What motivates someone to dedicate their career to both clinical social work and the nonprofit sector? To find out, we interviewed Chicago local, Keenen Stevenson, Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP), and the CEO of Innovative Strategies, LLC.  

His Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, earned in 2012, and the recent achievement of the ACNP in 2024, have been crucial steps in driving his personal mission of transforming his community through policy change, youth empowerment, and education. 

A Path Rooted in Social Service 

Keenen Stevenson’s introduction to the nonprofit sector began early in his career when he worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of D.C. This experience became a defining moment in his life. “It taught me valuable lessons, both in what I wanted to carry forward and what I chose to leave behind,” Keenen reflected. Working with youth, particularly those in the D.C. foster system, he became passionate about child welfare and education. It was here that he began to understand the complexities of social service and its intersection with human service, education, and mental health. 

“Becoming a social worker was never part of my plan, not even close,” he admitted. Yet, as he engaged with the community, he found that his CNP training gave him a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of society. “Social work is essentially the science of how society functions, and once you see how everything is interconnected, it becomes clear that mental health must be at the forefront of any nonprofit work.” 

After gaining experience in Washington, Keenen returned to the Midwest, where he earned a master’s in social work from Loyola University and began teaching biology. He quickly discovered that his passion for education and nonprofit work complemented each other. Teaching in underserved schools allowed him to use the grant-writing skills he had developed while earning his CNP. “Many teachers don’t know how to write grants or manage grant administration,” he explained. His CNP credential equipped him with the skills to secure resources for his students, ensuring they had the opportunities they deserved, regardless of the circumstances. 

From Education to Policy 

Keenen’s ambitions didn’t stop in the classroom. Over time, his interest shifted from direct service to advocacy and policy work. “I’ve been deeply involved in community organizing around education, mental health, and addressing healthcare disparities.,” he said. As he transitioned into leadership roles, first as a clinician and later as a consultant, Keenen began to grasp the far-reaching impact of his work. He realized that the nonprofit sector had the potential to fill gaps in services that other parts of society couldn’t. “Most human service agencies are nonprofits, and success lies in how we manage them to maximize both mental health support and resource allocation.” 

“When people enter nonprofit spaces, they often bring a multitude of challenges from their lives, and mental health needs to be a priority,” he explained. This understanding has been central to his consulting work, which focuses on helping organizations bridge the gap between essential services and the broader needs of the community. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact it’s making… seeing how important nonprofit and human services are, especially when they’re working in tandem.” 

Keenen’s passion for positive change is driven by the desire to find and address the root causes of inequality in his community. “I understand that everything I want to accomplish might not happen in my lifetime, so just being able to plant seeds and have other people help those seeds flourish is enough.” 

The Value of Certification 

Earning his CNP credential at Indiana State University in 2012 was only the beginning for Keenen. His Advanced CNP, earned in 2024, represents his dedication to the nonprofit sector. “For me, the ACNP shows more of a commitment to wanting to really work in the nonprofit space,” he said. Keenen emphasized that the CNP and ACNP credentials are not just about gaining recognition but about leveraging knowledge to create meaningful change. “The more you can market yourself and help yourself stand out, the more you can leverage that in your work.” 

For Keenen Stevenson, earning these nationally recognized credentials was about more than just adding letters behind his name. It was about gaining the tools to better serve his community and create lasting change. “I am committed to ensuring that human service and nonprofit work fulfill their intended purpose, to genuinely serve the community in ways that other sectors of society cannot” 

His advice to future nonprofit leaders? “Get your certification, build relationships, and never stop learning. The more you invest in your own development, the more you can give back to your community.” Keenen Stevenson’s passion for education, youth, and policy change is inspiring, and his commitment to making a difference in his community is proof that earning a CNP can be the first step toward a lifetime of meaningful work. For anyone looking to make an impact in the nonprofit sector, Keenen’s journey shows that with the right tools, anything is possible. 

Develop the nonprofit management skills you need by becoming a CNP!

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