Her Story
About Seandra
Seandra Steed is a nonprofit leader and workforce development professional serving as Lead Retention & Transitions Coordinator at HIRE360 Partners in Chicago, Illinois. With approximately a decade of experience in nonprofit and community service organizations, she is dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, develop sustainable career pathways, and achieve long-term success. Her expertise includes workforce development, retention management, case management, community reentry services, and participant advocacy, all rooted in a mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
Prior to her current leadership role, Seandra served as Program Manager, Case Manager, and Recruiter at HIRE360 Partners, where she led culinary workforce development initiatives before advancing to oversee retention and transition programs. She also serves as a Correctional Counselor with The Salvation Army, supporting residents through accountability, reentry planning, and rehabilitation services. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Safer Foundation, helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with employment opportunities, essential resources, and support systems. Her professional background also includes experience as a Property Tax Consultant, where she specialized in commercial property tax analysis and appeals.
Seandra attended ITT Technical Institute, where she studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering after graduating from Rich East High School. She attributes her success to her unwavering faith in God, believing that her purpose has been shaped through service rather than personal ambition. Passionate about helping others, she encourages future leaders to remain true to their purpose and never lose the compassion that inspired them to serve. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her adult daughter and granddaughter, recording music, playing basketball, swimming, reading, and continuing her lifelong commitment to faith, personal growth, and community empowerment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Seandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success entirely to my faith in God. Looking back, I realize that my journey has unfolded according to a greater purpose than the plans I originally had for myself. I once envisioned a career in audio engineering and music, but God redirected my path toward serving others. Throughout my life, my greatest passions have been music, basketball, and helping people, and I believe those passions have equipped me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My faith has given me the strength, guidance, and opportunities that I could never have achieved on my own.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never let go of my passion. My passion for serving others has opened doors that my education alone could not. I have learned that genuine passion creates opportunities, builds meaningful relationships, and allows me to make an impact far beyond what credentials alone can accomplish.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to never lose the innocence of their passion. In this field, it can be easy to become discouraged or overwhelmed by difficult situations, but holding onto the genuine desire to help others is what keeps your work meaningful. Stay compassionate, remain authentic, and never allow life's challenges to change the heart that inspired you to serve in the first place.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in my field is the lack of genuine understanding and empathy for the individuals and communities we serve. Many people face barriers that cannot be fully understood without compassion and a willingness to listen. By fostering greater empathy and creating stronger community connections, we have an opportunity to improve outcomes and help individuals build brighter futures.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith is the foundation of everything I do. It guides the way I serve others, make decisions, and approach life's challenges. I also believe it is important to remain humble and never forget where I came from. Remembering my own journey helps me lead with compassion, stay grounded, and genuinely connect with the people I have the privilege to serve.
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