Meet Monica Terry of Brave

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Terry.

Monica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was consumed as early as high school by being around great storytelling and strong writing, which is probably what drew me to my first jobs in entertainment in New York and Los Angeles. In an alternate universe, I may have been a decent producer, but I was basically the worst assistant in the history of Hollywood, so when I was about to get fired by a talent manager at 25, I had a reckoning and felt compelled to find something that was more aligned with my desire to help tell great stories.

I somehow finagled my way into working at UrbanDaddy, which, at the time, served up these very cheeky, beautifully written features on whatever cool new thing was opening around town. I grinded at that job to cultivate relationships and lock exclusives. My friends would call me Nancy Drew because I was this young blonde always out prowling for stories and trying to solve the mystery behind what was opening next. It was a very intoxicating time. Ed Ruscha put it perfectly– Hollywood is a verb. I had some adventures.

When the buzz around the whole startup world became too loud to ignore, I worked at a couple of tech startups based in New York and London. After that, I partnered with a badass female engineer with a brilliant travel concept called TravelEnvy. We worked together to build a better way for people to share travel recommendations with one another. She and I definitely took a few hard lessons to the teeth in the process, but I still believe in the concept, the founder and our little travel app that could.

I subscribe to the school of ‘everything you do informs something later down the road,’ as evidenced by my current role as Executive Director at Today, I’m Brave. Running a nonprofit that celebrates brave individuals and supports brave causes largely through the power of story is an amalgamation of every job and life experience I’ve ever had. The fact that I work out of the David&Goliath office (where some of the best storytelling in the world happens) is not lost on me.

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there have been struggles. That’s where the good stuff happens! Based on my experience, your 20’s are basically a series of events in which you’re wrong– wrong about a job, a romance, a friendship, a roommate, even a city! Before I began to truly value my relationship with my intuition and recognize how fear-based thinking was holding me back, I got it wrong a lot. But those darker times forced me to get to work learning how to dial in to that inner channel, or deeper ‘I.’ Once that became my practice, I felt most of the nonsense fall away on its own. I still get it wrong plenty, but the more I prioritize connecting to that authentic voice– or inner BRAVE– the more I feel like everything is unfolding as it should.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Brave – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Today I’m Brave began as a movement when David&Goliath’s founder, David Angelo was introduced to Tiffany Persons, founder of nonprofit Shine on Sierra Leone, who shared with him the philanthropic work they were doing in Sierra Leone, primarily with the Muddy Lotus primary school. They were in crisis mode directly affected by the Ebola Virus.

The agency wanted to support the community and created the Today, I’m Brave initiative to inspire them and give them a sense of hope and belief that they can overcome any challenge. They created Today, I’m Brave t-shirts, mantra cards and a video message encouraging the kids to stay strong and discover their own inner sense of Brave.

The results were beyond what anyone expected. “Today, I’m Brave” took on a greater meaning and mission after that born from the hearts and creativity of D&G’ers. Two years later, Today, I’m Brave is a registered nonprofit that has helped inspire bravery in thousands of people all over the world. We proudly work to support Brave organizations such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Covenant House LA, and Shine on Sierra Leone.

By collecting hundreds of stories celebrating the Brave journeys of fearless individuals, holding Brave Speaker Series and events to raise money for Brave causes, and partnering with like-minded organizations, Today I’m Brave is uniquely positioned to help people of every walk of life conquer their fear and amplify their own brave story.

What sets us apart is the abundance of talent, heart, and creativity driving Today I’m Brave. What we’re most proud of are our relationships.

What Trends do you predict or are you leading in your industry?
With advertising in its DNA, Today, I’m Brave recognizes the potential for a new model of philanthropy marketing, wherein absolutely anyone can join in and use their gifts to inspire more bravery. Whether you’re a storyteller by trade, a large corporation or small brand, another nonprofit or simply someone with a story to share, we’re using an ‘all-are welcome’ approach to finding ways to connect brave people to brave causes.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I don’t think it can be contained to just one moment. I feel equal parts proud, humbled, elated, and aligned every time I meet with an organization that’s helping others in brave and unique ways.

I’m especially proud and excited to work on PRoject100, an initiative we’ve created aimed at bringing aid to Puerto Ricans still suffering in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria and Irma. We’re collaborating with a terrifically fearless organization from New York, HEART 9/11 and actors/activists Ramon Rodriguez and Rosie Perez.

Ramon has directed a powerful film about the work HEART 9/11 is doing teaching local Puerto Ricans the carpentry skills needed to rebuild their own roofs. PRoject100 will ensure as many people as possible see the film and raise the funds needed to get 100 more roofs built there this year.

Like I said, all are welcome! So if you’d like to help, get in touch!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]

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