Hardy goes straight from The Hill to the Big Apple


Troyia Hardy enjoying a book and a chilled beverage in the Big Apple. Photo submitted by Hardy

Detroyia Monay Hardy changed majors three times at Florida A&M University — until she got it right. The May 2019 public relations graduate is now an account coordinator at Small Girls PR in New York City.  

“From four years ago on the third floor of Truth Hall where we met until her becoming a PR account coordinator at Small GirlPs R firm in New York, I knew Troyia was destined for greatness,” best friend Dyesha McCord said.  “She stops at nothing to show the world how amazing she is while leaving glitter everywhere she goes to let everyone know she was here.”

While Hardy was a student at FAMU she participated in Images Modeling Troupe, Campus Activities Board, Phi Sigma Theta national honor society, and Public Relations Student Society of America. 

Hardy also served as the class of 2019 senior class president. While president she had the chance to host events such as pool parties, a Hurricane Michael relief drive for the Panhandle, graduation prep seminars and a panel discussion while finishing the year with “CROM” (a college prom). 

Did Hardy know she was going to be this successful so quickly? Not in this profession, at least. 

When Hardy was a freshman she was a criminal justice major. 

“This was all I know,” Hardy said. “My dad and uncle are in the field and I thought that’s what I wanted to do.”

Hardy quickly realized this was not what she wanted to do. She then switched to pharmacy and after further review of the curriculum she went and talked to her adviser.  Her adviser had  her take an assessment test to figure out what major fit her.

Can you guess? Public relations was the major for Hardy. Filled with joy,  Hardy began her journey to be a publicist. 

“I didn’t have a problem with my daughter switching majors. I wanted her to choose a major that she was interested in,” Hardy’s mother, Marilyn Gamble-Johnson, said. “I also knew that she would be good at it, because she is very creative and also a go-getter. She’s always had a passion in writing.”

Now she is an account coordinator at Small Girls

PR in the Big Apple. Aa account coordinator’s job includes: reporting to the account executive and assistant executive, media monitoring for the current clients, pitching current clients to the media, posting calendar listings for large scale events and doing coverage recaps weekly. 

Although there are different types of PR, Hardy is involved in consumer and technology. She enjoys the freedom of creativity with the clients. 

“It was hard transferring from an HBCU to this current job,” Hardy said.  “You have to learn how to code switch, not to fit in but to understand and get familiar. 

“FAMU prepared me socially, I know how to communicate well and present myself and the companies I represent very well,” Hardy added.