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Five Questions with Misti McKeehen at Center for Social Concern

Fall 2021

By Magazine Staff

Misti McKeehan
Misti McKeehan
Misti McKeehan walks with students in front of Center for Social Concern
Misti McKeehan walking with some of the students who work with her at the Center for Social Concern.
Undergrad Koye Oputa interviewing volunteer for Gilead House.
The Community Impact Internships Program is a paid summer internship spearheaded by the Center for Social Concern. Here, Cognitive Science undergraduate Koye Oputa working at Gilead House. As part of her internship she interviews volunteers to help better the volunteer experience.
Undergraduate Lais Santoro watering plants at Whitelock Farm
Public health studies and environmental studies major Lais Santoro interned at Whitelock Community Farm. The farm’s mission is to grow food and activate community to promote social equity in its Reservoir Hill neighborhood.
Danae Baxter with students
Community Impact Internships Program participant Danae Baxter works with a summer camp at the 29th Street Community Center.
Undergraduate Eleanor Franklin working at a workbench.
Junior Eleanor Franklin, a history of art and public health studies double major, is interning at the Station North Tool Library, a nonprofit tool-lending library with more than 3,000 tools, 30 classes, a public woodworking shop, and a home repair classroom.

Misti  McKeehen  has been  executive director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Social Concern (CSC)  since  2018.  The CSC offers programming  in civic engagement  that combines education, action, and reflection.   

What is a typical day like for you?  

There isn’t a typical day. Most of my days include planning with my staff;  student engagement, whether that be a coaching meeting or speaking to one of our programs  or  interacting with some of our interns; and  engagement  with Baltimore organizations  that are working  with our students in a community service capacity.   

Why is community engagement important for undergrads?  

Everyone is going to be part of a community,  no matter where that community is in the world.  I encourage students to think about  what experiences shaped who you are,  and how can you use those passions to find something that might be related to your major or your future profession— but also might not?  Civic engagement  allows you to be a good neighbor to people who are not just living next to you and  who  you’re working with;  thinking about your role in the larger context is so important.   

What is a key message you hope to give students?  

Listen first. Always listen to the community;  the community knows what they need. The organizations know what has been done  and what will be impactful.  So never assume you have the answers. Even if you have a great idea, it might not be the answer for the community.   

What role  does community engagement play in your own life?   

I spent  my early  career in civic engagement and experiential leadership  at a nonprofit,  looking at  how the sectors intersect  around  community development.  I really enjoy the opportunity to identify how to help build capacity around a city’s  systems and services.  Here, I feel very fortunate to have been welcomed  here in Baltimore  and  to  have joined this community that is passionate and talented and has so many great organizations.  I see the development of our students as one  win  of doing this work,  while also helping an organization move toward  its mission.   

What is your  favorite part of your job?  

It’s the moment where students find their  passions,  when they have  an  experience with  a  community partner  where  they’re connecting with one another and excited about the work  that’s being done.  I really enjoy helping students navigate what it means to be part of a community and to understand how that will play a role in their life moving forward.