By: Jocelyn Chavis
Could this be the year of Women in Leadership? With the turn of a new decade Philadelphia has ushered in the first Black woman sheriff, the first Black woman police commissioner, and first Black woman Register of Wills, along with the youngest newly elected City Council member to name a few. Organizations are putting more women at the helm, and the NAACP Philadelphia Chapter has followed suit.
Meet Chandra Deal, the recently appointed Chair of the Women in the NAACP (W.I.N) for Pennsylvania State Conference. With a unanimous vote by the state board, Deal will lead and develop a fresh advocacy program for over 50 NAACP branches across Pennsylvania. She seeks to amplify the voice of women and children, to address the social and economic issues that continue to affect communities.
“My passion has always been to help women and children; whether I am comforting a grieving mother, handing out book bags, or serving the homeless community- my purpose has always been to strengthen the back bone of women, who are the true nurturers of the community.”
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in1909 and is America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Since it’s inception, Black women have continued to lead the charge and fight for equality. Dynamic women such as Ida B. Wells, Rosa Parks, Ella Baker and Coretta King, have served in various roles in the history of the organization and represents what it means to be a woman in the NAACP. Deal now joins in this rich history to continue this legacy in such a charged climate of women’s rights.
Deal plans to work with newly elected public officials to make sure women and children’s voices are heard. Her agenda for W.I.N. will focus on women and children’s health reform, mental health, and the overall disparities affecting these groups in education and social sectors. Her goal is to continue to increase awareness of the NAACP by engaging youth and bringing more women of color into leadership roles for civil rights to continue the legacy of the NAACP locally and nationally.
“I am excited and honored to be appointed as the leader to spearhead advocacy campaigns addressing civil right issues affecting women and children in the state of Pennsylvania. To have my name listed among these great women leaders is inconceivable.”
Deal serves as a dedicated member to the Philadelphia Branch of the NAACP, working on the executive committee supporting efforts in voter suppression, underserved public schools, prison reform, and local transportation issues.
As the founder of a nonprofit, Warm Hearts and Homes, Deal and her team designs living space with furniture and decor for families transitioning from homelessness. Her organization also provides Thanksgiving dinners to those in need.
Currently she works as the Director of Development and Communications for Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Deal provides fundraising and campaign strategies to advocate for affordable housing and economic sustainability for vulnerable families.
“Joining the NAACP was a way for me to honor the legacy of those who fought for my freedom and continue to fight for the rights of those who are still systemically enslaved.”
With a background in advocacy, community service, and communications spanning over a decade, Deal is ready to step into this new leadership position and lead the charge for W.I.N.
To learn more about W.I.N. visit, naacpphillybranch.org/womeninnaacp
