Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raven Heyward. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Raven, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

From an early age, I was driven by a passion for DEI-related topics, serving as a student ambassador for my high school’s equity team and student council. It was during my Junior year of high school that my commitment to this cause deepened as I delved into a research paper focused on women of color in Corporate America. This research shed light on the personal experiences of WOC in North Carolina’s corporate landscape, revealing a pressing need for increased representation and equity. Although more companies were implementing DEI policies, the voices of these women highlighted the ongoing challenges and the untapped potential for progress. Recognizing that education is the catalyst for change, I embarked on a mission to amplify underrepresented voices and create more equitable environments. Through my podcast, I engage in insightful conversations with leaders, sparking discussions on how to enhance representation across various industries. By mentoring and inspiring the youth of Gen Z, my mission is to cultivate a generation that embraces diversity and empowers all individuals to thrive.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Raven Heyward from Raleigh, North Carolina. Currently a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I’m pursuing a major in Business Administration with a minor in Conflict Management. My podcast serves as a powerful platform for change. Through engaging interviews with industry leaders, I facilitate conversations on increasing representation and fostering more equitable environments. My mission is to inspire and mentor the youth of Gen Z, providing them with opportunities and guidance to explore diverse career paths. In addition to my podcast, I actively contribute to my university community, participating in the cheerleading team, Honors Carolina, and facilitating panel discussions for our Business School’s first Black Women in Business Event. I take immense pride in being able to offer a valuable resource to Gen Z listeners. Through my podcast and future endeavors, I aim to make content that resonates with their experiences and provides insight into their challenges. By sharing stories, exploring career opportunities, and promoting open conversations, I strive to empower and equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their unique journeys successfully.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

To build my audience, I initially reached out to my family and friends, sharing my podcast and its mission with them. Additionally, I actively sought connections with local businesses and news channels, informing them about my work. By leveraging these personal networks and engaging with the local community, I gained traction and garnered initial support. As I move forward, my focus is on maintaining consistent and regular content updates to further expand my audience base. I believe in the power of feedback, so I actively seek input from my listeners to learn more about their preferences and interests. By constantly refining my content and incorporating their valuable suggestions, I ensure that my podcast remains engaging, relevant, and resonates with my audience’s needs. For those embarking on their own social media journey, I offer the following advice: Be proactive and persistent in sharing your work with your personal network. Embrace consistency in your content creation and posting schedule to establish credibility and build anticipation among your audience. Finally, never underestimate the importance of seeking feedback and actively engaging with your audience. By fostering a sense of community and valuing their input, you can cultivate a loyal and supportive following.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn was the tendency to showcase only the highlights and successes. As I embarked on my podcast journey, I realized the significance of being vulnerable and acknowledging that life does not always unfold as planned. It was important for me to be honest and transparent in sharing stories that encompassed both triumphs and setbacks. By embracing vulnerability, I learned that true growth and learning come from being open and authentic. This realization drove me to seek out and share honest stories that provide valuable insights for my listeners. Each episode serves as a learning experience, fostering growth not only for my audience but also for myself. I believe that by embracing vulnerability and authenticity, we can extract the maximum value from every encounter and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse journeys we embark on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://diversifyher.buzzsprout.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversifyherpodcast/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-heyward-105312200/

Image Credits
Morgan Crutchfield Photography https://linktr.ee/Daffodyl