We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tessa Andrade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

As a full-time content producer, I’m very lucky that I get to work on meaningful creative projects constantly. In the sports media industry, I’ve been able to tell impactful stories that reach a wide audience while continuously growing my craft. Being able to tell the stories of athletes beyond their sport is something I’m truly grateful for. However, the most meaningful project I’m currently working on is not sports related; it is a documentary about stuttering. I’m a person who stutters and am an advocate of speech diversity. I believe that you should be listened to, taken seriously, and trusted even if you have speech disfluencies. I’m working on this project alongside Maya Chupkov, who you featured recently. We are in the early stages of this documentary, balancing our very busy full-time jobs outside of volunteering on this passion project. My hope for this documentary is to educate others about stuttering while dismantling harmful narratives the media has often portrayed. I want people to understand that stuttering doesn’t equate to being unintelligent, nervous, or shy; it’s simply the way I speak. I know what I want to say. I just stutter.

Tessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In high school, I would film sporting events and create hype videos that would air on our school’s weekly news update show. That’s where I first found my love for media and content creation. When I went to college, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, so I just continued on the media and video production path because I enjoyed it. There was a point near the end of my sophomore year where I did not think I could continue pursuing a degree in Mass Communications due to my stutter. I questioned, “How could I become an expert in Mass Communications with a communication disorder?” Despite my fear, and with the help of some incredible speech pathologist, I decided to continue my Mass Communication degree, interning at news stations and then gaining a role with an NBA team. I specialize in multi-platform marketing video content, overseeing the production process—from creation to deployment—for Fortune 500 companies and global brands within the sports industry. Working in sports has shaped me into a versatile creative professional, thriving in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. I often find myself balancing the roles of client and creative, adapting to meet diverse needs. What I think sets my work apart is my commitment to crafting stories that foster empathy and build connections. I leverage my expertise to bring clients’ visions to life, creating content that resonates with diverse audiences across various platforms. My dedication to authenticity and emotional resonance drives my storytelling, aiming not only to entertain but also to inspire and promote social change. I take pride in the genuine connections I build with the people and teams I work with. Whether working independently or as part of a team, my goal is to deliver meaningful stories that matter, blending strategic vision with creative excellence in every project.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being a full-time creative within the sports industry, while having a stutter, means that every aspect of my journey has required resilience. Growing up with a stutter was challenging, and I experienced bullying because of it. Thankfully, I was surrounded by support and love, which helped me transform those tough experiences into incredible mental strength and resilience. This resilience has been crucial in my career in sports media, a field known for its competitiveness and intensity. As many creatives know, making a full-time career out of our passion is tough. The creative sports industry is filled with many talented people, so the roles are highly competitive and sought after. We are often underpaid and overworked, all behind the guise of “I love what I do.” Now that I’m more established in my career, I often let my work and experience speak for itself. But those early years were foundational. I worked hard on my communication skills so that even if I did stutter, I made sure that the way I decided to communicate that day was understood and listened to. I’ve learned to handle frustration, rejection, and misunderstanding with grace. I’m now able to navigate difficult situations with patience, and clear communication comes naturally to me. Experiencing the difficulties associated with stuttering has also made me more empathetic and understanding towards others facing their own challenges. This, I believe, makes me a better storyteller and gives me a stronger ability to connect more deeply with my subjects. The adaptability and problem-solving skills needed in the creative industry are invaluable in all areas of life, making us more resilient overall.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the diverse range of projects I get to work on. Each project presents something different, constantly challenging me and helping me grow in my craft. The industry is also filled with incredibly talented and creative individuals, making collaboration a truly enriching experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tessaandrade.com/

Image Credits

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