A Dose of Black Joy and Caffeine

Nancy Douyon is a trailblazing tech executive, global design ethicist, and the visionary founder of Incluversal, a groundbreaking platform designed to accelerate career growth through the power of AI and inclusive design. With over two decades of experience shaping user experiences at tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Uber, Nancy brings a unique blend of AI expertise and human-centered design to career development. Her work has been featured in case studies at Carnegie Mellon and Stanford, cementing her status as a thought leader in the intersection of technology and career advancement. Learn more about Nancy here: https://www.instagram.com/therealnancydouyon/ https://linkin.bio/therealnancydouyon/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa-fWg0AF-p2hLkf-yQsjShStt2ArDxknPSda8fcc5Vl8EI1-9sooywCLs_aem_oNMR1ImtNpRt8No1Hn8E7g

Follow us on social @doseofblkjoy and learn more about “A Dose of Support” from the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies): ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEW1U3sVdZRCQHPVtmwxAITUEA5I4ojWGAgKJMMp3Tc63l-A/viewform?usp=sf_link⁠ Etienne Maurice is an actor, content creator, and the founder of WalkGood LA, a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people together from all walks of life to fight for racial equity and heal in solidarity, through the arts, health, and wellness. Following the death of Ahmaud Arbery and ongoing racial and social injustice against Black and Brown people, Etienne recognized the need for community healing and founded the non-profit organization WalkGood LA in June 2020. The organization's extensive influence has garnered recognition from esteemed publications like the LA Times, CBS News, KTLA, LAist, and much more. Etienne's impact has been amplified through his partnerships such as the global campaign with Propel alongside Michael B. Jordan as well as an ambassador with On Running that is entering it’s 3rd year. Etienne has also created his very own sneaker with On that is being sold globally.

Vernā is a DEI pioneer. She is a highly sought-after DEI Keynote Speaker and DEI Consultant. She’s well-known for captivating  audiences with her high-energy keynotes, profound insights, and ability to foster authentic connections and meaningful dialogue.  With nearly three decades of experience, her work as an inclusion strategist, cultural innovator, thought leader, and social  commentator has guided myriad organizations across the world in dismantling barriers to inclusion and equity across race, ethnicity,  gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, religion, and other differences. Her expertise and experience - personal and  professional - have been instrumental in guiding workplaces toward embracing and integrating diversity, inclusion, equity, and  belonging in all facets of workplace operations.   Hailing from Baltimore’s working class, Vernā’s journey saw her rise to prominence as a distinguished alumna of Barnard College,  Columbia University, and Harvard Law School, founder of The Vernā Myers Company, and the inaugural head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, where she led a global team in curating and implementing strategies to integrate cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity  into all aspects of the company’s operations.  An accomplished author, Vernā’s two best-selling books, “Moving Diversity Forward: Going from Well-Meaning to Well-Doing” and  “What If I Say The Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People” have garnered widespread acclaim. Her inspiring TED talk,  “How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldly Towards Them,” has amassed over 5 million views and has been translated into 27  languages. Collaborating with Ariana Huffington and Thrive Global, Vernā’s micro-course, “Confronting Biases,” has been taken by  nearly a million learners worldwide and is consistently recognized as one of the top ten LinkedIn Learning courses. Vernā is also the  host and producer of the podcast Sundays with Verna, which is available on Apple iTunes and Spotify.  Vernā’s trademarked quote: “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance” ® encapsulates her enduring  commitment to fostering inclusive environments. The statement has been quoted countless times by DEI professionals and everyday  individuals from various industries and all over the world.   Vernā’s company, TVMC, provides its own brand of DEI online training courses through www.tvmcu.com. The courses, featuring  Verna herself, include the energy and no shame, blame, or attack approach she brings when delivering her keynotes and workshops.  Among her many accolades, Vernā’s impact has been recognized by numerous institutions, including the California Association of  Black Lawyers, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation, CODE Crew recognized her DEI Person of the Year (2021), and Diversity Woman named her one of the Top 100 Black Women Executives. Vernā was elected as a Fellow of the College  of Law Practice Management, serves as a Board Member of UC Hastings College of Law’s Work Life Law program, and received the  Diversity Champion award from Pepper Hamilton LLP. She has been honored as one of the “25 Influential Black Women in Business”  by The Network Journal and celebrated as a “Diversity Hero” by The Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly. Earlier in her career, Vernā  held pivotal roles, such as the first Executive Director of The Boston Law Firm Group and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Attorney  General of Massachusetts. She also practiced corporate and real estate law for six years at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP and Fitch,  Wiley, Richlin & Tourse LLP.  

Launching his career as assistant to the Jonas Brothers, Benoni Tagoe quickly became a part of the band’s day-to-day management team and through that experience developed a keen sense of entrepreneurship. Since then, Tagoe has produced content for both TV and New Media on platforms that have collectively garnered over 20 million views. In a dual role, Tagoe was the Head of Business Development for Issa Rae Productions, which became HOORAE (The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl and HBO’s ‘Insecure’)and President of Raedio (Issa Rae’s music initiative).  Throughout his career Benoni has closed multiple joint venture record deals (Atlantic Records & Def Jam), podcast overall deals (Audible and Stitcher) and acted as a liaison between talent and securing funding for the next step of their careers.  Additionally, Benoni has been profiled as a “Modern Man” in Black Enterprise magazine for his work with his management & consulting company, The Bizz Plan, which has worked with various media brands, including Uninterrupted (LeBron James’ sports platform).

Shabazz Larkin is a figurative artist, poet, sculptor, book-maker and an ambassador for mindfulness meditation.  Larkin, from Norfolk Virginia, works from his studio in Nashville, TN, creating figures, portraits, and monuments that celebrate Black culture. His overwhelming use of color and bold typography thinly veils his true intention to explore issues of justice, history, spirituality, and the power of Black joy. Larkin is the founder of The Museum of Presence, an institution without walls, taking the form of a newspaper and podcast led by a cohort of BIPoC artists, curators, and mindfulness professionals, working to spotlight the creative community of Nashville and the greater American South, with mindfulness and creativity at the heart. Shabazz has a long list of private collaborators, from his former 20-year career in the commercial creative industry from organizations like the Obama Foundation, Google, and Sony to moguls like Bill Gates, Maya Angelou, and a long list of other kings, presidents, and global brands. Shabazz has won every award in the business from the One Show Pencil to the Cannes Lion. In 2020 however, Shabazz left the commercial ad industry to follow a passion to make meditation and mindfulness teachings accessible to BIPoC communities. Shabazz now serves as the head of content for a Mindfulness app, called True Voice, designed from the ground up with Black and brown people in mind. (truevoiceapp.com) He is also the author of several books that grapple with food or mindfulness, his latest is “The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter to My Sons” a book about fear, love, and the fragility of our food system. He is the founder of Larkin Art & Company, an art gallery, and proprietor of artifacts, experiences, and books rooted in African American culture and identity. (www.larkinart.co) 

Kiser Barnes is a visionary creative leader and experience maven who operates at the intersection of design, culture, and innovation. As Chief Creative Officer and Partner at Red Antler, he is known for designing fantastic futures for brands by seamlessly connecting emerging ideas with transformative experiences.From disruptive startups to Fortune 100 giants, Kiser has been instrumental in shaping some of the world’s most iconic companies across a wide range of industries. He brings a holistic, forward-thinking approach to brand building, with a portfolio that spans brand design, advertising, apps, e-commerce, retail, experiential activations, gaming design, and packaging.Recently, Kiser spearheaded Walmart’s groundbreaking entry into the metaverse with Walmart Land and led the acclaimed Delta Wonder Window experience at CES. His innovative work has earned him a Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and he was recognized as a 2023 Web3 Marketing Trailblazer by Ad Age, celebrating his role as a creative pioneer in emerging technology.Before joining Red Antler, Kiser served as Head of Design and Innovation at Digitas/Publicis Groupe, where he guided a diverse array of clients, including LVMH, Google, Delta Air Lines, Crocs, Visa, Four Seasons, Calvin Klein, Lincoln Motor Co., and many more.

Kettelie Dubuisson is an accomplished experiential creative director with a passion for crafting immersive brand experiences. With 13 years of experience in the creative + design industry, she specializes in translating brand narratives into captivating live events, interactive installations, and multi-sensory campaigns.Known for her innovative approach and strategic mindset, Kettelie has successfully executed and led cross-functional teams in delivering impactful designs + experiences for a diverse range of clients spanning industries such as tech, music, media and entertainment.

Robert Williams has 18 years of experience in retail, with a passion for people leadership at the heart of everything he does. Currently, he serves as a District Manager for Starbucks Coffee Company, where he was promoted to District Manager Trainer within his first year. Throughout his career, Robert has co-created the Happy to Help theme for Sam’s Club and Walmart and pioneered the HBCU Retail Leadership Challenge for Target. He’s also known for opening new stores and launching company pilots for major retailers, including Sam’s Club, Target, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Starbucks.One of his proudest accomplishments is helping over 30 friends, family members, and mentees get promoted, using his ability to authentically connect with the leaders he serves and provide tangible value quickly.On a personal note, Robert made the best decision of his life on August 21, 2021, when he got down on one knee and asked Tiesha to marry him. Now, over two years into marriage, they’re building a beautiful life together. They love traveling, especially to Grand Paraiso near Cancun, and enjoy working out at Orange Theory. While both are great in the kitchen, Tiesha holds the title of kitchen master.Robert is also passionate about memorializing his ideas through his collection of books under the title Raw Guidance. His first book, TITO: Turning Interviews to Offers, is expected to be wrapped up by the end of the year and serves as a comprehensive guide to acing interviews. His second book, Keeping Her Excited, focuses on nurturing and strengthening relationships through acts of service.A fan of being read to, Robert’s top recommendations include The Gap and The Gain, Black Privilege, and The Power of Vulnerability. At the end of the day, Robert’s legacy is about helping others succeed, making his nieces and nephews proud to call him “Unc,” and hearing his wife Tiesha say, “I’m so proud of you” with her beautiful smile.

Jeffrey L. Bowman is the CEO and founder of Reframe AI Technologies and Reframe Consulting Services.  He is an inventor, pioneer of a change operating system and inclusive experience design approach that helps leaders accelerate and operationalize inclusive change and growth at scale. Bowman is a two-time award-winning Wiley published author and Campaign US 40 Over 40. A former senior partner and managing director at Ogilvy & Mather in New York City, one of the world’s largest advertising and communications agencies. It was there Bowman pioneered the industry’s first cultural practice that modernized the marketing and communications industry. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Campaign, The Economist, Fast Company, NBC (Today Show), Fortune to name a few and he speaks frequently at industry and trade events across the United States, Europe, and South America.

"Omar Cherie, I'm a conceptual copywriter based in Brooklyn with a desire to travel the world. I recently got laid off and decided to lean into what I know best: my creativity. So, I started the "Hire Me Experiment," an exercise of extreme transparency. I am attempting to get hired in the AD industry with 0 connections. This is a real-time journey to working with big brands and AD agencies or becoming one of my own."

Alexis Toney brings a decade of experience in marketing, with a diverse background that includes roles at various ad agencies and on brand marketing teams. Her expertise lies in strategy, media, and analytics, with a strong focus on e-commerce and driving brand profitability. In 2020, Alexis launched Background Noise, a BIPOC and female-led marketing and business consulting agency. She later restructured the company with two co-founders, leading to rapid growth and the acquisition of notable clients like Cécred by Beyoncé and Taco Bell.

Jeremy K. Smith is a seasoned marketing strategist and the SVP of New Business at Unsurfaced™, a Chicago-based creative agency. Since beginning his career in 2011, Jeremy has shaped the trajectory of major brands and pioneered innovative projects. His career highlights include collaborating with celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Joe Budden, and Halsey, as well as spearheading digital strategy for Fenty Skin by Rihanna, where he forged groundbreaking partnerships with platforms like Roblox.  Jeremy worked at P&G as Senior Digital Communications Manager. During his tenure, he led the redesign of PG.com. He also played a key role in rebranding P&G’s corporate visual identity and developed the digital strategy for the Emmy Award-winning campaign #TheTalk.  At Unsurfaced™, Jeremy works alongside a talented team of creatives who are more than just colleagues—they are his friends and family. Together, they cultivate a safe space where they support each other, sharing skills and talents in humanistic ways that are often uncommon for Black men to encounter in corporate America or total market agencies. This unique environment allows them to produce work that is not only impactful but also deeply personal.  Since Jeremy joined Unsurfaced™, the agency has made significant strides, most notably in its partnership with BEVEL. Unsurfaced™ has reignited BEVEL’s brand presence through strategic social media marketing, experiential marketing, and influencer management. These efforts have  focused on elevating Black and Brown creators, who are commonly marginalized due to their socio-economic background, further solidifying BEVEL's leadership in the market.  Recently, Unsurfaced™ gained recognition for its award-winning video "Change 1961" for Eastside Golf, earning a Silver Medal at the 2024 Anthem Awards. Jeremy’s dedication to innovative storytelling and his commitment to creating meaningful, culturally relevant work continue to set him apart in the industry. Jeremy's journey is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of "what's next" in marketing. His work reflects an unwavering dedication to breaking boundaries and delivering results that resonate on both a professional and human level.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of The Creative Ladder, I am dedicated to catalyzing an inclusive future for creatives. Our ethos at The Creative Ladder revolves around empowerment and accessibility, with a mission to forge new pathways for underrepresented talents to thrive. With a background in design and creative strategy, my role involves creating impactful connections and nurturing a platform where diversity and belonging are not just encouraged, but celebrated.My passion lies in building community, fostering progression, inspiring action, and supporting self-love through timeless and memorable apparel, design, and experiences.In addition to my role at The Creative Ladder, I am the founder of District of Clothing, an online retail shop and community for change-makers who are driving positive change, and D.d Design, a creative services boutique.

As a life-long student of his craft, Trevor Wentt is a multidisciplinary savant of the visual arts, creative visionary, and endless dreamer of possibilities, composing stories through film, photography and prose. With degrees in Photography, Biblical & Intercultural studies, a Master of Art in Christian Ministries, and over a decade of experience in photography and filmmaking, he is uniquely positioned to embody a people centered approach in telling the stories that must be told in a way that strikes your innermost being. When the cameras are put away, you might find him cruising down the street on his longboard, thrifting in your city, tearing up over his favorite anime, or handing out L’s in Super Smash Bros.

Fred Sands IV is a visual artist and art director whose personal work is rooted in nostalgia and culture, he has made it his primary objective to create work that feels both innovative and familiar. With 14 cumulative years of experience working as both a freelance artist and graphic designer within the production/media industry, and clients including Netflix, Puma, Essence Magazine, Spotify, Livenation and more, Fred pushes boundaries through digital and creative storytelling. Sands continually strives to align himself with brands and projects who aim to establish a revolutionary voice through design.

One of the most sought-after minds in strategic communications, Rakia Reynolds, is a thought leader, tastemaker, branding expert, and advisor and amplifier of people, products, and places at the award-winning strategic communications agency, Skai Blue Media. Her guiding principles as an adept storyteller with a bullish approach to equitable communications, her proven ability to navigate the ever-increasing complex cultural and social media landscapes, along with her dedication to building brands in both Web2 and Web3, are only some of the reasons Rakia has successfully created her own distinct brand of authenticity and expertise for over 15 years. Rakia has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, was listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and recently was also profiled by Forbes on their “Next 1000” list.  Rakia serves as Founder and Executive Officer of Skai Blue Media (SBM), a non-traditional communications agency that proudly hosts an eclectic group of storytellers, brand experts, and strategists. Rakia continues to be a key influencer in the creative business industry as she works with her team to launch, brand, re-brand, and revitalize lifestyle, technology, non-profit and entrepreneurial clients. This list includes Airbnb, Nasdaq, Comcast/Xfinity, Dell, Serena Williams, Morgan Stanley, Jill Scott, and more. Rakia’s portfolio includes #FanofYourBrand(tactical business tools), clothing brand EVRYDAY Jane, and an ethical intelligence platform launching in 2023.  As a thought leader and proven authority in marketing, creative strategy, and business development Rakia regularly contributes her expertise to the pages of Forbes, Inc.com, HuffPost, Fast Company, and more. Onstage, she captivates audiences across many industries as her talks span branding, media, multicultural business, economic development, and the entrepreneurial journey, all of which are more than relevant to the recent challenging and changing times. Rakia is recognized for her innovative approach and commitment to authenticity and has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, Inbound, and others. More than a keynote speaker, Rakia is often called upon to moderate panel discussions due to her in-depth knowledge of an extensive range of topics affecting the business community.

Alex Lewis is a senior social media strategist with ten years of experience driving audience growth and online engagement for brands such as Hollister at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Alex is also a freelance music writer for Columbus Underground and an essayist based in Columbus, Ohio. For his Substack newsletter, Feels Like Home, Alex writes to an audience of over 900 subscribers about things he loves & the people and moments that have shaped him.

Mamou Kilambi-Mbakwe is a seasoned professional with over a decade's experience in the social media landscape. Joining Media.Monks in 2017, her influence has been pivotal in shaping social strategies and campaigns. Previously, between 2017 and 2019, she contributed to Google Fiber and the Google Social Lab, gaining insights before joining the internal marketing team.As the Global Social Lead, Mamou ensures that the M.M social channels strike the perfect balance between being informative and entertaining. She leans into social trends, spotlighting Monk talent whenever possible, and drives engagement with a keen eye for what resonates with their audience. Her efforts in community management, social monitoring, and demand generation showcase her dedication to driving social strategy and performance. Additionally, she plays a critical role in operational improvement, aiding Media.Monks in reaching greater heights.

As a Global Social Media Lead at Amazon, Trevor McNeal is responsible for developing and overseeing the social marketing strategy for podcasts on Amazon Music. He is also the creator and executive producer of Bars and Nuggets, an Amazon podcast series which has attracted guests such as J Balvin, Offset, The Game and other personalities across the entertainment and sports industries.Over the course of his career, McNeal has developed marketing and content strategies for companies such as HBO, the NBA, UNINTERRUPTED, and more.The New York-native is a proud alumnus of Montclair State University and father of two . McNeal is also a founding judge of the Signal Awards and has previously appeared as a guest lecturer to students at NYU and Syracuse.

Octavia Warren, also known as the Millennial CEO, is the founder and CEO of Creative Juice, a multicultural branding and marketing agency, she started back in 2013. Creative Juice has always been at the forefront of multicultural branding and marketing, working with clients like The Home Depot, The City of Atlanta, Emory University, Microsoft, Equifax, Cox, and MARTA to name a few. She realized there was an untapped potential in specifically addressing the needs of Black audiences and entrepreneurs. Chroma Creators™ was born from this insight to bridge the gap between brands and the dynamic, multigenerational Black community. Octavia holds a BFA from SCAD Atlanta, from which she received the 2018 Emerging Alumna award. She is also a 2017 Power 30 Under 30 award recipient, is a member of EO Atlanta and a Goldman Sachs 10KSB alumni. In her spare time, she serves as a mentor for the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women program.