Influential Woman · Consulting and transition support for women
Chanda Ford Branch
Transition Strategist, J9 Collective, LLC
Raleigh, NC 27610
Her Story
About Chanda
Chanda (Ford) Branch is a Transition Strategist, speaker, and cultural creative who supports accomplished Black women in moving from toxic or misaligned workplaces into purpose-driven careers and entrepreneurial paths aligned with their vision and values. After a 20-year career in education, she transitioned into consulting, bringing with her deep expertise in leadership, organizational systems, and the lived experience of high-achieving women navigating career change and identity transformation. Through her work, she helps clients clarify their next chapter, exit with strategy and intention, and build what they were always meant to lead.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Theatre Education from Tennessee State University and maintains teaching certifications in both Florida and North Carolina. Her background spans classroom instruction, performing arts, and nonprofit leadership, giving her a strong foundation in both education and creative expression. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, reflecting her commitment to service, sisterhood, and community advancement.
In addition to her consulting practice, Chanda has extensive experience in the arts and nonprofit sector, serving on multiple boards and initiatives dedicated to cultural enrichment and equity in the arts. She currently serves as Chair of the United Arts Council of Wake County, where she helps guide strategic efforts to support and expand access to the arts throughout the region. Her work consistently bridges education, arts, and leadership development, grounded in a commitment to helping others build meaningful and aligned lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my upbringing. I was raised to pursue excellence, lead with kindness, and strive to make a meaningful impact by stepping into spaces where there are gaps and needs to be filled. These values have guided me throughout my journey, whether in the classroom, on stage, in the boardroom, or in my current work as a consultant, and continue to shape how I show up in every opportunity.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to assume good intent. This mindset has served me well by helping me avoid taking things personally and maintaining perspective in challenging situations. It has allowed me to respond more thoughtfully and strategically, rather than being driven by emotion, ultimately supporting better communication, stronger relationships, and more effective decision-making in my professional life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would give young women the same advice I got from my elementary school principle. "Girl, you're a star! Don't let anyone convince you otherwise!" Those words have always come back to me when my confidence and self-esteem needed a boost to move forward on my journey, personally or professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The only thing constant is change and coaching and consulting is notoriously at the forefront of industry shifts. Keeping your mind and your eyes open in such a dynamic field is critical of you want to have long term success, but it also creates just the right environment for ongoing learning. New ideas, new strategies, new methods and new approaches all create new opportunities to stretch, if you are brave enough to embrace them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value community, culture, and creativity. Placing them at the center of my decision making ensures that I have the kind of lasting impact that great leaders create over time and that I can leave a legacy that inspired future leaders. By keeping a focus on these in my life and career, I always have a guide post that feels authentic.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.