BIPOC Urban Innovators Scholarship

My name is Brittany Hardy, and I am an incoming MBA student at Emory University, pursuing a focus in social enterprise. My path to graduate school has been anything but traditional—shaped by experiences in diplomacy, public policy, and now the tech industry—but at every stage, I have remained rooted in a mission to drive impact and expand access for underserved communities. I am particularly passionate about addressing structural inequities in housing and urban development, knowing firsthand how barriers to affordable housing and sustainable living environments can shape the trajectory of entire families and generations. I was born in Gary, Indiana—a city with a deep history, strong cultural roots, and unfortunately, persistent challenges due to disinvestment and economic decline. Raised primarily by a single mother, I became a first-generation college graduate and have built a career centered on service, equity, and systems change. I have served as a U.S. diplomat in Brazil and Mexico and later worked on public diplomacy efforts supporting 13 African posts from Washington, D.C. These experiences allowed me to see how global issues around urban inequality, housing access, and community displacement are mirrored in our own cities here in the United States. Currently, I serve as a Policy Lead in Trust and Safety at Google, where I help shape global technology policies that promote safer digital environments and reduce harm. While I value the work I do in tech, I am increasingly drawn to deeper intersectional work that connects housing, sustainability, and economic mobility—because safe housing is a foundation for everything else. Throughout my career, I have consistently led community-based initiatives. I founded Next Chapter College and Career Consulting, mentoring students and professionals—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—as they navigate life transitions, pursue education, or enter new industries. I also serve in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where I organize community service and educational programs for young children, including initiatives around financial literacy and civic engagement. I believe that creating sustainable, equitable urban environments must include empowering families and communities at every level. My passion for this field is deeply personal and purposeful. I have seen friends and family members displaced by gentrification, trapped by rising rent costs, or forced to make impossible decisions between housing and other basic needs. I believe the future of urban development must be driven by inclusive leadership, community collaboration, and policy that centers people, not profit. My long-term goal is to work at the intersection of urban planning, social enterprise, and technology—using data and innovation to influence housing policies that are equitable, sustainable, and culturally responsive. This scholarship would directly support my journey into this next chapter, allowing me to deepen my academic training and continue contributing meaningfully to the work of reshaping cities for the better. I am committed to being part of the generation that does not just talk about equity—but builds it.