We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shuntae Richardson. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Shuntae, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I have felt incredibly proud of my journey as a teenage mother. Looking back on where I started and everything I have overcome, it’s amazing to see how far I have come. What makes me even more proud is knowing that I now have the opportunity to reach back and positively impact the lives of other teenagers who may be walking a similar path.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Shuntae Richardson – Community Leader, Advocate & Empowerment Champion
I’m Shuntae Richardson, a passionate community leader, nonprofit founder, and advocate committed to transforming lives through purpose-driven service. With over 25 years of experience in community development and social impact, my journey began as a teenage mom determined to rise above adversity. Today, I’m a wife, grandmother, and proud founder of One Accord Community Development Organization (OACD)—a nonprofit working to uplift underserved neighborhoods through job readiness, financial education, and strategic partnerships.
What makes my work unique is the blend of personal experience, academic excellence, and grassroots leadership I bring to every initiative. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Community Psychology, I pair lived experience with research to lead real, lasting change. Whether training early childhood educators nationwide or planning community events that reach hundreds, I’m driven by one core belief: when we move in one accord, we create stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future.
I invite you to follow along, connect, and collaborate—because together, we can build something powerful.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My Earliest Memory of Feeling Powerful
I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit as a child—long before I had the language for what that meant. I remember getting tired of spending all my money with the neighborhood candy lady and thinking, Why not become the one people come to instead? That moment sparked something in me. I convinced my cousin to start a business with me selling icey cups, and just like that, we were in business.
It wasn’t just about the sweet treats—we were budgeting, planning, and learning how to meet a demand in our own backyard. No adult taught me how to do it. That early experience showed me that I was a leader, a problem-solver, and someone who could create opportunities, not just for myself but for others too.
Looking back, that was the first time I truly felt powerful—because I realized I could take control of my circumstances and build something from nothing.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I often felt a deep sadness growing up, not having my mother or father there to truly raise me. As a child, I couldn’t understand why they didn’t seem concerned about me. We never really had meaningful conversations, and I don’t recall ever hearing them say they loved me. I rarely felt their compassion, and I don’t remember them checking in on how I was doing. Physical affection was scarce—hugs were few and far between.
What stands out most is that I was the one who showed love to my mother, not the other way around. I gave what I needed, hoping it might be returned.
What helped me cope during those years was simple, but powerful: I would cry at night, or I’d write my feelings out in letters to an unseen God—someone I hoped was listening when no one else seemed to be.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A Belief I’m Committed To—No Matter How Long It Takes
I’m deeply committed to the belief that every community—no matter how overlooked or underserved—deserves access to opportunity, empowerment, and lasting transformation. This belief fuels everything I do, from founding One Accord Community Development to pursuing my Ph.D. in Community Psychology.
One project I will always stand behind is building sustainable, grassroots systems that empower families—especially in distressed neighborhoods—to break cycles of poverty through education, economic development, and community leadership. It’s not a quick fix. It’s generational work. But I’m in it for the long haul, because I’ve lived it, I’ve seen the impact, and I know what’s possible when people are given the tools and support to thrive.
For me, it’s not just a project—it’s a lifelong mission.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Am I Doing What I Was Born to Do—or What I Was Told to Do?
Without a doubt, I’m doing what I was born to do.
My life hasn’t followed a traditional path—and I’m grateful for that. I wasn’t handed a blueprint for success. As a teenage mom, I had to write my own. No one told me I would grow up to lead a nonprofit, pursue a Ph.D., or train early childhood professionals across the country. But deep down, I always knew I was meant to make a difference.
I was born to serve, to lead, and to empower. The work I do through One Accord Community Development Organization, my advocacy for underserved families, and my mission to build stronger, more resilient communities—that’s purpose work. It’s not about titles or expectations. It’s about walking in alignment with my calling, even when the path is hard.
I wasn’t told to do this. I was called to do this. And I’ve answered that call—every step of the way.
