Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandra Fussell.
Hi Chandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thank you for the opportunity. My journey is defined by a 30-year ‘internal transformation’ fueled by both my professional work and my personal life. For over three decades, I served as a caregiver first for my grandmother and later for my mother. Those experiences gave me a profound clarity: my purpose is to serve vulnerable populations.
Professionally, I’ve spent nearly 30 years with the Georgia Department of Corrections, designing and implementing cognitive behavioral, reentry and substance abuse programs for the inmate population. I’ve extended that impact through my contractual work with the Spalding County Commissioner’s Office working at Spalding County Prison, where I focus on reducing recidivism. I consider myself a social entrepreneur; my work is built on creating systemic change for the incarcerated, the elderly, and survivors of domestic violence. As I look toward full retirement in 2027, I am excited to expand this legacy through the Sharon Johnson Foundation, focusing on heart disease education and caregiver support.
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?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. To be honest, my commitment to service initially came with a high personal cost. For a long time, I neglected my own spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. The combined stress of long-term caregiving, career demands, and transitioning to a single-parent household took a toll on my health, leading to chronic stress-related illnesses physically and mentally.
However, those struggles were a turning point. They forced me to stop relying on others’ perspectives and develop my own direct foundation of faith. I had to learn the hard way that I cannot pour from an empty cup. Today, I am a far more balanced and effective leader because I’ve built a belief system that prioritizes health and self-awareness. I don’t just work hard anymore; I work with a sustainable level of intention, resilience and sustainability.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in the strategy, implementation, and training of Correctional Programs, but my focus goes beyond simple administration. My work is about building the infrastructure for successful reentry. What sets me apart is my ability to create systems where incarcerated individuals can earn a prevailing wage while still inside.
I am most proud of developing programs that allow participants to give back to the communities they once impacted. Through these strategic frameworks, individuals contribute a percentage of their wages toward victim restitution, taxes, and their own future housing. By fostering this level of accountability and sobriety, I’m not just implementing a federal program, I’m creating a pathway for them to change their lives and support their families long-term.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Atlanta is its unparalleled educational framework specifically our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As a graduate of both Morris Brown College and Clark Atlanta University, I am a direct product of the excellence these institutions cultivate. There is a unique energy in the AUC that feeds the city’s leadership and culture.
On the flip side, if I had to name what I like least, it’s the traffic! It’s the one thing that tests the patience of even the most dedicated Atlantan, but it’s a small price to pay for living in such a vibrant, historic city.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachchany_b/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandra.breaux.fussell/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcgccf
Image Credits
Antonio Johnson
