We really are capable of doing incredible work in the world, but sometimes it can be difficult to put ourselves out there and try new things. If we're in an environment where our skills aren't being utilized well, making a change is necessary. In today's episode, Shana Knight shares her story of how she became involved in and continued to give back to her community in multiple ways. She's worked for several nonprofit organizations over the years, and she even started her own company, Soul Street, in 2020.

Shana is passionate about supporting black-owned businesses and rebuilding black generational wealth. She's even been able to show people how to turn their hobbies into thriving businesses since the pandemic through Soul Street. Shana has experienced her own struggles as a leader, like imposter syndrome and delegation, but facing her inner challenges has helped her grow and thrive as a leader. Shana's collaborative leadership style is about leading from the back. She believes that true leadership is leading with kindness, being humble, and always being willing to help others.

About Shana Knight:

Shana Knight is the Senior Business Development Manager for diversity and inclusion at the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, supporting local, minority-owned businesses. She is also the founder of Soul Street, which is a collective of black business owners and community members who empower the black business community in Frederick. Shana is a member of the LFC class of 2020, and she always comes to the table with a valuable perspective to share.

Connect with Shana:

www.mysoulstreet.com

www.discoverfrederickmd.com

Episode Timestamps:

• Shana's story of initially getting involved in and giving back to her community {1:35}
• Shana's various leadership positions with both United Way and the YMCA {6:38}
• How the Soul Street opportunity came about {9:03}
• How Shana came into her current leadership position {15:13}
• Making the important decision to change your environment if your unique skills aren't being utilized {20:35}
• How Shana leads collaboratively {23:52}
• The key lesson Shana learned about delegation {25:42}
• The mindset Shana practices in her leadership role and life {28:00}
• Shana's best tips for working through imposter syndrome {30:04}
• How people can support and benefit from Soul Street and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development {32:15}

"I've seen a lot of businesses that I was working with previously benefit, but I also learned that minority businesses as a whole have their own unique challenges that they face. I think it's really important that they have someone give them a little bit of extra attention and advocate for them. I feel like I'm doing the giving back work still, but it's just in a completely different way. Everything aligns really well; I'm doing a job I love and am really passionate about."

Connect with Rachel Harrison:

https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/

https://www.frederickchamber.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/