About Barbara Chandler

Barbara has invested over a decade as the cultural arts manager and educator for Winter Park’s Hannibal Square Heritage Center--which pays tribute to the past, present, and future contributions of Winter Park’s historic African American community. 

 Award-winning community leader and cultural advocate recognized among the Top 10 People Who Make Central Florida a Better Place to Live by the Orlando Sentinel, and recipient of the Congressman Maxwell Frost Luminary Award and Orlando Magic Diversity Award. Over two decades of experience uniting diverse communities through

social justice initiatives, grassroots mobilization, arts, and civic leadership. Proven record in developing partnerships, mentoring emerging leaders, and advancing racial equity,

health equity, and inclusive engagement.

She is a highly esteemed leader with a long-standing and robust presence in Winter Park and within the Central Florida not-for-profit and arts community.  

Barbara was voted by the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival as a Community Connector, circa 2016.  She is revered for her intense work ethic and acumen for intentional people-to-people engagement with over 22 years of experience in non-profit work, community-building, fundraising, and operations and project management.

In 2019, Barbara became the first African American to run for Winter Park City Commissioner, since 1985. She also co-founded Coalition for Access and Representation, which address the multifaceted adversities of marginalized and disenfranchised communities within Winter Park.

Founder and Host of Our Seat-Our Table Podcast, a community platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of grassroots leaders, Black owned business and creative influencers. 

Barbara is certified by The University of South Florida to advocate and consult for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the workplace.  Barbara is also an adjunct instructor with Rollins College where she teaches Intergenerational Photography in Historical Hannibal Square Winter Park. 

Services Provided

• Curator
• Community Historian/Tour Guide for "Explore Hannibal Square"
• Consultant & Strategist 
• Dynamic Speaker & Host 
• Event Designer/Project Management
   

Board Affiliations

• Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival 
• Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Council 
• World Orlando Hospitality Host
• Pine Hill Seniors Inc

Programs & Initiatives

• Co-Founder of Coalition for Access Representation  
• Founder & Host for Our Seat-Our Table Podcast
• Co- Founder of (re)FRAME
• Founder of TRACES365
• Co-Facilitator of Intergenerational Photography
• Co-Facilitator of FREE Artists Workshop 
• Founder of Light Up Hannibal Square
• Organizer of Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk & Urban Heritage 
• Stone Soup & Storytelling

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