Bria Virgil

Welcome and Southern Roots

Taryell Simmons: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another episode of Rise Urban Nation. I am your host Taryell Simmons. Today, I have a special guest in the building. First, we have to give a shout out to Nancy for connecting us. We have Bria in the house. Bria, for people who have not had the pleasure of meeting you, who is Bria?

Bria Virgil: Bria is a Black woman first. I grew up in the South and still live in the South, born and raised. That molds my experiences and how I navigate the world. First and foremost, I am a daughter and a sister. I am an advocate for Black women across the nation, creating spaces for Black women to thrive. That is what I want to be known for.

Taryell Simmons: That is right, put it out in the universe. Southern hospitality is unmatched. Another thing I learned is that we both served in AmeriCorps. Tell the people about AmeriCorps, your experience, and why you value it.

Bria Virgil: AmeriCorps is a government-funded program for students and graduates to work within nonprofit organizations across various sectors. I was part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program working with organizations in our community. My first full-time role in the nonprofit sector was at Girls Empowerment Network after working in the mayor's office in Monroe, Louisiana. That experience originally introduced me to fundraising.

Taryell Simmons: How did that shift into fundraising happen?

Bria Virgil: I have always been a community organizer with boots on the ground. When I applied for VISTA positions, I applied for community engagement to work with volunteers. During the interview, they suggested I become a fundraiser. Initially, I did not want to be responsible for anyone's money or salaries. But they saw my strengths and offered training. I said yes and realized I was strong at fundraising. It turned out to be a highly creative and innovative role, and I ran with it.

Taryell Simmons: When I started my nonprofit career, I also took development classes at UCSD. There is often a stigma in our community that people do not make money in nonprofits, but you can build a meaningful and sustainable career. What do you say to that stigma?

Bria Virgil: I am proud of my work. What helps me grind is showing others that they can do this too. In the nonprofit sector, the possibilities are endless for impacting your community and infusing your own creativity. You can bring what you truly love into your community.

Ambassadors of Change and Mental Health Advocacy

Taryell Simmons: Tell us about your nonprofit, the work you are doing, and how you help young women thrive.

Bria Virgil: Ambassadors of Change is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to building self-efficacy in Black and Brown women through leadership development, trauma healing practices, career escalation, and policy change research. Ambassadors of Change is reaching its tenth year. It was founded by Patrice Harrison, and I stepped in over the last two years to lead our organizational restructuring. We are bringing on new team members to build sustainable operational and development arms. Currently, we run an in-school program in Houston, Texas, called Elevated Outcomes, which helps girls build self-efficacy—their belief in their own capabilities. We also host healing circles in schools. Black girls in grades 9 through 12 face alarming mental health challenges, and they need safe spaces to unpack trauma and navigate the world.

Taryell Simmons: As a father to a daughter, I began recognizing my privilege as a Black man and the unique pressures Black women face, from imposter syndrome to systemic health disparities. How do we move the needle and create broader awareness?

Bria Virgil: It starts with philanthropy and committing donations to organizations addressing root causes. If we do not provide youth the space to express and heal from trauma, the cycle continues. Long-term, that research produces evidence to drive policy change that protects bodily autonomy, healthcare rights, and overall well-being.

Taryell Simmons: Addressing these systemic inequities early is essential.

Bria Virgil: Research shows girls as early as five years old can internalize harmful beliefs that brilliance is a male trait. Without intervention and relatable role models, those limiting beliefs persist. Our staff is entirely Black women, so we lead from lived experience to create empowering environments where girls realize their brilliance and potential.

Representation in Pageantry and Community Engagement

Taryell Simmons: How can men and community allies actively support your mission?

Bria Virgil: Men can get involved with our Miss Black International Ambassador Pageant system. Beyond the pageant, contestants engage in speaking engagements, panel discussions, and community workshops. Connecting with local queens and supporting their state advocacy campaigns is a great way to take action locally.

Taryell Simmons: Many educated Black women are transitioning into entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. What drives that movement?

Bria Virgil: Climbing traditional corporate ladders can be exhausting. Many Black women realize that if they are going to work that hard, they want to pour that energy into their own ventures. In addition to Ambassadors of Change, I co-direct Youth Rise Texas, an Austin-based nonprofit working with youth affected by parental incarceration and deportation through healing justice and youth organizing.

Taryell Simmons: You have an entrepreneurial spirit. How did that begin?

Bria Virgil: At sixteen, my mom and I started organizing local community pageants with receipt books and community center rentals. I always wanted it to be more than a pageant, integrating mentoring and workshops. Stepping into leadership at Miss Black International Ambassador felt full circle because it creates a dedicated space celebrating Black women holistically.

Family Influences, Strategic Planning, and Career Lessons

Taryell Simmons: Who in your family contributed to the woman you are today?

Bria Virgil: My parents. My father is from Chicago and my mother from Detroit; they met at Southern University. They instilled independence, encouraged dreaming big, and taught me to pursue work I truly love. They supported our creative passions and were always in my corner.

Taryell Simmons: How do you navigate leadership challenges and align your team around a vision?

Bria Virgil: Strategic planning and synergy are vital. We held an all-staff retreat to map out our five-year goals, balancing big dreams with financial realities. Setting clear expectations during organizational restructuring ensures everyone moves forward in unison.

Taryell Simmons: What steps and tools helped you advance in your career?

Bria Virgil: Community organizing is foundational; you must know the people around you. Staying tech-savvy and keeping up with CRMs and project management tools like Asana gave me an edge. Integrating artistic creativity and storytelling into fundraising also makes development engaging.

Taryell Simmons: What is a major life lesson you have learned?

Bria Virgil: Self-imposed deadlines are not real. The pandemic taught me to let go of rigid timelines. Building an organization is a marathon, and you cannot rush the journey. Embrace the process.

Future Vision and Closing Remarks

Taryell Simmons: What advice do you have for someone entering your industry, and what does the future hold?

Bria Virgil: Learn how to fundraise. Fundraising sharpens your networking skills and connects you directly to resources. Trust youth leadership and invest in BIPOC-led organizations. In the future, I see Miss Black International Ambassador standing on the same level as Miss USA, commanding major endorsements and network broadcast support. I envision our curriculum expanding globally and our queens running for public office.

Taryell Simmons: What upcoming projects are on the horizon and where can listeners find you?

Bria Virgil: We are celebrating our tenth anniversary with the annual Miss Black International Ambassador pageant in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 11th through the 15th. In spring 2024, we will host our summit in Houston honoring four outstanding ambassadors. You can follow me on Instagram at @BriaVirgil, the pageant at @NBIApageant, and Ambassadors of Change at @AOCInc.

Taryell Simmons: Thank you for sharing your journey and doing this vital work. We appreciate you and salute the magic you bring to the community.

Bria Virgil: Thank you for creating this platform and listening to Black women. Appreciate a Black woman every single day.