We were lucky to catch up with Myra Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Myra , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Myra Richardson’s journey into community work began in 2016, triggered by the tragic event of Alton Sterling’s murder in Baton Rouge. This pivotal moment fueled her commitment to advocacy, business endeavors, and the betterment of her hometown. As a public relations and community outreach specialist, she founded Red Torch Consulting, an award-winning startup.

Richardson’s impact extended to her role as a leader in economic development, notably as the head of the Black Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, membership flourished from 18 to nearly 400 members, and she revitalized the organization’s profile.

Collaborating with various government levels, Richardson earned recognition from the Obama Administration for her collective efforts. She introduced the 225fest, an event celebrating the Capitol region, attracting over 14,000 attendees in its inaugural year and gaining national acclaim.

Her achievements include prestigious awards such as the W. Montague Cobb Lifetime Achievement Award by the NAACP, recognition as the Business Report’s Youngest 40 Under 40 recipient, and the Acie J. Belton Lifetime Achievement Award for impactful Scotlandville advocates. Richardson’s influence transcends from leading protests to shaping policies, addressing economic development, eliminating food deserts, advocating for healthcare equity, and honoring the history of black and brown communities. Her mission is deeply rooted in making a positive impact on Baton Rouge, and her commitment is evident across various domains, from local initiatives to national recognition.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Myra Richardson, a Baton Rouge native and founder of Red Torch Consulting. My journey began in 2016 after the tragic murder of Alton Sterling, propelling me into community work and advocacy. As a public relations and community outreach specialist, I’ve become a renowned activist, gaining recognition from the Obama Administration for my advocacy work.

One of my proudest moments was being the youngest recipient of the Baton Rouge Business Report’s 40 Under Forty, and now I’m part of its Capital Region 500 publication. Additionally, I created the annual event 225Fest, celebrating culture in the capital region. In its first year, the event drew over 14,000 attendees.

At Red Torch Consulting, I offer a range of services, from economic development and community outreach to organizing events like 225Fest. My mission is deeply rooted in making a positive impact on Baton Rouge, and I take pride in being recognized for my contributions. I stand out for my commitment to advocacy, economic development, and uplifting the history of black and brown communities. What I want people to know is that I’m dedicated to making a difference, and my work reflects a passion for positive change in my community.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Certainly! Building my social media audience was a blend of leveraging my existing personal brand and applying my digital marketing expertise. With a strong foundation in philanthropy and community organizing, I utilized relationships to establish my platform, Batonrougeupdates. This initiative has grown to almost 20,000 followers and boasts over 50,000 text subscribers.

My advice for those starting to build a social media presence is to authentically connect with your audience. Share meaningful content that resonates with your mission and values. Consistency is key, so maintain a regular posting schedule. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages, fostering a sense of community. Lastly, leverage your unique background or expertise to bring a distinctive perspective to your content, setting you apart in the digital landscape.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In my journey, facing multiple biases due to my age, gender, and ethnicity posed significant challenges. As a multi-hyphenate talent, these layers of identity, combined with my background as the child of a working-class mother in an economically challenged area, presented hurdles. Despite these obstacles, I embraced a compassionate and customer service-based approach to leadership. This experience showcases my resilience in navigating adversity and shaping my leadership style with empathy and determination.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Batonrougeupdates.com , www.225Fest.com
• Instagram: @themyrarichardson, @batonrougeupdates , @225Fest
• Facebook: Myra Richardson
• Linkedin: Myra Richardson
• Twitter: @moveswithmyra

Image Credits
Headshot – @treshotme All of images courtesy of Myra N. Richardson