Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Bennett-Mahmoud.
Hi Brittney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of resilience, growth, and purpose. I was born and raised in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica. At 16, I moved to New Jersey. It was a pivotal age that brought new beginnings and challenges. During this time, I tragically lost my dad. While that loss was incredibly difficult, it strengthened my resilience and shaped my perspective on life. He always encouraged me to live my truth, and that message has guided me through every season of growth and self-discovery. My mom’s strength, love, and support carried me through that difficult season and continue to inspire me today. Together, my parents instilled in me the values that ground me. Coupled with my Jamaican culture and heritage, their influence shaped my strength, my sense of identity, and the way I connect with others. I carry their lessons and my heritage with pride wherever I go.
My commitment to service began in Jamaica. There, I was involved in national youth development, served as a child researcher, and took part in programming within my community. I carried that commitment into my undergraduate years by completing AmeriCorps national service. I also continued serving through my sisterhood in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and by volunteering with several nonprofit organizations. By 22, I had earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with double minors in Psychology and Disability Studies. I had also earned my Master of Arts in Applied Sociology and a graduate certificate in Assessment and Evaluation Research. These gave me a strong foundation in research, program management, and evaluation across public health and community development.
I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become a registered nurse. This path brought together my interests in healthcare, the social sciences, and advocacy. My career has spanned maternal and child health, community outreach, program management, research, and quality improvement. Through it all, I’ve remained passionate about supporting women, children, and families. I’m also committed to addressing the social and systemic factors that influence health.
Beyond my professional titles, I’m a wife, a mother, and what I like to call an “Empress of Several Trades.” I’ve learned that I don’t have to fit into a single box. Motherhood has deepened my empathy and my commitment to advocacy. It has also taught me that growth isn’t always linear. More recently, I’ve embraced my creativity as a digital content creator. I share lifestyle, health and wellness, beauty, modest fashion, and everyday experiences.
Losing my dad changed the trajectory of my life, but his words remain my guiding light. I’m learning to embrace every part of who I am and give myself permission to evolve. I’m pursuing opportunities aligned with my values, even when my path looks different from what others expect. Ultimately, I hope my journey shows that you can honor your roots and culture, embrace where you are, and keep working toward where you want to be. Living my truth is both a promise to myself and a way of honoring the legacy my dad left with me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’ve faced significant grief, adversity, and seasons of uncertainty and self-discovery that challenged me to grow in ways I didn’t always anticipate. I’ve also had to learn how to move through different spaces while staying true to myself, especially when I felt pressure to fit certain expectations or boxes. Over time, I’ve realized that embracing my authenticity is one of my superpowers.
My experiences have shaped not only who I am, but also how I show up for others. I know what it feels like to go through difficult seasons, to feel misunderstood, and to search for spaces where you can truly be yourself. That understanding fuels my desire to use my story to empower and inspire others. I want to create safe and inclusive spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Through it all, I’ve learned that adversity can shape us without defining us. Sometimes our most challenging experiences help us discover our purpose and the impact we want to make in the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to bring together my education, professional experience, and lived experiences in my work. I strive to provide evidence-based, culturally competent care and to contribute, in whatever way I can, to better outcomes for the individuals, families, and communities I serve.
I also channel my passions through content creation on Instagram and TikTok as @Empresshijabi_gyal, where I also create UGC. While I’m newer to the professional content creation space, I’m excited to keep building, learning, and creating meaningful connections with my audience. I love showcasing the beauty of modest fashion, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and encouraging women, especially mothers, to prioritize self-care and wellness. I also enjoy reviewing wellness spaces, going on coffee shop tours, discovering good food, and highlighting local gems in Nashville and wherever life takes me. Through my content, I hope to inspire others to explore new experiences, feel represented, and find joy in the everyday.
Balancing multiple roles has taught me to make space for my own growth and passions. My husband’s support has been integral to this journey. We’re intentional about supporting each other’s aspirations, growing individually and together, and setting a positive example for our daughter and future generations.
What sets me apart is my commitment to showing up authentically. As a Jamaican-born and raised hijabi island gyal, I bring my signature island flair, whimsical nature, vibrant personality, and likkle Jamaican twang into every space I occupy. My experiences have taught me that our different passions can complement one another and become our greatest strengths.
Whether I’m advancing culturally competent care, advocating for women and families, or creating content, I strive to help others feel seen, valued, and empowered, while staying true to the many things that make me uniquely me.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing personally, professionally, and creatively while being intentional about the life I’m building. As a newer content creator, I want to build a platform that reflects my values, interests, and multifaceted identity. I look forward to creating meaningful content, connecting with others, and exploring new opportunities. Most of all, I hope to cultivate a community where people feel represented and inspired to embrace their own passions.
God willing, I plan to continue advancing my career in healthcare and community engagement. I’ll keep pursuing opportunities that align with my long-term goals and my passion for making a meaningful impact. Through it all, my family remains at the heart of the life I’m building. I look forward to growing alongside my husband, raising our daughter, and supporting each other’s aspirations as we build a meaningful legacy for our family and future generations.
I’m stepping into this next chapter with gratitude, purpose, and excitement for what lies ahead. I invite you to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @Empresshijabi_gyal as I continue learning, growing, and sharing the many facets of my journey. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait for what’s next!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empresshijabi_gyal
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empresshijabi_gyal
- Email: empresshijabigyal@gmail.com
