Chad Harrod

he/him

Chad believes in partnering with communities and individuals to foster environments of empowerment and self-determination with a focus on equity and social justice. He believes that striving for equitable and just solutions for the most marginalized populations while working together with and alongside those most impacted, is the best way to arrive at systems that benefit everyone in a society.

Chad previously worked at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children in Waco, Texas, where he collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of professionals working towards client-centered outcomes for survivors of child abuse and sexual assault. He then partnered with RecycleForce, Inc. in Indianapolis, where he conducted research on their Peer Mentor enhancement to transitional jobs programs and subsequently published a peer-reviewed article about their model. Most recently, he served as the Curriculum and Faculty Development Manager at Northrise University in Ndola, Zambia, before joining Community Solutions in 2022.

Chad holds a B.A. in Family Science and Youth Leadership Development from Anderson University and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Community Practice from the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University.

Why are you passionate about what you do at Community Solutions?

I believe in the power of intentional, thoughtful collaboration to make positive, lasting change. Community Solutions, among other things, serves as a venue for people who desire to work to improve systems for the well-being of others to come together to make a collective impact on our community. It is a rare privilege to be able to work across sectors with genuine, creative individuals who value equity and inclusion and are committed to working for the benefit others.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by social justice-oriented faith. I am inspired by my loved ones. I am inspired by those I get to work with who are committed to working towards a better future.

If you could offer advice to a younger version of yourself, what would you say?

I would tell myself to be more confident and to not concern myself so much with trying to be who others expect me to be. At the same time, I would tell myself to be humble and open-minded enough to learn from others so that I can identify and address my own blind spots and weaknesses.