Media is a powerful tool, especially when used with intention. The way Black women are portrayed across news, film, television, radio and digital platforms requires a careful lens grounded in commitment, awareness and persistence. For decades, Black women have been at the center of culture, storytelling and influence. Yet many times, the stories about them have been told through someone else’s lens. While representation has improved, true power in media comes from being visible and having the authority to shape the story, influence the narrative and lead the conversation.
That focus on ownership and impact guided DC Black MBA’s Women’s History Month programming, Rewriting the Script: Black Women Redefining Voice, Visibility and Value in Media.
“As we thought about this year’s Women’s History Month program, we wanted to go beyond celebration and focus on impact, leadership and ownership in media,” said Chante Bender, event coordinator and Vice President of Membership for the DC Black MBA.
Bender emphasized the continued importance of elevating the voices of Black women in media. “Black women have long been the storytellers, culture shapers and truth tellers behind some of the most influential moments in media,” she said. “Yet, despite their undeniable impact, they continue to face barriers to visibility, leadership and ownership across television, film, radio and emerging media platforms. At a time when the media shapes how the world understands culture, identity and power, the voices of Black women are more critical than ever.”
Today, a new wave of leaders in media is challenging outdated narratives while building platforms that influence audiences and create pathways for the next generation. Several media professionals shared their perspectives on how they are using their voices and platforms to expand the landscape.
Sports broadcaster Kelsey Nicole Nelson has built a multifaceted career through her KNN brand, which includes journalism, communications, academia and business.
“Building and owning my own brand has enabled me to work as a sports journalist that covers the intersection of sports, business, politics, race, culture and society,” Nelson explained. Her work includes launching a sports and entertainment podcast network, creating the first sports writing course at a local university and developing communications consulting that helps athletes with media training and nonprofit engagement.
Nelson also emphasizes the role of sports as a broader cultural lens. “It’s never just ‘stick to sports,’ but instead how sports can be used as a vehicle or tool to help propel societal norms and highlight disparities,” she said, noting her commitment to highlighting local talent and often referring to the region with the phrase “the DMV breeds ballers.”
Media influencer Moni, known to audiences as Media Moni through her platform The Media Sip, approaches storytelling with a focus on connection and cultural awareness.
“At The Media Sip, I’m rewriting the script by making media conversations feel more human, intentional and culturally aware,” she said. “Instead of just reporting on what’s trending, I focus on why the stories matter.”
Through film discussions, interviews and event coverage, her platform centers thoughtful dialogue around storytelling and shared cultural experiences. Producer Sarae-Flo is also working to expand opportunities behind the scenes. As owner and executive producer of Sarea-Flo Productions, she focuses on culturally grounded storytelling while mentoring emerging creatives.
“I’m rewriting the script by prioritizing ownership and authenticity in the stories being told,” she explained. Through initiatives like the Pretty Content Mentorship Program, she works to introduce new storytellers to the realities of the media business. “The decisions made in writers’ rooms, production meetings and editing rooms ultimately shape what audiences see and how stories are understood,” Sarae-Flo shared. “That realization pushed me to step into leadership as a producer.”
Award-winning media creator Folasade Ogunmokun is also reimagining how media functions within communities through her platform, Unskryted.
“I’m rewriting the script by shifting media from something we simply consume into something we participate in and benefit from,” Ogunmokun said. By integrating businesses directly into storytelling, her work aims to create economic opportunities alongside cultural visibility.
“For me, media isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about economic access and cultural visibility,” she said.
Across platforms and disciplines, these media professionals share a common vision: expanding who tells the story and ensuring that the narratives shaping culture reflect authentic voices and perspectives.
At its best, media does more than entertain. As these leaders demonstrate, it informs, challenges and connects communities while opening doors for the next generation of storytellers to take their place behind the microphone, the camera and the creative vision.