Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Heckard
Hi Brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Where do I even start?! You know when people say if something is meant for you, it will come to you? I’m a firm believer in that. I’ve always wanted to help my community and I’ll always stay true to that.
I moved to Austin from Oklahoma wanting to be the real-life Olivia Pope (without the affair). I interned at a lobby shop and learned skills like strategy, negotiation, and situational awareness. Then, I went to grad school to get my Master of Public Administration and delved deeper into policy and messaging.
I pivoted to public affairs at my first corporate girlie job and fell back in love with writing. However, my writing was mainly for political gain and not as fulfilling. Then, I went back to the Capitol where I saw my community there protesting and advocating for our rights, and it lit a fire in me. After that legislative session, I wanted to find a way to get involved with groups who deserved their voices heard at the pink dome.
Also during this time, I wrote grants for some amazing small businesses in Austin. I used all my fun RFP/corporate writing experience and transmuted it to writing for causes and orgs that could use the funding here. Austin’s Black creative community is gold and the only thing missing is the capital to help fund the creativity.
Speaking of creativity, I knew I needed to get back to myself, so I started looking for writing groups. I pivoted to wanting to be Olivia Pope and Audre Lorde combined. I found out about Torch Literary Arts, a nonprofit for Black women writers and immediately fell in love with the org. They were also hiring for a communications role, so I started working there. It inspired me to get into screenwriting. I’d always written for fun as a child and have soooo many stories to tell.
My writing, scrappiness, and political access held more power than I thought. All of my experiences shaped and encouraged me to start Fervent. It’s a creative social impact agency where I help orgs and businesses all over the U.S. with grants, strategic campaigns, community relations, and more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Money. Austin is expensive. Living in a capitalist society is expensive. I’d say the balance between liberation and living comfortably has been a struggle. I had the privilege of making a lot of money at a younger age than most. I’ve had to make a lot of hard decisions surrounding my belief system and my salary. It’s all been worth it.
Outside of that, creativity is scary. It’s a very vulnerable process. I’m learning to put myself out there and hope it’s well-received. And if it isn’t, I tell myself that’s okay and to keep producing what matters me.
Work/life balance and keeping up with a business is time-consuming. So making sure I have time to REST amidst all that is going on in the world around me has been hard. I’m learning to work when my brain is working and rest when I need to. More tips on rest, please?
We’ve been impressed with Fervent , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fervent is a creative social impact agency. It means showing intensity and passion. I want to work with people who are passionate about their cause and their community. A lot of small businesses and underrepresented groups and orgs don’t have access to capital and exposure, but they’re doing A LOT of good work. I took everything that I’m good at and funneled it into a business. If Fortune 100s and startups trust me with their strategic campaigns, then my skills can also help my community.
I specialize in writing, communications, and public affairs. Speech? Got you. Grant? Got you. Campaign? Got you. Interviews? Got you. What sets me apart is the creative lens and focus on impact. There are so many innovative ways to amplify missions, causes, communities, etc. I offer creative avenues to branch out and amplify.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Two things I like about Austin are the creative diversity and history. From local musicians to visual artists, there are so many talented people from Austin, or who relocate to Austin, and pour into this city with all of their hearts. We should pay more attention to them. There are so many events and showcases that are accessible and/or free highlighting local talent. Organizations and businesses like Torch Literary Arts, Mas Cultura, Future Front, Where Y’all At Though, Sunday Sessions, Red River Cultural District, Pride In Black ATX, and more are highlighting the creativity and culture that still exists here in Austin. From car shows to queer ballroom culture to open mics, there’s SO MUCH to appreciate.
One thing I like least is the constant threat of erasure of culture. This city’s culture is what draws people to Austin in the first place. Establishments like Sam’s BBQ, the Carver Museum, Southgate-Lewis, Huston Tillotson, and Busy Signal are pinnacles of Black Austin and reflective of its history in this city. The preservation of Black history in Austin is important. I appreciate the work that orgs like Austin Justice Coalition, Preservation Austin, Grassroots Leadership, Allgo, El Buen Samaritano, Urban League, and BASTA are doing to fight for people in this city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ferventimpact.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brittanyheckard/
Image Credits
Kevin Garner Photography
LeChoyce Photography
Salihah Saadiq
Jay Herrera
CBS Austin
