We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Barnett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I would like to polish all my skills as a leader. I want to overcome, my fear of public speaking, and how to respond in all situations as a leader. Now that I am older and wiser, I continue training to learn about myself as a career woman. I need to improve my skills of motivating people, to strengthen the fight for freedom. I am willing to take the risks and I plan to bring a clear and transparent approach to telling our community’s story that will amplify our voices confidently and consistently.

In my current role as Policy Manager for Commissioner Boyce, I am researching, studying and peaking behind the curtain to gain an understanding, from a legislative perspective, why black people are still experiencing the same struggles and what realistic change looks like for the long term. Political action must be taken and I know that my role is in gathering and moving the people forward, fearlessly.

I am doing this work now for future generations. While I may not see an entirely new America in my lifetime, I will make a mark and create a structure that with time, will exude justice, peace and prosperity for everyone in America. This is more than a single law, bill or action; I am creating a platform and building a level of consciousness that will continue to challenge status quos and ultimately rewrite our narrative that will stand the test of time.

Chelsea, 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?

I take a strategic approach to all opportunities that come my way, to find myself and my purpose. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio I was fortunate to have parents that challenged me to be well-round throughout the private schools I attended. Attending Howard University for undergrad opened my eyes to the world and showed me what black excellence looks like and our responsibility to the world.

I currently own and lead operations for OYA Organizes, a diversified professional organizing service for physical and digital spaces, as well as community project engagement. I serve in my community as President of Rewriting the Narrative, Inc. and Marketing Committee co-chair for The Lincoln Theatre. My longest position was as an Account Executive at Bartha, an AV event staging and media production company and I have current switched careers, and serve in government as a Policy Manager for Commissioner Boyce of Franklin County.

As a pillar in my family and community, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling and having celebrations. I am very passionate about health and wellness and with that I practice, fitness, veganism and therapy to shift my level of consciousness.

My lifetime dream is to become a Producer and Director of Documentaries and TV. My aspirations are to grow media through innovative and compelling productions, to tell a story that has not been before. I tend to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders and that’s my motivation to keep going.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being a leader comes first-nature to me. My proudest moment in my career was quitting my corporate job to run my business. OYA Organizes is a professional organizing service for homes, businesses and communities, to get rid of what’s old and start over fresh while maintaining productivity. OYA Organizes, a future household brand, is setting the bar for an organized lifestyle.

I lead a team of three people and in growing my business, I’ve learned to be patient, understanding and empathetic for both my employees and clients. Which are all transferable skills to lead a movement and to be a great leader. I encourage my clients to begin a new journey the same way that I encourage the community in my nonprofit work.

I want to increase my territory over all my businesses. The impact of serving others and telling our authentic stories, embraces the unique qualities that make up our dynamic and influential culture. I would be grateful to have the opportunity to hone in on my skills and grow into a more focused driven leader.

I understand my assignment and to whom much is given, much is required. As a result, my perspective has shifted to start moving in that direction, to be more intentional about what I can give long term. I am thinking realistically and I’m a big dreamer, so realistically I plan on making a huge impact! I am grateful and aware of the life I have, so now is my time to step into what I have been preparing for.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

As a business owner and community activist that forged me the opportunity to work in the Commissioners office for Franklin County. All of the work has brought me to this level or professionalism, which is the testament to my work ethic. Service is in my DNA! Currently, I serve the community in unique and innovative ways, one, as the president of a nonprofit called Rewriting the Narrative Inc. founded in 2020 by me and my 8 friends. Second, I serve as a Policy Manager under the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and third, I serve residents of Franklin County through my professional organizing business, OYA Organizes. Throughout all my experiences, I feel like I am just getting started.

While at The Mecca of HBCUs, I joined a freshman mentoring organization called Campus Pals. This was the beginning of me finding my purpose. We mentored 30 incoming freshmen each year, cultivated a community that dates to 1946 and were challenged to excel in everything on Howard’s campus, from academics to extracurriculars. I served as the Selection’s Co-Chair for Campus Pals, one of the most important roles of the organization, to choose the next group of “Pals” to represent our organization. This was my first experience in a true leadership position, where I was tasked to organize onboarding and program development. I connected new Pals with old Pals to continue cultivating the legacy that attributes to our life successes beyond college.

I further ventured to the Black Mecca of America, Atlanta, to spread my wings to pursue my film dreams. There I was awakened to what it meant to be in a thriving black community and what cultivation and culture-driven community can produce. I became more cultured in my blackness, aware of my history and where I come from.

After being away from home for 7 years, I developed in ways that I always longed for. When I returned home to the same people and places it was a culture shock. My new perspective was outside of the box I grew up around and I knew then that it was my responsibility to impact my community with the knowledge and resources I gained. This afforded me the opportunities to work in different arenas, do what I do best, serve the community.

After 6 years of being home, I truly feel like I am back to my true self! I am moving in a positive
direction to follow down the path that has been chosen for me and I am motivated to spread my
wings, like I did when I first ventured to Howard.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oyaorganizes.com
• Instagram: @oyaorganizes