Savor This: Chanda’s Bio

For years, I worked as a reporter, covering everything from courts and couture to marriage and manslaughter. People’s stories fascinated me, no matter how big or small.

Today, I work in project management and public relations. And you know what? People’s stories still fascinate me. I now just have a new way of building buzz about what they have to say, no matter how big or small.

When ideas come to me, watch out! They are usually doozies.

I like to do things that are smart, that inspire and that get results. And over the years, I’ve received numerous awards and recognition for my writing and community work.

In 2017, I was named “Communicator of the Year” by the Alabama School Public Relations Association for work I did in 2016 while working as the head of public relations for Birmingham City Schools.  Also in 2017, I was named to the “50 Black Southern Belles in Lifestyle: African-American Tastemakers of the South” list.

In the fall of 2014, I coauthored a cookbook with Food Network Star finalist Martie Duncan. The cookbook, “Birmingham’s Best Bites,” features recipes from popular restaurants in Birmingham, AL Gorgeous photos, which are by Arden Ward Upton, are with every recipe. In 2017, Martie and I published another cookbook, “Magic City Cravings.” Both books, which won state and national awards, were used as fundraisers for worthy causes in Birmingham.

Also in 2014, Birmingham Magazine named me as one of its 20 Women Who Make a Difference in Birmingham, and StyleBlueprint featured me as one its FACES of Birmingham. In 2013, I received a “Distinguished Leadership Award for Excellence in Communications” and was listed in the 2013 e-Book “Social Media Starts of Birmingham.” In 2012, Southeast Small Business Magazine named me one of “Birmingham’s 40 Women of Influence.” In 2011, the Metro Birmingham NAACP recognized me for my extensive work as a journalist, and the Society of Professional Journalists selected me as a fellow for its diversity leadership program. I’ve been listed in “Who’s Who in Black Alabama” twice.

In 2024, I won several awards for a book I wrote on the unsung sheroes of Birmingham. It’s called, “StrongHer: Women Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges in Birmingham.” It features profiles on more than 200 women, working behind the scenes, to make a difference in Birmingham. Visit http://www.birminghamal.gov/strongher for more information.

After I started working on the cookbooks, I became addicted to shooting food whenever I visited a restaurant. I started sharing those photos, which I shoot with a simple iPhone, on  my IG page, @ChandaTemple. That IG page led to me writing more about food and its creators on my website, http://www.chandatemplewrites.com.

Currently, I’m a member of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and the Bham Food Plus Board. I’m also a member of the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the National Federation of Press Women. I am a graduate of the University of Alabama.

I’m a former member of the Foundation for Progress in Journalism Advisory Board, the YWCA Central Alabama Board of Directors, the Public Relations Society of America and The Women’s Network in Birmingham.

In my spare time, I enjoy helping the youth and adults with writing and promotions because everyone deserves to have their story told in the best way possible.

Do you have an idea for my blog? Send emails to chandatemple@gmail.com.