We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teja Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Teja, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
As the owner of a social media agency, my purpose emerged from a combination of personal experiences, passion, and a desire for change. Being from Oakland California it helped me shape my purpose and growing up, I witnessed the systemic injustices and disparities that Black and Brown communities faced. These experiences ignited a passion within me to use my skills and resources to contribute to positive change.
My interest in social media and its power to influence and inform masses led me to start a social media agency. I realized the potential it held in raising awareness, educating people, and fostering dialogue around social justice issues.
I found further purpose in using this platform to uplift Black and Brown communities by sharing their stories, celebrating their achievements, and advocating for their rights. Engaging with these communities, understanding their struggles, and aspirations solidified my purpose.
I believe that social media can be a powerful tool in the fight for social justice, and I am committed to using my agency to advance this cause. This intertwining of my personal experiences, passion, and skills is how I found my purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Get Social with Teja, is dedicated to amplifying voices that often go unheard. We specialize in social justice advocacy and political awareness, specifically focusing on uplifting Black and Brown communities. We create content, campaigns, and strategies that not only inform and educate, but also inspire action.
What makes our work special is our unyielding commitment to authenticity. We don’t just tell stories, we collaborate with the communities we serve to ensure their narratives are told accurately and respectfully. We’re passionate about giving a platform to individuals and causes that are too often overlooked.
Our agency is unique because we are advocates, storytellers, and allies. Our work is driven by our commitment to equity, justice, and the belief that every voice matters.
We had campaigns like Rock the Vote, where we helped them rebrand to continue their 30-year reign as the leading voting rights organization. During our tenure, we have registered over 3 million voters through digital activism and launched dozens of campaigns that have aided our country’s advancement for future generations. We also had what we call, She the people, it elevates the political voice and leadership of women of color as part of a new progressive political and cultural era. We assisted the Biden Campaign in our push for a woman of color as VP during the 2020 election, which resulted in our first Black and Indian female president. History was made.
We truly believe that social media has the power to create meaningful change. Through our work, we hope to contribute to a more equitable, inclusive world. Thank you for your support as we continue on this journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Understanding of Social Issues: A deep understanding of social justice issues and the historical and contemporary context of Black and Brown communities has been crucial. To develop this understanding, I’d recommend engaging with a range of resources – books, documentaries, podcasts, and firsthand accounts. Engage with communities directly, and listen to their experiences and perspectives.
2. Digital Literacy: Proficient use of social media platforms and understanding the digital landscape have been essential in our work. For those starting, I would recommend staying updated with the latest trends, understanding the algorithms, and learning how to create engaging content. There are numerous online courses and resources available to hone these skills.
3. Empathy and Communication: Empathy has allowed us to connect with the communities we serve on a deeper level. It’s about more than understanding; it’s about feeling and sharing the experiences of others. This, combined with strong communication skills, has allowed us to share these stories in a way that resonates with a broad audience. For those looking to develop these skills, practice active listening, engage in diverse conversations, and continuously seek to broaden your perspective.
Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about consistent learning, growing, and adapting. Stay curious, stay empathetic, and never lose sight of why you started.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Our agency is always eager to collaborate with individuals and organizations that align with our mission. We’re particularly interested in partnering with: 1. Influencers, bloggers, and content creators who are passionate about helping their community.
2. Non-profit organizations or advocacy groups working towards social justice, policy change, or community development within Black and Brown communities.
3. Businesses and corporations that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are looking to amplify their efforts through social media.
4. Artists, musicians, and entertainers using their art to express social commentary and contribute to the discourse around social justice.
5. Educators and scholars who can bring academic insights to our awareness campaigns and help ensure that the content we create is accurate and informative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.getsocialwithteja.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getsocial/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/GetSocialTeam
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-social-with-teja
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/getsocialwt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmTIQ77y0StbFGDcY6w5BDg
