Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown, Director of Advocacy and External Engagement at the School District of Philadelphia
After serving as the Communications Manager for City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s office, Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown joined the Philadelphia School District in 2018. In her role, she is responsible for directing the development and planning of strategies regarding government relations and the passage or defeat of legislation of interest to the Philadelphia School District. Sharpe-Brown juggles her day job with telling the stories of local nonprofits and small businesses through her passion projects as the founder and principal of On Point Communications, LLC, a public relations and communications firm.
The award-winning communications strategist is intentional in her collaborative approach to engage targeted audiences to highlight impact over publicity and investing in clients that give back to underserved communities. With a bachelor’s in journalism, Sharpe-Brown brings more than six years of experience in the communications field with a focus on PR, social media campaigns, community relations and strategic planning.
She was named the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists 2017 Media Professional of the Year; one of 54 “Connectors and Keepers” by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia; 2016 Women of Destiny Honoree; Femme & Fortune’s 30 Under 30
It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make being away from him. While a huge sacrifice, my experience working on Capitol Hill was the catalyst to my career in communications and government relations today.
What challenges have you faced as an African American woman in your field and how did you overcome them?
I have been underestimated because I am a woman, a woman of color and a mother. I have been told “no” more than “yes” and I have used it as motivation to press through. My parents always taught me to not let what other people think or say about me direct how I move.
When you begin to direct your energy to proving something to someone else, it becomes inauthentic and it is very easy to lose sight of your purpose. We are all guilty of considering the negative noise and the naysayers -but when you move with authenticity, integrity and as Susan L. Taylor says, “move at the pace of grace,” God got the rest.
What woman inspires you and why?
I am inspired by many women. My tribe is strong from my mother, grandmother to my sister-friends. I am inspired by women who pray for me and with me. I am inspired by women who clap for other women because when one of us wins, we all win. I am inspired by women who had every single card stacked against them, but God.
What is your advice to the younger generation of women coming after you?
Always lead and live with integrity.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
It means responsibility. It means acknowledging yes, there are differences within the broader Black community in this country and that we have a responsibility to build together, be collaborative and not just get in the room, but ensure that we are not the only one in the room. My success does belong to me. I stand on the shoulders of many mighty heroes.
