2020 Optimal Living Magazine Christian Women in Business Issue

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OLM: As a Councilwoman, describe what you do from day to day? BC: As a Councilwoman of the Second Ward of East Orange, New Jersey, I serve as a member of the legislative body in our City’s government. In addition to drafting and voting on the policies and ordinances that govern East Orange, we are responsible for amending and approving the city’s budget, allocating funds, and we serve as the redevelopment entity. Lastly, the best part about being elected as councilwoman is the opportunity to inspire and encourage others in our community to get invested in where we are going as a City! OLM: What or who inspired you to become a councilwoman for the City of East Orange? BC: Whew Lord! There were so many things that inspired me to run, but it really started when I realized that it was in God’s will for me to do so. Over the course of my journey, I have had the opportunity to reside in some great places after I left my hometown, Detroit. However, there was something about East Orange that resonated with me differently. I knew it from the day I moved here. I had already had a career in public service and was dedicated to it, but when I decided to accept East Orange as the place I would ultimately start my real life, my investment in the progress of the city grew tremendously! Initially, I fought it for a while because, well, that’s just what we do as stubborn Followers, have our own plans or fearful. As I began to pray about the decision and the people God sent me that would ultimately become my support team and circle, it became clearer. Nearly four years and a campaign later, here I am. It has been a journey of its own in just these first couple of months, but I’m ready. OLM: Is there something that keeps you grounded and focused to press forward in making what you do a success? BC: I am grounded by a lot; but my relationship with God is my true anchor. I have learned to trust Him even when it’s tough. Each move or decision I have had to make in life came with its fair share of sacrifices. But, when I know it is really God’s will for me, I adjust myself accordingly. It is this way for me in all aspects of my life including my work. Beyond that, I have always been dedicated to making sure that I’m leaving everything I do in Public Service better than when I found it, even if it’s something small. As a kid, my well-being relied heavily on public services and I remember what I felt I needed then. As an adult, I do my best to remain focused on filling those gaps for people who still rely on us today. OLM: At the end of the day, how do you define success yourself, your family and your community? BC: On my journey, I have come to measure and define myself, my success, my family, and my community by what I put into them. I firmly believe in giving a hundred percent to where I am at the time or season. Throughout my life, my success, my sense of self, my relationship with my family and my community looked different in each season. But, I persevered and trusted God for the rest. Today, things are still evolving. However, things are a lot more stable at the same time. I have even more to give now in each of these areas, but regardless of whether things are high or low at any given time, I give it all I have even if it means adding or subtracting where necessary. Each small moment, circumstance, or encounter along the way ultimately adds to the bigger picture for me and this picture of life and my 8 Subscribe to Optimal Living Magazine: www.optimal-livingmagazine.com
definition of it is forever a work in progress. And that’s the way I believe it should be. OLM: How long ago did you start your career in politics? BC: I started my career in public service and politics 9 years ago. OLM: What is your vision for giving back to the community you serve? BC: My vision for giving back to the Second Ward and the overall City of East Orange is using the platform to create policies and processes that help us maintain our strong identity as a community, even as we are seeking to progress. Progress looks different depending on the issue. However, as we move forward, whether it is in development, safety, or through new health initiatives, I believe that who we are and what makes us unique should be reflected positively in everything we seek to implement or change. My vision is to also promote excellence in everything we do. Our town is diverse, but also one that is predominantly Black and Hispanic. The idea that excellence is not synonymous with minority is a myth we bust daily in East Orange and that is something I will continue to stand by. Our people are more than deserving of it. OLM: Why is it so important for you to give back to the people you serve? BC: I’ve gotten to the point in my career where everything I do professionally reflects who I am. And, giving back is who I am. A lot has been taken away from us as people. Yet in my case, God saw fit to give me so much despite it all and I genuinely feel a sense of responsibility to give from my own well that He has filled so many times over. As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is required.” I have been given much, so now it’s time for me to do what is required. It is as simple as that. OLM: What scripture best describes you, and how you live your life? “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me…” (Psalm 51:10) It is important to have a heavy hustle, but a light heart and to live a lifestyle of Servant Leadership. As hard as it is at times, I do my best to do it from my heart. That is where I start and everything else follows. If my spirit is not right, my work won’t be right. So, it is important for me to do things that refill my spirit so that I am always operating with a spirit of love and service. OLM: What tips would you give a woman thinking about entrepreneurship or becoming a political servant? BC: Be true to yourself and the path God has you on, sister. It is literally the only way this will work. You may learn everything you can, network and workshop with all the right people, receive all of the right offers, and make all of the necessary money you need. However, when things get rough (and they will) you must be able to reflect on your purpose and what it means to you to have started the journey in the first place. It is extremely cliché, yet it is extremely real. OLM: How can people get in contact with you? Facebook: Brittany D. Claybrooks Instagram: @BrittanyClaybrooks_ Or, feel free to stop in our office and set up an appointment at: 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07017 Subscribe to Optimal Living Magazine: www.optimal-livingmagazine.com 9
Page 1: Special 2020 Christian Women in Bus
Page 5 and 6: THE PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE FIRST
Page 7: Optimal Living Christian Women In B
Page 11 and 12: OLM: What or who inspired you to st
Page 13 and 14: TOSHAUNA GIDDINGS Author, How I Dis
Page 15 and 16: OLM: What or who inspired you to st
Page 17 and 18: Mrs.Lynda Poole Prioleau Owner of M
Page 19 and 20: When I first encountered my husband
Page 21 and 22: watching you for cues if they are u
Page 23 and 24: OPTIMAL LIVING CONFESSION OF FAITH
Page 25 and 26: RIVER CITY FLAME SPICY SHRIMP DIP M
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