Fairygodboss of the Week: Brianna Rader

Having grown up in Tennessee, where there was only abstinence-based sex education, Brianna Rader began questioning the lack of access to information about topics of sex and sexuality at a young age. Now a sex education advocate, our Fairygodboss of the Week started a comprehensive sex organization at the University of Tennessee that led to her being condemned by the state legislature. Today, she is the CEO of Juicebox, an app she founded to connect users with certified coaches who provide sex and relationship advice online with actionable how-to guides and exercises. 

CEO/Founder, Juicebox

I am a sex education advocate and started a comprehensive sex education organization at the University of Tennessee that led to me being condemned by the state legislature. I grew up in Tennessee where there was only abstinence-based sex education.

I had to confront a lack of information and openness on these topics from a young age, and I began formally working in the sex education space while in college. I hired professionals to provide workshops at my university. Since I was the organizer, I attended every workshop, and they honestly changed my life. They gave me the tools I needed to discuss sex with my partner and made me a bolder more confident person who knows what they want and how to get it, in relationships and the bedroom. This also affects my overall happiness and confidence outside of my personal life. I know it sounds cheesy, but knowledge is empowering, and I’ve had better one-night stands, dates, and relationships because of these professionals. I want everyone to have access to the expertise I had.

Juicebox 2.0! Raising money from investors and building the new Juicebox. I managed everything from marketing to finance to product to operations to sex and dating content creation. I'm proud of all of this because it's the hardest thing I've ever done. It was often lonely at times but am so thankful I stuck with it.

Get the app here. 

Visit the website. 

While in college, the Tennessee state legislature legally condemned me and my organization. My university defunded my organization—just for providing comprehensive sex education to college students. But I privately fundraised $11K back in 36 hours. I confronted the backlash and remained confident despite being the center of state news and the majority of people disagreeing with my work.

The amazing female professors and advisors I had in college. I felt they were always cheering me on and have remained present in my life to this day.

I love going to the movie theater (movie fanatic over here), or to see drag shows—they're both excellent escapes. They're both another way for me to hear about others' stories and life experiences.

My childhood hero, Steve Irwin. I always thought I wanted to be a vet.

I can NOT sing, but if you're willing to listen, "Take a Chance on Me" by Abba.

Boba Tea, Yerba Mate Tea, teas of all kinds, and high-tech marijuana toys. I would help my parents retire and give them their dream home and vacation. Then, I would be off to travel for a year+ before figuring out my next project.

Unfortunately, a lot of the world is based on who you know and your success largely depends on your ability to leverage those connections or be resourceful when you can't. Growing up in Tennessee and going to a public university means I have a disadvantage compared to my peers who have been in powerful circles from a younger age. On the other hand, my experience taught me how to be resilient and more resourceful than my peers that have an easier time connecting to the right investors, publications, hiring managers, and other decision-makers.

I wake up every day and get to help people talk about and enjoy sex. I have an amazing team that is committed to helping others have more fulfilling sex lives and relationships.

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