Conversations with Alisha Haddock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Haddock

Hi Alisha, 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?
I never set out to be a leader—I set out to serve. And in that service, I found my voice, my purpose, and my fight.

My journey started with a deep love for community, a commitment to justice, and an unwavering belief that when people are empowered and given opportunities, their situation can change and they can change the world. Growing up, I saw firsthand the disparities in opportunity, access, and justice. I saw neighborhoods filled with brilliance and resilience but too often denied the resources to thrive. I saw people fighting battles they never should have had to fight alone. And I knew then that my calling was to stand in those gaps.

That calling led me to advocacy, community partnerships, and policy work—spaces where voices like mine weren’t always welcomed, but where I refused to be silent. I lead several efforts within the church and district association. I served as co-chair of advocacy for the LTRG in 2020, when the March 2020 tornadoes ripped through North and East Nashville. I chaired the Community Oversight Board and later served as chair of the Nashville Community Review Board, ensuring that accountability and justice were more than just words. Because real change doesn’t happen in theory—it happens in the hard, messy, and relentless work of demanding better.

My work at Neighbor 2 Neighbor and McGruder Center put me at the heart of Hope and grassroots movements, where I had the privilege of walking alongside neighbors determined to reclaim their power. At The Housing Fund, I expanded that work into housing and economic justice, because a thriving community starts with the security of home and opportunity. And as Co-Pastor of Christian Journey Fellowship Church, I bridge faith and justice, ensuring that ministry is not just about preaching from a pulpit but about standing on the frontlines of the fight for equity and justice.

I didn’t get here alone. I was lifted by the hands of strong women, resilient communities, and people who believed in the power of change. And now, I lead with that same spirit—knowing that leadership isn’t about titles or positions, but about impact. And I’m just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Absolutely not. The road has been filled with challenges, resistance, and moments where I’ve had to fight just to be heard. But if leadership was easy, it wouldn’t be necessary.

Being a Black woman in leadership, in advocacy, and in ministry means constantly navigating spaces that weren’t built for me. It means walking into rooms where my presence is questioned before I even speak. It means being told to “wait,” to “tone it down,” or to accept the way things are because change is hard. But I don’t believe in waiting for permission to lead. And I certainly don’t believe in accepting injustice just because it’s been the norm.

In the fight for social justice and community empowerment, resistance comes with the territory. Whether advocating for police accountability, pushing for housing equity, or challenging systems of exclusion, I’ve faced opposition from those who benefit from keeping things exactly as they are. I’ve been underestimated, dismissed, and at times outright challenged by people who believe change is too disruptive.

And then there’s the personal toll. This work is heavy. Fighting for people, pushing against broken systems, and standing in the gap for communities that have been ignored—it takes a toll on your mind, body and spirit. There have been moments of exhaustion, of frustration, of wondering if the fight is worth it. But every time I see a neighborhood taking its power back, a policy shifting in the right direction, or a woman stepping boldly into leadership because she saw me or another woman do it—I am reminded that the struggle is part of the calling.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about getting up every time you’re knocked down. And I’ve learned that when you lead with purpose, integrity, and community, no obstacle can truly stand in your way. The road hasn’t been smooth, but I wouldn’t change a single step of the journey. Because every challenge has made me stronger, every barrier has fueled my determination, and every fight has been worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I am a community builder, a justice advocate, and a servant leader. My work is about empowering people, dismantling barriers, and ensuring that every voice—especially those historically silenced—is heard and valued.

As Executive Director of Neighbor 2 Neighbor, I equip neighborhood leaders with the tools, resources, and confidence to transform their communities. I believe real change happens from the ground up, and I work to ensure that grassroots movements have the tools and power they need to make an impact.

As Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development at The Housing Fund, I fought for housing justice and economic empowerment. Homeownership is not just about having a place to live—it’s about generational wealth, stability, and dignity. I worked to break down the barriers that have kept too many underserved families from the opportunities they deserve.

As Director of the McGruder Center, I helped transform it into a hub for community resilience, where people could access resources, build networks, and reclaim their neighborhoods. McGruder isn’t just a building—it’s a beacon of what’s possible when people are given the space to lead their own change.

I am also a minister and social justice advocate. As Co-Pastor of Christian Journey Fellowship Church, I believe that faith and justice are inseparable. The work of the church isn’t just what happens on Sundays—it’s what happens when we fight for the oppressed, the overlooked, and the underserved every single day.

What am I most proud of? The people. The communities I’ve worked alongside. The women I’ve mentored who now stand boldly in their own power. The neighborhoods that once felt ignored but now realize their collective strength. I’m most proud of the moments when people see themselves as the leaders they were always meant to be.

What sets me apart? I don’t just talk about change—I make it happen. I don’t wait for permission. I don’t operate from fear. And I don’t lead alone. My leadership is rooted in community, faith, and action. When I step into a space, I don’t come alone—I bring my people with me, and I make sure the door stays open for those coming behind me.

I am here to disrupt, to challenge, and to build something better. That’s what I do. That’s who I am. And that’s what I’ll keep doing, because this work is far from over.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck—I believe in purpose, preparation, persistence and overall blessings.

Nothing about my journey has been about chance. Every opportunity, every challenge, every moment of success or setback has been a direct result of faith, hard work, and resilience. When doors have opened for me, it wasn’t because I was lucky—it was because I was ready. And when doors have closed, it wasn’t bad luck—it was a lesson, a redirection, or a reminder that some spaces weren’t meant to hold me.

The truth is, when you are a Black woman leading in justice work, advocacy, and community building, there is no such thing as luck. We don’t get the luxury of stumbling into success. We have to fight for our space, prove our worth, and push past systemic barriers just to get to the starting line.

What some might call “luck,” I call God’s timing and the result of generations of sacrifice. The opportunities I’ve had were made possible by the women who came before me—women who refused to give up, who paved the way, and who taught me to stand in my power.

So no, I don’t credit luck for where I am today. I credit grit, community, faith, and an unshakable belief that I belong in every space I step into because God has prepared me for it. And I will continue to show up, to work hard, and to bring others with me—because we are not waiting on luck to change our communities. We are the change.

Pricing:

• For pricing and partnership inquiries, readers can reach out directly to discuss tailored opportunities that align with their mission and goals. Let’s build something impactful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: N2N.Solutions