Today we’d like to introduce you to Chastiny Brown
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Chastiny Brown, and I am proud to serve as the Program Lead for DivInc’s first-ever internship program.
My journey toward becoming a Program Manager and Senior Lead has been both rewarding and transformative, filled with lessons learned through both failures and successes. I got my start as a Program Manager at 3 Day Startup, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing entrepreneurial education and opportunities to disconnected youth who are neither working nor in school. My passion for creating opportunities and fostering entrepreneurial growth led me down an untraditional path of “learning by doing,” which opened doors to rooms I wouldn’t have entered otherwise—rooms that challenged me to embrace not always being the smartest person there.
Today, I have the privilege of working alongside innovative startup companies across diverse industries while supporting early-career talent as they explore and discover their passions within the workforce.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating opportunities for yourself is rarely a smooth or easy path. Fortunately, I had a CEO—who is now my mentor—who recognized my potential and took a chance by creating a role just for me. This happened because I showed up, despite my fear of public speaking at the time, and participated on a panel she was moderating. Ever since that moment, she has been a huge champion of my growth.
Balancing the grind of work with the need for rest can be one of the biggest challenges, especially when trying to build your confidence and establish yourself. For months, my family and colleagues couldn’t always see the personal and professional growth I was making, as it wasn’t something I openly displayed. But deep down, I knew that in time, all my hard work would pay off.
Now, I have the privilege of serving the next generation of underserved students and communities. Having walked this journey myself, I understand exactly what it takes to follow your passions and create opportunities to succeed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am passionate about fostering early career development for underserved young professionals, providing them with access to the resources and connections I wish I had when starting out in my career.
I primarily work with students from minority-serving institutions, helping them discover career pathways that align with their natural skills and talents. Whether they are creative and forward-thinking or analytical and detail-oriented, I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to career development. By adopting a human-centered approach to recruiting, companies can better identify and nurture long-lasting talent while empowering individuals to thrive in the workforce. When we focus on job-seekers and their unique abilities, everyone benefits, and growth accelerates.
My ultimate goal is to teach people that they can love their work by following their passions and embracing challenges. Being open to learning, connecting, and taking risks—while not fearing failure—can lead to incredible opportunities. At the end of the day, your ability to create opportunities for yourself and find happiness in your work is what sets you apart and ensures lasting success.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the workforce shifting toward a more inclusive, human-centered, and skill-driven approach. Companies will prioritize diversity and inclusion, focusing on hiring talent from underserved communities and minority-serving institutions to build innovative and dynamic teams. Skills-based hiring will become the norm, with employers valuing creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving over traditional credentials. As technology and AI-powered tools become more integrated into the workplace, employees will be freed from labor-intensive tasks, allowing them to focus on creative and innovative efforts that drive growth and impact.
Personalized career development programs, like those I work on, will play a key role in helping individuals discover and leverage their unique strengths, leading to greater job satisfaction and long-term success. Hopefully, organizations will place a stronger emphasis on well-being, workplace flexibility, and fostering a sense of purpose, making the workplace more fulfilling and sustainable. With these shifts, I believe we’ll see a rise in entrepreneurial pathways, where young professionals are encouraged to explore bold, innovative ideas that challenge the status quo. The future of work will be defined by equity, adaptability, and empowering individuals to bring their best selves to the table.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://culturelancer.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbrown333/
- Other: https://houston.innovationmap.com/divinc-nba-black-internship-program-2670499519.html
Image Credits
Major Level Creative
Alexia Jones
