A Conversation with Chynna Presley Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly 40 Under 40
By Huntington University
Chynna M. Presley serves as the director of intercultural enrichment at Huntington University. In this role, she runs the Horizon Program and supports and advocates for all minority and international students. She also works with faculty and staff to help create a culturally competent environment that emulates the Kingdom of God. Chynna holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Huntington University and a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership. Prior to returning to her alma mater, Chynna used her skills as a family specialist, community education coordinator, director of women’s ministries and volunteer services, home based supervisor, director of programming and client services, and program director.
Originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, Chynna currently resides in Fort Wayne with her daughter and enjoys baking for stress relief, playing and laughing with her family, and finding solitude in nature. Her favorite memories from her time as an HU student include spending almost a month in Uganda one May, an experience she now considers one of the most impactful of her life. Looking to the future, Chynna quips that she plans to retire as a stand-up comedian someday.
Question: What does this honor mean to you?
Answer: As a transplant in Fort Wayne, I have come to love the area and its people. I’m not one who needs recognition for my work. If I see improvement in the people and systems I work for, then that’s all I need to see. But it definitely feels good to know that my efforts are noticed and appreciated.
Q: You are on a list with some other impressive folks. How does that make you feel?
A: I am always humbled to be in the mix with people who are well accomplished and inspired to do great work. Iron sharpens iron and you can never be too sharp.
Q: If an HU student sees an announcement about this honor, what do you hope that it means to them?
A: I hope it gives them inspiration. I hope it inspires them to believe that their time at HU leads to something greater than just these four years of their young adult life.
Q: Right now, in the year 2021, what is one\ message/idea/concept that you are hoping to pass on to those with whom you interact?
A: I get a lot of questions about how to be better about breaking down social barriers, whether racial or gender, etc. What I hope people understand about that work whether it be internal or systemic is that the root of change must be love. Why? Because it is the greatest commandment. What is love? It’s an action. It’s a decision. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us what it looks like to operate out of love. If our thoughts, actions, policies and practices do not align, then we are not following God’s commandment and we will not see the changes we say we want to see.
Q: What makes Fort Wayne home to you? (assuming that you think of it as “home”)
A: Fort Wayne has been home for me since 2008. I have built my family in this city and have established roots. Until Fort Wayne, I never felt like I could call anywhere “home”, not even the town I grew up in. No matter what the future brings, I will always feel like Fort Wayne is home.
Q: What are some of your favorite features of this city?
A: I appreciate city leaders’ commitment to growth and improvement. I also love the amount of activities available for families to spend time together outside the home that are affordable and free.
Q: If someone were to associate one word or phrase with your name when they think of you, what do you hope that word/phrase would be?
A: Empowerment
Article provide by Huntington University.