At just 3 years old, Pierra Heard’s daughter, Pace, developed a fascination with presidents, leadership positions and government styles around the world. Heard, associate director of enrollment management and strategic initiatives at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, fosters her daughter’s interest, speculating that Pace might be a future historian.
In December 2024, with Pace’s 6th birthday approaching, Heard wanted to make the day special. Together, she and Pace co-wrote a children’s book, Pace for President—a look at what kids would do if they were to lead.
The book went live on Amazon on Dec. 13 at 9:27 p.m. exactly to commemorate the moment Pace was born. Within the first month, they had reached 50 sales—and interest in their book continues to grow.
A leader in the making
When Heard asked Pace what she would do if she ran for president, the ideas flowed instantly—and Heard made sure to write it all down. The message of the book became clear to Heard the more she heard her daughter list off her presidential priorities (think: slime). Adults complicate things and we can learn a lot from children, Heard said.
Pace’s character is based on her look and style, illustrated by a Cleveland School of the Arts student. Even the family’s dogs and Pace’s friends appear in the book.
“The future is bright, and people have always told Pace she was destined to be something different,” Heard said. “Mentors, or anyone who’s been a part of her life like that, they’ve manifested being great into her. And she’s just like, ‘Yep, I’m gonna be president, and that’s it. No questions about it.’”
Coming full circle
A first-generation student, Heard earned her bachelor’s degree at Hiram College southeast of Cleveland, before moving to Tampa, Florida, to work for several years. She returned to Cleveland three years ago, ready to fulfill her passion for expanding educational opportunities for others.
At CWRU, Heard serves that mission, recruiting for graduate programs at the School of Medicine.
“It’s a part of giving back for me—motivating students and letting them know what their opportunities are in terms of education and how they can get to their career goals has always been a part of my journey,” said Heard, who also founded the nonprofit Millenial and Mommying, a support platform and network for young mothers.
Completing Pace for President further connected Heard with her drive to inspire others.
With the first round of proceeds, the mother-daughter duo set out to make a difference. Heard, a Cleveland native, took Pace back to two of the addresses she lived at growing up and delivered groceries and toys Pace had outgrown.
The residents at one of the homes welcomed them in, giving Pace an opportunity to see where her mother grew up—her bedroom and other special spots in the neighborhood, such as Heard’s old bus stop.
“I really have a heart for the Collinwood area,” Heard said. “It’s where I grew up, it’s where I’m from.”
The experience took things full circle for both mother and daughter. For Heard, it was an opportunity to see how far she’d come. For Pace, it brought up questions about why people live differently and what can be done to change it.
What comes next
Their book has been so well-received that Pace has been requested to host readings and book signings. Her first audience was the kindergarten through second grade students at her school, where the crowd met her with “oohs” and ahhs.”
“It just lit her up. Hopefully she continues to feel that and she thinks ‘oh, I can just motivate someone even more,’” Heard said. “To just continue to have that mindset of doing right by people no matter what position you’re in.”
Want to pick up your own copy—and have it signed by Pace? Stop by the Black Business Expo Feb. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. They will also have coloring books and at-home learning resources inspired by Pace’s Instagram.
Heard hopes the experience of writing a book at age 6 will give Pace the assurance that it’s okay to use her voice and advocate for what she believes in.
Learn more about Heard in this week’s five questions.
1. Name a spot in Cleveland you haven’t checked out yet, but would like to see.
There’s one right in University Circle: Crepes N’ Crisps. I haven’t been there yet. I was just talking about that with a colleague. We’re going to plan to go there very soon.
2. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
An early bird for sure. I wake up very early. We have two dogs so I get the dogs up and out, but it’s also good to have my time before I wake Pace up and get everything running.
3. What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
I’m a creative. I went to Cleveland School of the Arts and my specialty was photography. So I actually do photography in my spare time. That helps a lot with the marketing side of my job, being able to see and scope these things.
4. From where do you draw your biggest inspiration?
Pace. She’s very inspiring, very nurturing. It hit me that she’s literally healing some of the little things I didn’t realize I had when I was little or I just didn’t have the opportunity to do. She’s my day-to-day motivation for trying new things and figuring it out, finding cheat codes. I would have never done half of what I’ve done without her being there—even having my own organization that’s been recognized by huge entities. Millennial Mommy was recognized in Forbes. That wouldn’t be something without Pace. I wouldn’t be a mom without her. I wouldn’t be able to motivate other moms without her.
5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve?
The community aspect. A big part of my decision to come to Case Western Reserve was the experience I had while being in high school and middle school. A lot of the outreach programs and partnerships were things that I benefited from.
So the community aspect and the outreach no matter what school you’re in will always pull me in. Even though I’m at the School of Medicine, I always like seeing there’s opportunities to volunteer or show up. I’m going to go do it because I was one of those kids that was really impacted by the outreach.