Chanel Smith
Chanel N. Smith is a visionary and dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformational change in workforce development, economic inclusion, grant portfolio management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). A champion for equity and opportunity, Chanel has a proven track record of crafting high-impact, scalable workforce solutions that empower individuals and communities. Her expertise lies in strategic philanthropy alignment, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring sustainable social and economic impact.
As Managing Director of Workforce Development at Heartland Human Care Services, Chanel spearheads innovative workforce initiatives that serve over 300+ clients annually, securing $5.9M in new and renewal grant funding and expanding programs from three to five portfolios. She thrives in building powerful partnerships with corporate, government, and nonprofit entities, shaping future-ready workforce solutions that drive economic mobility and financial empowerment.
Previously, as West Side United Economic Vitality Program Manager at Rush University Medical Center, Chanel played a pivotal role in advancing JPMorgan Chase’s $3M AdvancingCities grant, leading career pathway programs for 200+ participants in high-growth healthcare occupations. Her innovative approach reduced program costs by 50%, expanded hiring partnerships, and aligned corporate philanthropy with real-world impact.
Chanel’s passion for people and progress is evident in her earlier roles in human resources, talent acquisition, youth vocational programs, and career coaching. She has designed equitable workforce strategies that break down barriers and open doors to sustainable employment for underrepresented communities.
A lifelong learner and trailblazer, Chanel is currently pursuing a Baumhart Scholars MBA at Loyola University Chicago (expected May 2026) and is on track to earn her Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential by April 2025. She remains committed to driving innovation, championing inclusivity, and fostering long-term economic resilience for individuals and communities alike.
Chanel N. Smith is a visionary and dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformational change in workforce development, economic inclusion, grant portfolio management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). A champion for equity and opportunity, Chanel has a proven track record of crafting high-impact, scalable workforce solutions that empower individuals and communities. Her expertise lies in strategic philanthropy alignment, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring sustainable social and economic impact.
As Managing Director of Workforce Development at Heartland Human Care Services, Chanel spearheads innovative workforce initiatives that serve over 300+ clients annually, securing $5.9M in new and renewal grant funding and expanding programs from three to five portfolios. She thrives in building powerful partnerships with corporate, government, and nonprofit entities, shaping future-ready workforce solutions that drive economic mobility and financial empowerment.
Previously, as West Side United Economic Vitality Program Manager at Rush University Medical Center, Chanel played a pivotal role in advancing JPMorgan Chase’s $3M AdvancingCities grant, leading career pathway programs for 200+ participants in high-growth healthcare occupations. Her innovative approach reduced program costs by 50%, expanded hiring partnerships, and aligned corporate philanthropy with real-world impact.
Chanel’s passion for people and progress is evident in her earlier roles in human resources, talent acquisition, youth vocational programs, and career coaching. She has designed equitable workforce strategies that break down barriers and open doors to sustainable employment for underrepresented communities.
A lifelong learner and trailblazer, Chanel is currently pursuing a Baumhart Scholars MBA at Loyola University Chicago (expected May 2026) and is on track to earn her Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential by April 2025. She remains committed to driving innovation, championing inclusivity, and fostering long-term economic resilience for individuals and communities alike.