Chelsea Fuller
Managing Partner/Senior Strategist

Chelsea Fuller (she/her) is a seasoned strategic communications and media strategist with more than a decade of experience supporting movements for radical change. Previously she held the position of Vice President of Communications at TIME'S UP and was the Deputy Director of Communications at Blackbird, a leading movement capacity-building firm where she worked for nearly six years. 

Known for her work inside of The Movement for Black Lives, The ‘me too.’ Movement and other formations working to end systemic violence, Chelsea has led countless successful campaigns and messaging strategies, effectively shifting national and international narratives around central issues like race, white supremacy, patriarchal violence and community safety. 

As a former journalist and media advocate, Chelsea’s highly-regarded for her work in helping journalists and media managers adjust their reporting of systemic issues–work that has ultimately led to more accurate, nuanced and authentic coverage of issues impacting the most vulnerable including sexual violence, the criminalization of  Black children and police violence.

Chelsea brings a wealth of experience, as well as deep-trusted relationships with media, business and community leaders around the globe. She has successfully placed stories in the likes of The New York Times, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Yahoo Business, Vanity Fair, Refinery 29, The Root, Essence and others. She’s advised dozens of clients, including Twitter, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, The National Urban League, SEIU, Dignity and Power Now, Argent, the Highlander Center, and the Working Families Party. 

Chelsea holds a BA in News Editorial Journalism and Africana Studies from West Virginia University, an MA in Strategic Communications and Social Justice Advocacy from American University and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at Methodist Theological School of Ohio.

Takara T. Pierce
Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Takara (she/her) is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Black Alder, where she brings deep expertise as a media and narrative strategist to amplify storytelling power for social change. Driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of narratives, Takara has successfully placed countless stories that have made measurable impacts across communities. Her approach integrates long-term vision with adaptable, values-based communications, creating both comprehensive narrative frameworks and quick-response strategies tailored to the unique needs of social justice movements.

Takara previously served as the Communications Director for Dream Defenders, a Black-woman-led organization advancing a new vision of safety in Florida and across the country. In this role, she led communications initiatives that positioned the organization at the forefront of critical conversations on racial justice and community safety. As a former Digital Organizing Manager, she crafted and executed digital campaigns that reached millions across multiple issue areas, building expertise in digital advertising, SMS strategy, email marketing, and social media outreach. Her strategies blend data-driven insights with a deep understanding of cultural impact, ensuring each campaign resonates widely while remaining authentic.

Prior to her time with Dream Defenders, Takara strengthened her communications and media relations skills through roles with The Ohio State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the West Virginia Innocence Project, and West Virginia University’s Office of University Relations. Her academic foundation includes a BA in philosophy and public relations, an MA in communication studies, and an MS in data marketing communications, equipping her with both analytical depth and creative insight for driving impactful campaigns.

At Black Alder, Takara remains committed to developing strategic narratives, digital and social media plans, and communications strategies that empower individuals and organizations to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Kevin M. Pierce, MBA
Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Kevin Pierce (he/him) is a co-founder and managing partner at Black Alder, specifically managing finances and operations.

Kevin has ample experience supporting organizations and formations across various industries. He enjoys finding new ways to help companies reach goals aligned with their business plan. In his career, he has found success negotiating contracts, leading multiple teams, and managing budgets on a large scale.

Kevin, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, has a commitment to equity and justice, having been active across various Black-centered organizations.

He holds a BA in management with a concentration in finance and holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from Ohio University.