Professor Heyward is a member of the clinical faculty at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law where she teaches in the Urban Development Law Clinic. The Clinic provides law students the opportunity to gain valuable practical skills by providing legal assistance to community development organizations that focus on improving Cleveland's neighborhoods through real estate and economic development activities. Professor Heyward was admitted to practice law in the state of Ohio in 1993 and since 1998 has focused her practice on issues relating to real estate and economic development.

Professor Heyward has volunteered her time with the OTOA for several years, acting as a non-executive member of the board of directors and serving as secretary.