need people who openly support and trust our leadership.
Contact Info:
- Website: nstreetvillage.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nstreetvillagedc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NStreetVillage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/669937/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NStreetVillage
