A Man of Service: Meet Lynwood McDaniel Jr.

Place of Birth

Dillon, South Carolina

Favorite quote or mantra

"Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." ~Marian Wright Edelman

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development; Masters of Public Policy, and Education Specialist in Early Childhood

Special Awards and/or Honors:

• SC State University 40 Under 40 Recipient

• National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi)

• Education Executive Leadership Scholar at the Graduate School USA

• SC State University National Alumni Association Stellar Alumni Calendar Recipient
  

Social Media

Instagram:Linwoody1

Facebook and LinkedIn: Lynwood McDaniel Jr.

Tell us about yourself (current profession/organization, what has been your motivation behind helping others, and how you impact the world each day)

I am currently employed with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Office of Community Planning and Development, in Washington, DC. I serve as a s Program Analyst (Government Technical Representative), Technical Assistance Division. I manage the progress of viable urban, suburban, and rural communities by promoting integrated approaches to housing, community and economic development that secure quality rental housing, assist families in moving towards homeownership, and work to end homelessness. This program consists of formula grantees and several thousand competitive grantees, who administer market-based programs to provide housing, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate- income people and places. As a steward of Federal dollars, it is my job to ensure that programs funds are spent wisely, and grantees are accountable for results.

How have your personal goals and aspirations served as an example of how one accomplishes and sustains true success in life?

As I continue this path, I want my life's story to be a true testament that hard work pays off. My personal goals and aspirations allow me to remain focused while chasing my personal and professional development to further my success. I have been a champion for the voiceless, a catalyst for social change, a social service practitioner, a trailblazer, and a change agent to create a healthy space where others can thrive. This has also allowed me to sit at the table, be a part of robust conversations and become involved in the policy and decision-making process to invoke change. Ideally, these are the type of environments that give me hope to leave an imprint and positive impact on building vigorous families, competitive educational systems, and wholesome communities.

What challenges can you share with others that you have experienced to getting where you currently are professionally?

Share information that is necessary but always stay ahead of the game, meanwhile manage your own internally struggles and never let your colleagues know that are getting under your skin, work on being an effective communicator, avoid conflict, be a team player and be flexible. The challenges will help you manage up and overcome my shortcomings in the workplace.

How has those challenges benefited your strides towards success and commitment to community?

These challenges allowed me to complete a self-assessment and work on the areas where I needed to improve to work on BECOMING my best self. I understood that I alone was enough and that I had nothing to prove to anybody. This also allowed me to stay the course focus on being committed to my community while igniting the fire to help support some of the greatest community service projects to drive my passion toward being more involved in the community and helping others.

What encouragement can you offer to our readers who may be aspiring educators regarding the empowerment of success, endurance, leadership, and the power of mentoring?

Never Give Up, Be Relentless in Pursuit of Your DREAMS, GOALS and ASPIRATIONS. Never let anyone tell you what you cannot do but show them what you can do. It was best captured by Douglas MacArthur, that "a true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others." Never be afraid to fail. Failure is not final remember it is important for you to persevere as you go through tough situations and manage your own personal storms that's called endurance. Above all, John C. Maxwell, pinned these words, "one of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination."