Staff Q&A: Brianna Myers
Can you tell us about your role and how you became involved with this organization?
I like to believe that I didn’t find WREN, WREN found me. I was stuck in a job/position, freshly postpartum, where I felt like I wasn’t being seen or heard. I was desperate to find a career I loved and I could feel like I was a part of something much bigger than myself. All while fulfilling my role as new first-time mom. WREN offered me the chance to combine my love for financial management and the opportunity to be amongst history makers. My role as the Director of Finance, simply put, is to ensure that WREN is funded well enough to continue doing the work for women and girls around South Carolina and ultimately be a part of change that will affect the world.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing women’s rights today in South Carolina?
The biggest issue, not only for girls in South Carolina, but around the world is body autonomy. The most recent headliner legislation in South Carolina is proof that women and girls are being stripped of their voices and being forced into a “one-size fits all” lifestyle at an alarming rate. Stripping away bodily autonomy is a direct stab at basic human rights, point-blank period! Also, black maternal mortality rates! In South Carolina, Black American women are twice as likely to lose their life compared to their White American counterparts, due to pregnancy related complications or situations, because our voices just aren’t being heard! Black and brown voices matter just a much as any other voice! A hill I will die on for sure!
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is hearing the testimonies of the women and girls around the state of South Carolina. There is so much power and fight and determination to make our state a better place – not just for them and their families, but for individuals around the world. It’s so extremely encouraging to continue fighting for our community.
How do you maintain your passion and drive in a field that often deals with difficult or emotional issues?
Some days are overwhelmingly draining and extremely heart-breaking, but this work cannot die! We have to keep fighting, we can’t give up. If we give up then our futures will be completely lost. And honestly I could not live with myself knowing that I stopped fighting for myself, the family that I so adore, and the future of women around me. That’s how I cope. I remind myself daily that nothing easy is worth doing. No, some days aren’t particularly easy, but fighting for women’s rights IS worth doing.
What advice would you give to young women or those interested in pursuing a career in women’s rights?
My advice is be bold in your interests and passions. You never know who is looking at you or for you! So join that women’s group at church! Rally at the statehouse. Your presence and your voice WILL make a difference.