Conversations with Chaka Sutton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaka Sutton.

Hi Chaka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the Mississippi Delta in a town named Greenville, MS. As a kid, I travel back and forth between Oakland, CA and Mississippi. I spent Summers and holidays in California with my father and school months with my mother in Mississipi. Both my parent were educators. My father working in community outreach, and my mother was a lifelong (35 years), elementary school teacher and administrator. My passion for helping others came from them. As a kid, I would routinely volunteer with my father as he helped out various community service projects. I remember vividly delivering food to homeless shelters and talking with people of all backgrounds and cultures.

During my time in Mississippi, I saw the same passion in my mother to give her last to someone in need and always help others. As I grew older, I went on to play college football at East Tennessee State, where our football team volunteered at Special Olympics events. It was at this time where I got hooked on Special Olympics. Upon graduation, I moved to Colorado and began my career with Special Olympics Colorado. I started as the Outreach and Coach Education Coordinator and now hold the position of SVP, Programs. During my 25 years, I have held numerous positions within Colorado and held several National Level Committee positions with our National and World office. I have traveled the world spreading the mission of Special Olympics Colorado. Currently, I am part of the SOUSA National Team in the role of Director. I am part of the Special Olympics Unified Sports Committee, Special Olympics Community Growth Committee and also chair Special Olympics Colorados newly created Diversity and Equity Committee.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’veyou’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first started at Special Olympics in 1996, my supervisor and still good friend said that I could make this a job or this can be my passion. I chose it as my passion. The world of non-profit work can obviously have difficulties; finances, staff turnover, ever changing business trends, and natural disasters, which typically shift immediately focus from your mission. We at Special Olympics Colorado are not immune to these challenges. From 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina to current day COVid, all have extremely impacted us, but we have held steadfast and maintained a goal of providing services to individuals with intellectual disabilities of all ages.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I hold the role of SVP, Community and School Programs. My role involves our competitive sports, community engagement, and school programming throughout the state of Colorado. I’ve been in the role in some capacity for the past 14 years. I want to think my experience in our Unified Schools program has been the key facet n our organizational growth over the past ten years.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Find a passion and follow it to the best of your ability. Always be willing to listen to others, no matter what their role is. You would be amazed at what you can learn.

Contact Info:

• Email: css@specialolympicsco.org
• Website: www.specialolympicsco.org
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/specialolympicsco/