McKenna Callahan

I attribute my success to resilience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service. My journey began as a high school dropout, and later, while living in France, I earned a culinary degree. Even then, I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to serve others and feel fulfilled by helping people. Social work became my calling, and over the last twelve years, I’ve grown through each stage of my career—from my early days at Providence, to Plymouth Housing, and now at Community Roots Housing. Each chapter has taught me valuable lessons, but the constant has been a dedication to showing up fully, even when that meant bringing parts of my personal story into spaces where others weren’t sure how to hold them.

A pivotal moment in my career came when I chose to be transparent about my gender transition during a job interview at Plymouth Housing. It wasn’t a strategic decision—it was a necessary one. I needed to know I could bring my whole self to work. What followed—rising from an entry-level position to director in just 26 months—wasn’t just a professional milestone. It demonstrated that when organizations create space for authenticity, people don’t just succeed—they accelerate.

My journey has reminded me that leadership in social services doesn’t always come with fanfare. My advancement at Community Roots Housing has been fast, but it’s grounded in steady, community-centered leadership that residents feel long before it is formally recognized. The skills I developed earlier in life, including adaptability and flexibility from my culinary training, have been invaluable in serving individuals with diverse needs. Ultimately, my success stems from embracing a story that includes transition, resilience, ambition, and service—and standing in that truth unapologetically so others can see what’s possible when authenticity leads the way.

I would tell young women entering this field to lead with authenticity, even when it feels risky. I often remind colleagues and emerging professionals that your skills and your truth are not separate—they inform and strengthen one another. Don’t shrink to fit into a space that wasn’t designed for you; instead, bring your full self and let your work speak for itself. Be patient, remain resilient, and never underestimate the power of asking for help when you need it. Careers are rarely linear, and setbacks are not failures—they are opportunities to learn and shape the kind of leader you become.

One of the biggest challenges in my field has been learning to navigate spaces where I wasn’t sure if all of me would be welcomed. Being open about my gender transition during a job interview was not easy—it meant risking stability in order to be authentic. I also faced the pressure of proving myself quickly in roles that were already demanding, all while carrying the weight of being visibly different in environments that were still learning how to support that. Beyond my own identity, the daily challenges of social work—supporting residents through trauma, managing caseloads, and holding space for people in crisis—require resilience that must be built in real time. While none of these challenges are small, each one has been instrumental in shaping the leader I have become.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, equity, service, resilience, and community impact. Authenticity is at the core of everything I do—I strive to show up fully, being honest about who I am, my journey, and the challenges I face. Leadership without authenticity is hollow, and meaningful change begins when people feel truly seen and understood.

Equity and inclusion are fundamental to my work. I am committed to creating spaces where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. Representation matters, and I make it a priority to ensure that identity, background, or circumstance never limits opportunity. Service-driven leadership is equally important; every decision I make centers on the people we serve. Supporting residents in housing and social services is not just a job—it is a responsibility to protect dignity, foster stability, and empower growth.

Resilience has been essential in navigating both personal and professional challenges. Whether facing systemic barriers or unexpected setbacks, I value persistence, adaptability, and the courage to move forward with clarity. Finally, community impact motivates me every day. True leadership extends beyond individual success—it is about building systems and environments where collective wellbeing thrives, and where people have the support they need to reach their full potential.