We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fatima Heyward. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fatima below.
Fatima, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
As leaders, much of our work often goes unnoticed or is thankless. We don’t seek recognition; we strive to bring about change. However, it’s always heartwarming to receive appreciation in those rare moments. One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me was to acknowledge my efforts and leadership.
I have the honor of serving as the president of the New Jersey Young Democrats, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position when I was elected in 2019. During our 2023 national convention, the entire NJYD delegation came together to write a heartfelt card expressing their appreciation for me. They also surprised me with a gift card to a spa, encouraging me to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. This gesture was completely unexpected, and I am still deeply touched by their kindness and the thoughtful way they chose to show their appreciation.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Originally from Philadelphia, I am proud of my humble beginnings and the journey I’ve embarked on. From a young age, I had a clear vision of achieving financial stability, independence, and the ability to care for my family. As I matured, this desire expanded to include a commitment to making a positive impact in my community. This aspiration has taught me the transformative power of knowledge, collaboration, and innovative ideas.
While my journey has not been easy, I take pride in many of my accomplishments. I was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy as the youngest commissioner on the New Jersey Amistad Commission. The mission of this commission is to promote a deeper understanding of the African slave trade, the history of slavery in America, and the numerous contributions that Africans have made to American society.
Additionally, I serve as the President of the New Jersey Young Democrats, making history as the organization’s first Black woman president. I also hold several leadership positions, including Emerging Leaders Caucus Chair for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, 1st Vice Chair for the Young Democrats of America Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, 2nd Vice Chair for the Young Democrats of America Black Caucus, Executive Board Member for the Gloucester County NAACP, and Advisory Committee Member for the Center for American Women and Politics – Bipartisan Coalition of Women’s Appointments.
I am a part of these various organizations because I am dedicated to social justice, racial equity, and public service. My mission is to empower young leaders and community members by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to advocate for their human and civil rights.
I am currently the Director of National Corporate Partnerships at Teach For America, an organization dedicated to ensuring all children have access to an excellent education and economic mobility. My work focuses on economic empowerment through obtaining funding for teachers and students and ensuring underrepresented communities have resources and tools to enhance learning experiences.
While I find fulfillment in my role, I have recently entered a phase in my life where I seek further growth and purpose. For this reason, I applied to and was accepted into Howard University’s highly competitive Executive MBA program. This represents a significant milestone in my journey toward creating lasting change in my community. My goal is to empower our communities to thrive and live with dignity. I am especially passionate about advocating for human rights, inspiring young people to take action, and promoting love and kindness.
Any advice for managing a team?
As the person responsible for leading others and driving initiatives to achieve organizational goals, it is essential to ensure that your team fully understands the objectives and their roles in accomplishing them. Over the years, I have observed a significant difference between simply giving orders and involving your team in the journey toward goals. It is crucial to foster a high level of collaboration, partnership in thought, clarity, and transparency when managing a team. Additionally, providing the necessary support is important to set your team members up for success. When your team is invested in the mission and are treated as partners in the work, you have a higher likelihood of smoother operations and maintaining high morale.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
To truly expand your base, the key lies in understanding your audience deeply. By gaining insight into their interests and needs, you can more effectively engage and retain them. This deep connection not only enhances your efforts, but also fuels your growth initiatives, paving the way for lasting success.
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