Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Oldham.
Hi Briana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Briana and I prefer to go by Bri. I’m a sports girl who loves all things basketball and family very much. I am proud of where I am in life but the path that led me here has not been linear. I deeply cherish it, however, because I would not be who I am if not for this journey. My favorite thing about growing up was the older Victorian-style home I lived in located in the Glenville neighborhood in Cleveland, OH. I attribute a lot of who I am to this house as it was the epicenter of meaningful memories shared with family and invaluable life lessons learned. A love of words and reading began to bloom when I was young because of my mom. It was in that house that I wrote poetry that gained national recognition. It was there that this love blossomed and developed over time while attending Villa Angela – St. Joseph (VASJ) high school and Eastern Michigan University (EMU). It was while in that home that my creative writing instructor helped me appreciate the genre and create timeless work. I didn’t know it then, but the knowledge I acquired from both institutions would help me write the story of and help determine who I would be for the rest of my life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I had to think long and hard about how to answer this question. It tripped me up because I am usually a transparent person. I like to be open about how I got to where I am, hoping that it is a difference-maker for someone else. Has life been perfect? No. It was Langston Hughes who said it best, life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. But I’ve seen far more good days and made more happy memories than not. Though my life has not been devoid of obstacles, it has been more fulfilling than anything else and it is always a blessing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My love of people led me to explore community engagement while in a fellowship role at the Cleveland Foundation. I was fortunate to receive this opportunity while completing my last semester at Cleveland State University (CSU). During my time at the foundation, I was introduced to project management when I helped plan and oversee the 5th anniversary of their Common Ground initiative. To date, this is the work that I am most proud of doing. I seldom find the words to describe the impact of being able to share the efforts of the inspirational people I met. I was blessed to be part of the conversations that took place all over Northeast Ohio that without Common Ground may not exist. I have since proclaimed to be a story sharer instead of a storyteller. It’s always been my thinking that no one can tell your story better than you and that it is my job to be the megaphone to amplify everyone’s own voice. I have a passion for people that has been on full display and allowed me to switch careers as I now work for Destination Cleveland. Here, I am an ambassador for the city and sell The Land. I wear many hats in my role, but my favorite is showing up as my authentic self every day and helping Cleveland shine. The uniqueness I carry with me personally and professionally is embedded in who I am because of where I come from, the values instilled in me from an early age, and the mission statement I live by every day; to be bold and intentional, take risks, and question (almost) everything.
What makes you happy?
These days, I find happiness in doing the things I love. Whether it’s spending time with my family, binge-watching shows with my partner, attending a Cleveland Cavaliers game, or enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face while outside on a beautiful summer day. Each day looks different. Some are good. Some are bad. But when I awake and prepare to take on whatever the day will bring, I make sure to start by thanking God first.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/briana_oldham
- Instagram: @theebrianaelise/
- Linkedin: briana-oldham
- Twitter: @theebrianaelise/
