Shanize Byrd, who also goes by “Byrd”, is a storyteller, creative and Black womanist . A native of Hollywood, FL, she studied psychology and public relations at the illustrious Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.

She is a former educator, who taught middle school ELA and social studies in the New Orleans Public School System. Byrd transitioned out of the classroom to begin her career as a professional organizer, with Together Baton Rouge. In her role as the associate organizer, she worked on a high-stakes campaign that demanded major corporations to pay their fair share property taxes. Later, she became an organizational specialist with one of the largest labor unions in the United States, National Education Association.

Shanize is currently a consultant with a Black-owned & Black-led firm, Frontline Solutions, which specializes in advancing philanthropic, nonprofit, civc and coporate organizations through strategic planning and DEI practices.  She has a passion for developing informative and empowering spaces that activate individuals, to fight for the change they wish to seek.

“Since I was a young girl, I have had a passion for freedom fighting and sharing stories about my Black culture. For quite some time I have dreamt of a place, where I and other Black women could be nurtured, celebrated and liberated. When creating blackbyrd initiative, I was inspired by Nina Simone’s song “Blackbird.” The narrative resonates with me deeply because I know the pain of being marginalized, ignored, excluded and left to feel unworthy. This space is for us to shift that narrative. It is a sacred ground for Black women to release themselves from the grasp of their oppressors and audaciously claim their freedom.”