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

Hi Devan, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned at a prior job is being able to perform in multiple capacities. At times, people will say that it’s a negative to ‘wear many hats..’ To me, the ABILITY to wear many hats comfortably and successfully makes someone a valuable part of a team. When working toward a shared goal, it’s common to have projects stumble, halt or fail as a result of missing key, integral members whose strengths can add value to a project. Having the willingness and ability to learn about the various tasks that lend to a desired outcome can really take you far.

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 am the Founder of Brown on the Spectrum (BOTS), an organization that provides information and resources to families and caregivers of Black and Brown individuals with ASD. I began BOTS as an online space to share programs and community events alongside photos of my family’s journey navigating our son’s Autism diagnosis. The primary goal of BOTS is to share information and to inspire advocacy from the family first. As a parent, I can imagine how overwhelming a new diagnosis can be. However, something that I’ve always had is community. Growing up with my sister, who has ASD, I remember my mother’s experiences and challenges around isolation and advocacy for her. Because of that, BOTS remains as a place for people to discover not only valuable information, but community. What makes me proud is being fueled by motherhood. More specifically, being a mother that wants to make a better place for not only my son but others like him. My involvement in local organizations that influence, create and shape services for the ASD community are important to me. While my focus will always be grassroots and person-centered, I believe it’s important to become involved in initiatives that decide our options.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Something that I believed helped to build my reputation within the market is consistency. Brown on the Spectrum was founded in 2015. While it doesn’t feel like a long time, approaching ten years within the space of advocacy is amazing! As a creative, I know how one can lose inspiration. A thing that some people don’t realize is the level of thought and intention that goes into regularly creating content. Coupling that with research, networking and staying up to date on professional development? It takes a lot to stick with it. However, with genuine drive, dedication and passion, one can stay in the game. Sprinkling in the ability to adapt and pivot? It’s a win and it definitely radiates!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

At the beginning of the OSI Baltimore Community Fellowship, I had the feeling that various organizations would be willing to work with me solely on the strength of the Fellowship. I was WRONG What I learned was the same old adage; it’s not what you know, but in fact WHO you know. Coupling that with the ability to network and genuinely follow-through with people? That helps…..but at the end of it all, people are still hesitant about opening the door to whom they deem a stranger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/brownonthespectrum