As the dynamic chief executive officer of Relevant Connections LLC, which she established in Bedford, Ohio, in 2020, Chardé J. Hollins prioritizes engaging with clients, monitors communications, fosters vital relationships with prospective partners, and maintains existing partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations. She proactively seeks feedback from clients, discusses the progress of work, reviews grant proposals crafted by her team and provides guidance to her employees.
Ms. Hollins is known as a standout in building relationships, and she credits her professional success to creating genuine connections and interacting with individuals on a personal level. She has a talent for discussing business developments in a relatable manner and fostering trust with her clients and partners. Ultimately, her goal is to facilitate conversations and create impactful results. Notably, Relevant Connections boasts an impressive 98% rate of success in securing funding for its clients as a testament to Ms. Hollins’ expertise and dedication. Her clients have seen significant funding increases, sometimes tripling or quadrupling their resources with her guidance. Astonishingly, 94% of Ms. Hollins’ clients are first-time grant recipients, highlighting her effectiveness in supporting grassroots initiatives and smaller organizations. On top of her primary duties, Ms. Hollins is often invited to serve as a keynote speaker at various events. Devoted to excellence in all her endeavors, she spends copious time preparing and organizing her thoughts to deliver powerful and memorable presentations.
Ms. Hollins dedicated more than a decade of her career to working as a licensed clinical social worker, refining her expertise across diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, correctional facilities and community programs. She has always placed emphasis on serving vulnerable populations. Growing up, Ms. Hollins was acutely aware of problems and inequities in the educational system, and she initially planned to help educators through her work. However, she recognized a broader lack of essential services in social work through her direct engagement with underserved communities. Often, she found that issues stemmed from funding obstacles that limited organizations’ ability to meet the needs of those they sought to help. Foundationally, Ms. Hollins attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in social work in 2012. Following this achievement, she attended Cleveland State University and graduated with a Master of Social Work in 2015.
In 2012, Ms. Hollins began her career in social work as a case manager for OhioGuidestone, after which she worked as an intern and substance abuse counselor for the Northeast Reintegration Center. From 2015 to 2016, she was a social worker for Beech Brook, and from 2016 to 2017, she secured critical experience as an intake counselor for the Cleveland Clinic Hospital. Ms. Hollins spent several years as a social worker for the Ohio Department of Youth Services and contributed as a behavioral health specialist for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County. Drawing on her experience as a successful grant writer for Ohio’s second-largest county, she was inspired to establish Relevant Connections LLC, where she dedicates herself to securing necessary funding for community initiatives. Ms. Hollins was also motivated by her desire to help boards and nonprofit organizations to more closely and authentically reflect the respective populations they serve through hiring practices and other initiatives.
Ms. Hollins looks forward to expanding Relevant Connections LLC through the addition of supplementary services such as grant management and online training. She hopes to offer grant-writing classes to expand her company’s impact and help more clients secure funding. Attributing much of her success to her father, Ms. Hollins was shaped by his resilience and dedication to community service. To this day, she admires his ability to effect meaningful change. Moreover, she is grateful to her college professor, Dr. Ramirez, who recognized her potential and fostered her emergence into the exceptional professional she has become.
Chiefly, Ms. Hollins’ husband is her source of constant support and always prioritizes the well-being of their family. In her leisure hours, Ms. Hollins loves spending time with her family, watching movies, listening to music, attending plays, and enjoying musical theater.