Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Board Director

Chanda Smith Baker has spent her 25-plus-year career at the intersection of philanthropy, business, and community. An experienced CEO nationally renowned for her power and poise in leadership. Chanda has proven success in leading complex organizations, recognizing and nurturing talent and engaging and activating audiences towards racial equity and a broaden social impact. Smith Baker brings both her executive leadership experience and the credibility of a life and career spent advancing equity to Conversations with Chanda, a podcast and leadership series.

Prior to this, Smith Baker served as the Chief Impact Officer at the Minneapolis Foundation, a $1B+ community foundation, she was recognized for her compelling work in cross-sector partnerships. She joined the Foundation after a successful tenure as President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, During which time, She orchestrated the successful launch of North Market, a health and wellness integrated grocery store and acquired North News, a newspaper focused on community narrative and reporting.

Chanda is the Founder and CEO of Smith Baker LLC, Co-Founder of The Black Collective Foundation. She serves on the Board of Directors for several high impact organizations and is currently the Chair of The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and Public Allies.