Meet The Honorable Fatima Heyward | Leader & Changemaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with The Honorable Fatima Heyward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi The Honorable Fatima, how do you define success?
The definition of success depends on a person’s view of success. What does it mean to reach success? Some may determine success based on professional accomplishments, reaching specific milestones, or financial goals. I define success as being proud of what you set to achieve in any given situation. Success is not based on what others dictate as success for you but on what you set for yourself. For me, real success is earned, not given. Sometimes, it manifests as a goal you’ve worked hard to achieve, while other times, it comes unexpectedly as a reward based on the merits of your hard work.

I have experienced both and am grateful for every blessing I have received based on my success. While attending college, it was not a goal of mine to join a sorority, but the right organization found me. I am a proud sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and served as president of the Tau Kappa Chapter during my undergraduate studies, winning various collegiate and national awards for my chapter. I worked diligently throughout my time in college and was recognized for my achievements in several ways, including being selected for the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, the Order of Omega Leadership Honor Society, and being listed in Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities, as well as being named a Rider Star Scholar. One of my top priorities while in school was to study abroad, which helped shape the person I aspired to be.

During my time studying abroad in London and interning at the MAMA Youth Project, I discovered my passion for working in the nonprofit sector. Post-college, I went on to work at Planned Parenthood, becoming the first reproductive justice and community partnerships manager in the organization’s history. In this role, I formulated and implemented expansion projects to deepen Planned Parenthood’s impact in communities with high sexual and reproductive health disparities through a reproductive justice lens.

Seeking to elevate my impact, I sought a greater opportunity to showcase my leadership and expertise, which brought me to Teach For America as the national director of corporate partnerships. At TFA, I am responsible for bringing in six to seven-figure corporate gifts, fostering new corporate relationships and partnership opportunities, building workforce development pipelines, and developing and leading partnerships that benefit teachers and students nationwide.

I am thankful for the work I do. My vision of success is based on the level of impact I can make for underrepresented and underserved communities. This passion has led to my involvement in multiple organizations, expanding upon the impact I make at work. Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy, I serve as the youngest commissioner on the New Jersey Amistad Commission, whose mission is to promote a more comprehensive implementation of educational awareness programs regarding the African slave trade, slavery in America, and the many contributions Africans have made to American society. In addition, I am the President of the New Jersey Young Democrats and made history by becoming the organization’s first African American woman president.

My service does not end there. I am also the Emerging Leaders Caucus Chair for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, 1st Vice Chair for the YDA Association of Chartered Unit Presidents, 2nd Vice Chair for Young Democrats of America Black Caucus, Diversity Chair for New Leaders Council New Jersey, Executive Board Member for the Gloucester County NAACP, and Board Member for Women, Words & Wisdom. Additionally, I am an Emerge New Jersey Alumna. My overall goal is to equip young leaders and community members with the tools and resources to stand up for their human and civil rights.

I have been recognized on the local, state, and national levels for my contributions. Some of the honors include the NAACP Visionary Leader Award, SJ Magazine’s Woman to Watch Award, SNJ Millennials 30 Under 30 Trendsetters Award, National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Southern NJ Chapter 16th Annual Candace Women’s Achievement Award, the first-ever President’s Award at the Young Democrats of America 2021 National Convention, Sun Newspapers’ 2024 Political Trailblazer Award, and Girls; Live, Love, Laugh Inc. Trailblazer Award. Since 2019, I have been annually listed in Insider NJ’s Top 100 Millennials and, since 2020, Insider NJ’s 2020 African American Power List.

Though I have accomplished a great deal so far, I know I am far from done. To feed my desire for knowledge and continued growth, I am thrilled to be an Executive MBA candidate at Howard University. The average age for this program is 38. At age 30, I was accepted and have excelled in the program thus far due to my strong commitment.

When reflecting on what success looks like, it’s important to note that it will continue to evolve over time. What you may have envisioned for yourself at age 20 can change at age 30. Therefore, a few reminders are to give yourself grace, stay focused, and give yourself time. Every day brings a new opportunity to make an impact and attain success. There are big and small successes, and each one matters. Celebrate yourself, and never take anything for granted. Stay true to yourself and keep your head high. You got this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Everyone has something that makes them unique in this world. For me, my uniqueness and talent are deeply rooted in my upbringing and the way I view the world. As a proud product of Philadelphia, I cherish my humble beginnings and the journey that has brought me to where I am today. It has not been an easy path, but through these experiences, I have gained high emotional intelligence, empathy, and a call to lead. I firmly believe that the only way to overcome a challenge is to face it head-on rather than avoid it. Regardless of the obstacles I encounter, I have always pushed through with my head held high and a focused mindset on the goals ahead.

One important lesson I’ve learned is not to let others dictate your worth or future. Only you know your value, and only you can determine your path. After achieving significant success in a previous role, I will never forget being told that I was not ready to be a director and that I had “potential.” This feedback came while I was serving as president of the New Jersey Young Democrats, overseeing more than 30 leadership team members, 11 statewide caucuses, and 18 county chapters. Despite my experience, professional success, and capabilities, I was not treated accordingly. Ironically, I witnessed my white counterparts, who were younger and had less experience, being promoted to deputy director or director roles. If I had allowed the opinions of others to define my worth, I would not be the leader I am today. This experience also opened my eyes to the systemic biases that exist and highlighted the importance of recognizing them on our journey to success. Before you can combat injustice and navigate complex situations, you must be able to recognize it.

My lived experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. It’s essential to understand that I am deeply committed to social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and public service. I am passionate about delivering powerful and impactful messages that inspire young people to take action while promoting love and kindness. My goal is to ensure that when I look back, I have no regrets. I believe in celebrating life and living it to the fullest, no matter what.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to two organizations that have been instrumental in my journey as a leader and changemaker: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the New Jersey Young Democrats. Throughout my development as a young leader, these organizations offered me invaluable opportunities to learn, connect with inspiring individuals, and define my leadership style.

I am truly thankful for the experiences I gained from my active involvement in these organizations and the incredible people who stood by me on this path. Your uplifting words, unwavering support, and genuine love have profoundly impacted my life, and I want to acknowledge each of you for being in my corner. Thank you! I am committed to reciprocating your kindness and support as I progress in my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatima.heyward/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-n-heyward/

Twitter: https://x.com/FatimaHeyward; https://bsky.app/profile/fatima-heyward.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatima.heyward

Image Credits
Atlantic City Women’s March Photo: Press of Atlantic City

Governor’s Mansion Photo (red dress): Office of the Governor of New Jersey