Sometimes, we hold ourselves back from reaching our greatest potential because we’re safe in our comfort zones. However, when we get comfortable with the uncomfortable, life’s challenges and opportunities have the power to mold us into the most impactful versions of ourselves. For Zayla Bryant, a third-year business administration student from Lithonia, Georgia, this journey began with a pivotal moment in high school and has led her to a transformative legacy at Florida A&M University.
Bryant grew up in a two-parent household with two older brothers and a younger sister. Her godmother played a significant role in shaping her confidence and sense of self-worth.
“My godmother embedded in me that everything about myself is very, very beautiful,” Bryant said. “I think that because of my ability to love every aspect of myself, I’m able to represent that to this day.” For Bryant, authenticity is key. “I feel the most like myself when I am my most natural,” Bryant said.
Despite a stable upbringing, Bryant admits to once being a “coater,” going through life without a strong sense of direction. It wasn’t until an unexpected encounter in high school that everything changed. While in grade school, she met a new classmate who introduced her to the Harvard Diversity Project, a program designed to empower disadvantaged youth in debate, sociology and political science. Initially, Bryant approached the program like she had approached school — coasting. That changed when she failed a major assessment.
“I’m not used to failing, but I’m also not used to necessarily excelling,” Bryant said. “There was not anything that I cared about enough up until that moment, and that was a defining moment for me to decide, “Alright, I’m gonna be great at this.’”
From then on, she excelled in public speaking, research and debate. The program also instilled in her a deeper sense of self-worth and the ability to advocate for herself.
“Seeing the change within myself when I actually cared or when people actually poured into me is what I still hope to see in people my age or younger,” she said. “A lot of African American kids or a lot of kids who are not a priority in the education system often go disregarded or often coast along the way, and I don’t want that for my people.”
Bryant carried this newfound passion and self-awareness into her transition to FAMU, a university she had her sights set on since the third grade. She recalled an interaction with her childhood best friend’s father that solidified her dream.
“I asked her dad how he made it to that point in his life, and he said, ‘Oh, that’s easy. I went to the highest of the seven hills.’” From that moment, Bryant knew FAMU was the place for her.
Once on campus, Bryant naturally clung to her academics. However, legislative proposals in Florida, such as HB 999, ignited a fire within her for civic engagement.
“I was like, ‘Dang, the only way I change this is if I become a part,’ ” she said.
She applied for a freshman senate vacancy in the FAMU Student Government Association and has remained involved ever since. Today, she serves as the 54th Student Senate President, a role she approaches purposefully.
“I think FAMU was in dire need of a leader who is there for the people, not just for the clout of it all,” Bryant said. “I worked very hard to, as my pro-tempore would say, #CureTheSenate from the very toxic and polarizing nature of the senate chambers.”
Her leadership priorities include fostering a supportive environment for senators and ensuring that SGA is a space where everyone feels valued.
“I want people to want to come to the chambers,” she said. “I want people to be engaged and invited by SGA as opposed to feeling frightened or like they don’t understand.”
Her colleague and friend, Treyvious Copeland, the Senate Pro-Tempore, praised her leadership style and character. “You never really know what to expect when it comes to President Bryant, but it’s all good things,” Copeland said. “She’s a leader who possesses tenacity through it all.”
Bryant’s advocacy is rooted in her belief in the transformative power of education and leadership.
“I believe that everybody is a leader,” she said. “If you can influence somebody’s decision, somebody’s mindset, the way that they move, the way that they act, you’re a leader.”
For Bryant, greatness isn’t about titles or accolades. “Greatness doesn’t look like being a president or being number one,” she sad. “It looks like being able to walk in any room and still feel a sense of self despite who’s in it.”
As Bryant looks to the future, she carries the lessons she learned at FAMU. “During my time at FAMU specifically, it has taught me that FAMU is like the land of opportunity,” she said. “I’ve become somebody that I never thought I could.”
With her bold vision and integrity, Zayla Bryant is not just leading at FAMU – she’s creating a legacy to inspire future generations.