We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Brittney Autry and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Brittney, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of cultivating community! Any time I have a crazy idea or decide that I want to do something simple or bold, I have so many people who show up to support! People randomly come up to me and say they are watching my journey and they are proud! It melts my heart! I am so grateful for the ways in which going after my dreams and connecting authentically with people has truly shaped my ability to grow dynamically. I am so proud of building that community of presence, compassion and impact and I don’t know that it is necessarily the most visible to others!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Brittney and I am the founder of Cent(HER)ed Collective! We are a mental wellness social enterprise with the bold mission to close the mental health gap for Black women and girls! We do this through traditional talk therapy, youth programming for Black girls in grades 9-12 and retreats and community workshops! Our brand is interesting because it began in the pandemic and has matured to be a space where Black girls and women can be their beautiful, whole selves! We partner with other organizations, we try to meet the range of needs of the individuals we serve and we seek to make healing a fun, interactive and culturally affirming experience!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents for sure! The were in the military and thus, I was raised to have a very strong work ethic. If I say I’m going to do something, I better make it happen or find someone who will lol! They instilled in me that you must be impeccable with your word and you must ensure that you continue to strive to reach your highest self. It was always important that I aimed for the stars and that I work my behind off to achieve whatever goal I set my mind to achieve!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Girl, your brain doesn’t even fully develop until. your 25, relax! lol I would also tell my younger self that I did the best that I could do with the information that I had and look how far we’ve come! Be proud of every version of yourself that leads to the highest level of your achievement!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am really committed to the process of building the type of physical space that invites the type of community that we’ve been serving along this journey! I want to make sure that the space is beautiful, but also feels like a bear hug from your favorite grandma! I really want to ensure that it is accessible, environmentally friendly, inspires creativity and makes people want to both dream big and believe in the actualization of those dreams!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
This is an easy one! I feel the most at peace when I go to the beach. When my feet touch the sand, I am grounded. When my body hits the water, I am floating without the weight of the world on my shoulders. It is incredibly freeing to be in the beauty of the sun, while suspended in the ocean. It is truly the most peaceful feeling for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centheredcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centheredcollective/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cent-her-ed-collective-wellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centheredcollective/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o0sTC0n0MA
Image Credits
Photographer: Ceily Moore, other photos: event photographer unknown
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
