By Jordan Michaels
inCity Magazine
ATLANTA – For Sebrenia Sneed-Farrell, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about transforming through every twist and turn life throws your way. The Executive Director of the Central East Georgia Black Chamber has built her career and reputation on a foundation of adaptability, vision and empowerment. But for all her accolades and leadership roles, Sneed-Farrell insists her journey has been anything but straightforward.
From Barriers to Breakthroughs
Raised to value both education and community service, Sneed-Farrell first encountered systemic barriers as a social worker, where she witnessed how gaps in education, social services and preparedness can multiply in a crisis. “My work showed me how vulnerable communities become even more at risk when they lack the resources most people take for granted,” she said. “I realized I couldn’t just help individuals on a one-to-one basis—I wanted to dismantle the barriers holding them back.”
That conviction led her to pursue studies in public safety and emergency preparedness, expanding her perspective on resource gaps. When she founded her nonprofit, she committed to creating pathways so communities could thrive—even in uncertain times. “By focusing on sustainable support systems, education and advocacy, we ensure that people don’t just survive adversity; they emerge stronger,” she said.
The Power of Pivoting
While Sneed-Farrell’s success might make her appear fearless, she maintains that she’s just as prone to doubt and restless nights as anyone else. “People often assume I have everything figured out,” she said. “The truth is, I’m constantly evolving. My willingness to pivot, to shift gears when a strategy isn’t working, is what really sets me apart.”
That adaptability played out early in her entrepreneurial journey when a project fell flat. What looked like a major setback ultimately became a catalyst for new initiatives. “Failure has a way of forcing you to refine your approach,” Sneed-Farrell said. “It’s not a dead end—it’s a detour that can lead to something even better.”
Shifting Mindsets and Rejecting Permission Slips
A pivotal shift for Sneed-Farrell was letting go of the notion that she needed anyone’s permission to lead. “I used to wait for validation before making a move,” she said. “Once I realized my vision was enough, everything changed. It was like setting myself free.”
That freedom has emboldened her to embrace risk and trust her instincts, qualities she wishes more emerging leaders would adopt. “I tell people to forget perfect balance—focus on alignment,” she said. “When your work, passion and purpose converge, even the hard days feel worthwhile.”
Daily Rituals and Grounding Practices
Every morning, Sneed-Farrell carves out time for introspection—a habit she credits with keeping her centered in a fast-paced world. Sometimes she prays; other times she simply sits in silence. “It’s my moment to remind myself why I’m doing this in the first place,” she said. “That clarity is what sustains me.”
Honoring Legacy Through Empowerment
Ask Sneed-Farrell about her ultimate goal, and she’ll tell you it’s not just about business metrics or prestige. “I want my legacy to be about lifting others up,” she said. “Success is meaningless if I’m not creating opportunities for the next generation.”
She approaches leadership through the lens of empowerment, believing every challenge is also a chance to grow. “If I can help someone else see their own potential,” she said, “I’ve fulfilled my purpose.”
In Three Words
When pressed to define herself in three words, Sneed-Farrell chooses “resilient, visionary and empowering.” Each term anchors her approach to life, work and community. “Resilience is about standing strong through storms,” she explained. “Being visionary means seeing what’s possible before anyone else does. And empowering is the heartbeat of my work—helping people become the best versions of themselves.”
Whether mentoring a young entrepreneur, spearheading community programs or mobilizing resources during a crisis, Sneed-Farrell consistently embodies these traits. In a world often fixated on quick wins and surface-level achievements, she stands for something deeper: a commitment to lasting impact, forged through courage, compassion and a refusal to settle.
For more on Sneed-Farrell’s ongoing initiatives and the Central East Georgia Black Chamber’s mission, visit the organization’s official page. But if you ask her, the real work happens on the ground—where resilience meets adversity head-on, and transformation sparks for everyone willing to look challenges in the eye and charge forward.
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