Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Virgil Brown
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into nonprofit consulting began during my undergraduate studies, where I double majored in public relations and advocacy. Through internships and volunteering opportunities, I gained valuable experience in both areas and developed a passion for using communication strategies to support the mission-driven work of nonprofits.
During my last year of graduate school, I moved to Houston, TX, and started working as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at a local nonprofit organization, Girls Empowerment Network, focused on building girls self-efficacy. This experience solidified my desire to work in the nonprofit sector and use my skills to make a positive impact.
After completing my AmeriCorps term, I was offered a position at Youth Rise Texas, where I grew to become the Co-Executive Director. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning, and communication strategies while supporting meaningful causes such as youth advocacy, restorative justice, and racial justice. I am grateful for the growth and impact I was able to achieve in this role.
However, after three years at Youth Rise Texas, I felt ready for a new challenge and decided to start nonprofit consulting full-time. Building on my experience and passion for supporting nonprofits, I have been providing strategic communication and development services to various organizations in the past. It has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, working with diverse clients and helping them achieve their goals through effective communication strategies.
In addition to my work with nonprofits, I am also an advocate for mental health and wellness. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, I have a deep understanding of the importance of self-care and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. I regularly volunteer at local organizations that focus on mental health awareness and education.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle along the way was making the initial decision to move into full-time consulting. When the board of directors decided to close Youth Rise Texas, I was 3 months pregnant and lost on what my next steps would be. I had always envisioned myself working in the nonprofit sector but with becoming a new mom, I didn’t want to take on a role that would have an intensive travel schedule like I had before.
Moving into full-time consulting came with its fair share of challenges. The biggest struggle for me was learning how to manage my time effectively and balance multiple clients and projects simultaneously. It took some trial and error, but I eventually found a system that worked well for me. I now have the flexibility to be the work-from-home mother I envisioned.
Another challenge was overcoming imposter syndrome. As a young freelancer, it can be intimidating to navigate the business world and establish yourself as an expert in your field. It took a lot of self-reflection and confidence-building techniques to overcome those feelings of self-doubt.
We’ve been impressed with Bria V. Brown Nonprofit Consulting at Culture Advisors, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Culture Advisors has a combined 30+ years of experience in corporate human resources and human capital consulting, a small group of self-motivated entrepreneurs decided to alter direction. Now, as a much larger and integrated group of experienced management consultants, we share our passion to build exceptional cultures. Our ramp up process is designed to empower your team and outfit them with the tools they need to succeed.
As a partner at Culture Advisors, I assist our nonprofit clients with organizational development, program design and evaluation, fundraising strategies, and board development. Our goal is to help our clients become more efficient and effective in achieving their mission and making a positive impact in their communities.
What sets us apart from others is our unique approach to working with non-profits. We understand the challenges faced by these organizations and work closely with them to develop tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. We also prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work, ensuring that every client receives equitable support regardless of their size or budget.
Our strong brand reputation comes from our commitment to excellence and integrity in all aspects of our work. We are proud to have helped numerous for-profits and non-profits achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact in their communities. We are also constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the non-profit sector, ensuring that our clients receive the most up-to-date and effective strategies.
We want readers to know that Culture Advisors is more than just a consulting firm – we are partners in helping non-profits thrive. Our services go beyond traditional consulting, as we truly invest ourselves in each client’s mission and work tirelessly to support them in achieving their goals. We are dedicated to building long-term relationships and providing ongoing support to our clients, as we believe that sustained success is built on continuous collaboration and growth.
In addition to our consulting services, we also offer workshops and training sessions for professionals who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as leadership development, fundraising techniques, and program evaluation.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The non-profit sector is constantly evolving, and we expect to see significant changes in the industry over the next 5-10 years. One major trend that we have already seen emerging is the growing importance of technology and digital strategies for non-profits. With the rise of social media and online fundraising platforms, organizations are finding new ways to connect with donors and reach a wider audience.
Another shift we anticipate is an increased focus on data-driven decision-making. Non-profits are recognizing the value of data in informing their strategies and measuring their impact. As a result, there will be a greater demand for professionals who possess strong analytical skills and can effectively use data to drive organizational growth.
We also expect to see continued efforts towards thoughtful leadership and board investment. Non-profits are realizing the importance of having diverse and skilled leaders at the helm, as well as a dedicated and engaged board of directors. This will lead to more investment in leadership development programs and efforts to attract top talent from diverse backgrounds.
Finally, we anticipate that there will be a shift towards more collaborative approaches within the non-profit sector. With increasing competition for funding and resources, organizations will need to work together to achieve common goals and maximize their impact. This may involve shared leadership models, partnerships with other non-profits, or even government agencies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cultureadvisors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briavirgil/
Image Credits
Culture Advisors
