Manchester-Sanden has been with the Renesting Project for more than seven years, the last three as executive director. She received her Master of Science in nonprofit administration from LSU Shreveport, along with the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential. She is currently seeking the Professional Community and Economic Developer credentials. Earlier this year, she was honored by Nexstar Media as the Remarkable Woman of the Year for her leadership and community impact.

Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release, “We are pleased to recognize Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden as the YPI Young Professional of the Year. This year’s 40 Under Forty class represents the very best of our region’s emerging leaders, and Emily exemplifies the dedication and commitment to service that strengthen Northwest Louisiana.”

Although naturally excited and honored, Manchester-Sanden said she has struggled to believe she won.

“When I got to the gala on Friday night, I was not really expecting much in the way of recognition,” she said. “I knew all of us honorees would have our names read and we would walk across the stage. Then I kind of thought it would just be fun to be with my family to celebrate this incredible honor. I don’t get to dress up often, so I was excited about that.

“And then when last year’s winner started reading my bio, everyone at my table panicked. We were kind of getting ready to go. And then there was this shock — oh, he’s got to have the wrong bio. It couldn’t possibly be me.”

But it was her, and she found herself confronting something she has coped with throughout her career: imposter syndrome.

“I’ve made it very clear to almost everyone I’ve spoken to in my professional life that I’ve always struggled with imposter syndrome and feeling that my achievements come from luck and not hard work,” she said. “It’s something I’ve struggled with a lot in my adult life. There are pockets of time when I feel like a badass — and maybe not.

“I set an intention at the beginning of this year to work very hard on myself professionally, to expand my professional network, to take on professional development opportunities and to work incredibly hard to be the best executive director and the best community member that I could be.

“While my initial response was, ‘Oh, this isn’t right, this feels wrong,’ once I calmed down and processed everything, I was so honored and so excited. My next thought was, how can I leverage this for the Renesting Project? Renesting Project is my heart and soul, and it’s also my day job. I’m so honored. I’m so excited. A little overwhelmed. But I’m constantly reminding myself that this was on purpose. I worked hard, and I believe in what I’m doing. I try to share that with everyone. I try to lead as authentically as I can.”

The Renesting Project is a nonprofit organization that helps victims of natural disasters and others in need by collecting “gently used household furniture and household items,” she said, to help them make a fresh start.

“If this is your first time hearing about me or Renesting, please reach out to schedule a tour of Renesting Project Inc. to see what all the fuss is about.”

For more information: info@renestingprojectinc.org.