Member profile: Chantae Recasner
Chantae Recasner joined Impact San Antonio last May and is enthusiastic about our brand of philanthropy. Here’s what she has to say about our organization.
How and when did you first hear about Impact San Antonio? What did you think when you heard about the concept of collective generosity?
As a relatively recent transplant to San Antonio, my knowledge of community-based and/or charitable organizations was quite limited. However, during a volunteer event, I met Nia Evans, a member of my sorority and a member of Impact SA. Sharing mutual interests, we decided to keep in touch, and she later asked me about joining Impact SA. She said it seemed like the kind of organization I would love to join. She was right!
The concept of “collective generosity” is quite aligned to my personal values. There is a South African philosophical concept called ubuntu. It situates the value of community over the individual; thus, I am because WE are. In that vein, I honor the work of collective generosity because I believe in the profound and lasting impact of collective work, collective responsibility and collective consciousness.
What and/or who inspired you to join last May?
As I mentioned before, Nia Evans invited me, but it is the vision of Impact San Antonio that has kept me: “Diverse group of women serving as catalysts for transforming lives in our community.” I am passionate about seeing that vision manifest — and, of course, working alongside so many other dynamic women committed to the heart work and hard work of community change is quite rewarding in and of itself.
Have you served on any committees or helped with any events?
I volunteered at Grant Award Night. It was my first award night, and my heart swelled with pride as I watched the impact this organization was making. As a new member, I am finding my way and figuring out how to optimize my service.
Is there a role in the organization that you’d like to take on in the future?
I am not exactly sure which role(s) I will settle into. However, I am committed to helping women who relocate to San Antonio learn about Impact SA’s service and helping nonprofits learn about this organization’s desire to help. That kind of sounds like working with the membership and/or grant committees in some way.
What do you like most about Impact SA? What about it inspires you?
What I like most about Impact SA as an organization is that you can see the direct impact of your contribution. I have been and am a member of quite a few organizations that are dues-paying. I love the operational simplicity of collecting dues to fund great organizations. I am inspired by the welcoming spirit of Impact SA’s leadership, the pragmatism that drives service (i.e. do what you can when and if you can!), and the beauty of its mission and vision.
What do you do for a living?
Simply put, I’m an educator! My career began at an educational nonprofit and moved into public school education until I pursued my doctorate. I have worked in higher education for 15 years. This year, I am starting a role as Equity Research Manager for Western Governors University, an online university based in Utah. I’ll be working remotely from my home in San Antonio. Formerly, I was Dean for Academic Success at Northeast Lakeview College in the Alamo Colleges District. I joined Northeast Lakeview College after serving as Dean for Faculty and Instructional Development at Austin Community College. Before that, I was a tenured professor of English and literature at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, where I also was the college’s inaugural director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. My experience in higher education also includes eight years as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission, a national accrediting body, and service in various professional organizations including WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies), the National Council on Black American Affairs (an affiliate organization of the American Association of Community Colleges), and the ACE Council of Women in Ohio.