Speaker Bio: Sirita Wright, Black Enterprise

Conference Session: The State of the Digital Space, Sunday, 4:40PM

Sirita Wright is a digital savvy professional with a fashion and media background plus a proven record of exceeding expectations, improving processes, establishing goals/metrics and turning around underperforming social platforms.

She loves analyzing social intelligence to find new points of audience engagement. And she’s had great success working with major brands like AT&T, Lexus, Prudential and others. She’s a self-made woman, living, learning and sharing in New York City, by way of Prince George’s County.

Sirita is also an actress and has had guest roles on the ID Channels, My Dirty Little Secret and her first web-series 195 Lewis was recently unveiled at the International Film Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands.


When Sirita isn’t spending her days crunching numbers, analyzing and optimizing tweets, Periscopes or Facebook post she can be seen in the Black Enterprise HQ interviewing artist like Common, moderating panels at Social Media Week NYC and sharing her expertise on The World’s Most Dangerous Morning Show aka The Breakfast Club.

Stitch Fix would like to offer YOU the chance to receive a special gift at the BWB conference.

What is Stitch Fix?

It’s a personal styling service tailored to your taste, budget and lifestyle. Fill out a Style Profile, & one of Stitch Fix’s expert stylists will hand-select five apparel and accessory items just for you. Only pay for what you keep & return the rest in a prepaid return envelope. Shipping is easy & free. 

Sign up for their Influencer Program by 7/8/16 and you'll receive a special gift from Stitch Fix during the conference!

How does Stitch Fix work for Influencers? 

As a member of Stitch Fix’s Influencer program you’ll earn $25 for each new client you refer through your affiliate links and have opportunities to connect with other amazing Influencers in the Stitch Fix community. Members receive the inside scoop on Stitch Fix, a monthly newsletter with helpful tips & tricks on best practices for growing your following, opportunities for larger collaborations, giveaways and cross promotions. 

To receive your gift, fill out this form & apply here! Stitch Fix is currently only serving women but will be launching Men's in the fall. To enter your name into the waitlist, click here.

Keynote: Blog, Build, Sell: How to Turn Page Views into Dollar Signs, Presented by Arsha Jones

We are so proud to announce our 2016 Entrepreneurship Keynote. She's a multi-time Blogging While Brown speaker and a serial online entrepreneur. She knows what she's doing! 

About the Session

For many people, blogging is their gateway into entrepreneurship. As the industry continues to evolve, however, it’s time to start thinking beyond the blog as the sole strategy for building a profitable business. Driven by the personal experience of Arsha Jones, founder of For the Creatives, LLC, this presentation will give you the tools you need to turn your page views into dollar signs with e-commerce.

Specifically, attendees will learn how to leverage their blogs into bigger opportunities, better serve their built-in audiences by creating tangible products, and tips on how to make the transition into e-commerce a seamless one that fits their brand.

About Arsha Jones

Arsha Jones is a creative soul with a penchant for marketing, sales, technology, social media, and popular culture. An emerging leader in the e-commerce industry, she has built multiple, highly profitable brands, one of which has seen revenues approaching nearly a quarter of a million dollars in less than two years.

Known for her quiet demeanor and business prowess, Arsha’s brands have been featured in or on media outlets such as Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, Black Enterprise, FOX, CBS, and TV One. Her website, BuildBrandSell.com is where she endeavors to teach others how to turn their passions into profit with physical products. When not building her e-commerce empire, you can find Arsha spending time with her husband and children, enjoying a juicy nap or delicious bowl of ice cream.

AT&T Inspired Mobility: Enabling good. Activating Everywhere

SESSION TIME: SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2016 at 3:30PM

AT&T has teamed with faith and mobility expert Jason Caston to host a casual session to discuss how people are using mobility to inspire themselves, others and the masses.  As an evolution of the #InspiredMobility conversation, we'll take a look at how mobile technology is enabling people to connect with positive content that can enrich lives.  Ever been accused of "not being present," checking work e-mails or playing games on your device, when you were actually engaged in something more positive and enriching? AT&T invites conference attendees to join in this open discussion about how positive and inspirational interactions are happening more often than you think.  This conversation is for everyone, so pick up your device for a change and join us.

Moderators: Jason Caston (iChurch Method) and L. Michelle Smith (AT&T)

Stitch Fix Wants to Style You For the Conference.

We’re excited to announce that Stitch Fix will be one of our sponsors at this year’s Blogging While Brown Conference in DC. They wanted to extend this special opportunity for attendees of BWB.

What is Stitch Fix?

It’s a personal styling service tailored to your taste, budget and lifestyle. Fill out a Style Profile, & one of Stitch Fix’s expert stylists will hand-select five apparel and accessory items just for you.  Only pay for what you keep & return the rest in a prepaid return envelope. Shipping is easy & free.

Schedule a Fix by 6/15/16 and get styled for the conference! Stitch Fix is offering BWB attendees a $20 promo code to schedule a Fix. Click through to this Google Form and someone from the Stitch Fix Influencer team will be in touch with more details on how to get your Fix & receive your promo code!

How does Stitch Fix work for Influencers?

As a member of Stitch Fix’s Influencer program you’ll earn $25 for each new client you refer through your affiliate links and have opportunities to connect with other amazing Influencers in the Stitch Fix community. Members receive the inside scoop on Stitch Fix, a monthly newsletter with helpful tips & tricks on best practices for growing your following, opportunities for larger collaborations, giveaways and cross promotions. You can learn more & apply here!

This offer expires on 7/1/16. We’ll also be launching Stitch Fix Men’s in the fall so if you aren’t able to sign up to get a Fix now, you can enter your name to the waitlist here to be the first to know when Stitch Fix Men’s is available.

Cheers,

Stitch Fix

A Look Back At Blogging While Brown 2015

Live events are a powerful way to grow.   The Blogging While Brown family will support you and help grow your online influence.  There's not a question you have about blogging that someone in the room won't be able to answer. 

Wondering what your Blogging While Brown experience will be like? Take a look back and Blogging While Brown 2015. We were in Austin, TX and the vibe was amazing.

Register today for Blogging While Brown 2016. We'll be in Washington, DC, July 15-17th

Speaker Bio: Winnie Caldwell

Session Title: Black Weblog Awards

I’m a dreamer and a doer. I use my testimonies as different pieces of advice to share through my writing. As a St. Louis, MO native, I definitely have that ‘Show Me’ state mentality. I don’t tell too much in advance, but when I show the end result, I show out. If I would be any animal, I would say I am a Chameleon. Except instead of being a small slow-moving Old World lizard with a prehensile tail, long extensible tongue, protruding eyes that rotate independently, and a highly developed ability to change color; I move swift and fast while having the ability to adapt to my surroundings and leave a bit of my color behind for admirers to savor. The most interesting compliment I have received is that someone told me I was unflappable, which means to show calmness in a crisis. For that I am proud. I have grown from being nervous when I interviewed celebrities such as actress Malinda Williams, and radio host Special K to now having great communication with highly influential persons such as celebrity MUA Alexandra Butler, VH1’s Torrei Hart and Christina Johnson,  and more! To experience this bright spirit everyone loves, visit thewirehangerbywinnie.com where the motto is “Hang Up Your Problems & Move On To Better.”

Speaker Bio: Vashti Patrick-Joseph

Session Title: PIVOT: How to Successfully Rebrand Your Blog.

Vashti Patrick-Joseph is the creator of the Award Winning, Dallas based blog VeePeeJay.com. In addition to creating content and engaging with her audience, she is also a online media consultant for small business owners & bloggers. Vashti holds a M.Sc in eBusiness from the University of Wyoming.

Speaker Bio: Ty Alexander

Session Title: Sponsored Content 101: How Publishers & Brands Can Get Sponsored Content Right

Known for her beauty and lifestyle savvy, but adored because of her gorgeous grey tresses, Ty Alexander is an expert online beauty and lifestyle editor, social media consultant and style and beauty TV correspondent.

Ty started her impressive editorial career as the style and beauty editor of HelloBeautiful.com, building the section from occasional stylish musings to an authority in all things beautiful with her bare, manicured hands. Armed with extensive knowledge, compassion for women of color and the kind of sass that instantly made her your BFF, Ty’s work with this top women’s site has allowed her dedicated readers to face their days with grace, and of course style.

Her killer personality shines through every style guide, HuffPost Live, “The Today Show” and “Dr. Oz” appearance. Ty has established herself as a trendsetter in the media, boasting over 11k Twitter followers, over 8k on Instagram and over 5k on Facebook.

As a trusted influencer, with a distinctive voice, Ty has partnered with some of the best beauty and fashion brands in the business, offering her social media services to Ouidad, BET, Lane Bryant and EDEN BodyWorks.

From HelloBeautiful.com, Ty became a well sought-after editor, who currently contributes to reputable publications like Style.com, Huffington Post, Hype Hair, GM District Overdrive, TodayShow.com and XOJane. And because of her undying dedication to building a brand from the bottom, up, Beautiful Textures chose Ty to be the Editorial Director of their new online vertical, TalkingTexture.com.

Ty is one of those rare people who are so talented, they’re featured in the very medium where they work. Featured and/or dubbed “Top Blogger” on CNN Living, NY Daily News, Essence, Redbook, Ebony, Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, BUST Magazine, Hype Hair and more for everything from expert beauty tips to the sheer lust over her stunning grey mane. Ty has easily become a trusted voice and powerful influencer for beauty and lifestyle. She’s built her personal brand, Gorgeous In Grey from a personal blog to a lifestyle site with over 100k page views per month, offering the best in fashion, beauty, fitness, health, celebrity and lifestyle.

Speaker Bio: Stefanie Newell

Session Title: Writing Your First Book

Stefanie Newell is a well sought after book writing coach. Her company Write One Publications, Inc. consults aspiring writers on how to bring their book ideas to fruition or more seasoned writers on how to sell more books! Her exposure to branding, marketing and publicity fueled her desire to help other writers to go after their dreams and gain attention for their books. As a book coach, Newell has successfully assisted writers since 2008 with writing their books, book marketing, and publishing. Newell has spoken at numerous book, blogging, and film festivals including, but not limited to: the National Black Book Festival, Bronzeville Film Festival, the Los Angeles Black Book Expo, and WordCamp ATL.

Speaker Bio: Sarah L. Webb

Session Title: Black Weblog Awards

Sarah L. Webb blogs at ColorismHealing.org and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in English at Louisiana State University. She is a writer, educator, advocate, and mentor whose work focuses on literacy, digital media, and issues affecting young women of color. Sarah has previously taught high school and college English courses; mentored youth poets, performers, and writers; managed online content for local news and TV stations; and provided freelance writing and blogging services for businesses and magazines.

Speaker Bio: Sarah Glover

Session Title: State of the Digital Space

Sarah Glover is the social media editor at NBC Owned Television Stations and is based in New York City. She serves as president of the National Association of Black Journalists. Prior to joining NBC OTS, Sarah worked at NBC10 Philadelphia (2012-2014), Philadelphia Daily News (2008-2012) and The Philadelphia Inquirer (1999-2008). For two decades, she has been a freelance photographer for outlets including Jet magazine, The Washington Post, Liberty City Press and Black Enterprise.

 

Speaker Bio: Rob Walch

Session Title: How to Be a Podcasting Rockstar Part I. & Part II.

Rob Walch is the Vice President of Podcaster Relations for Libsyn.  Prior to joining Libsyn in 2007, he was President and founder of podCast411, Inc. Rob is Co-Author of the book “Tricks of the Podcasting Masters” - Que 2006, an editors pick as a Top 10 Reference book for 2006 by Amazon.com. Rob was listed as the 5th most influential person in podcasting according to the book “Podcasting for Dummies” – Wiley Press 2005. He has consulted on podcasting for Jack Welch, Senator Edwards, Governor Bill Richardson, Noah Shanok (Stitcher), Tim Ferriss, and the Sacramento Kings/Monarchs to name just a few. He is also a monthly columnist for Podertainment The Podcast Magazine. Rob was Chair of the Education and Outreach Committee for the Association of Downloadable Media.

Rob started podcasting in 2004, and is the host of the award winning podCast411 podcast, where he has interviewed such prominent podcasters as Quincy Jones, Walt Mossberg, Colin Ferguson (Eureka), Ronald Moore (Executive Producer of Battlestar Galactica), Phil Gordon (World Series of Poker), Larry Kudlow (CNBC’s Kudlow and Company) and Leo Laporte (TechTV, G4 TV).  Additionally Rob is host of Today in iOS (iPhone) Podcast – The first and largest podcast about the iPhone - www.todayinios.com and also the KC Startup 411 podcast which covers the Kansas City Start up scene - www.kcstartup411.com

Since 2004 Rob has presented at over 100 events on the subject of podcasting and New Media including the Newspaper Association of America Marketing Conference, the US Latino Film Festival, the Corporate Podcasting Summit, The Association for Women in Communications 2006 Annual Professional Conference, Social Media 2007, Ad-Tech, Podcast Movement, New Media Expo, and Blogworld Expo. He is also a regular guest Lecturer at the University of Kansas School of Journalism.  Rob was the Track Leader for the Podcasting sessions at the 2009 Blog World Expo – where he recruited 25 top experts to speak on podcasting.

In 2004 Rob received his MBA from the University of Connecticut. He also has an Engineering degree from the University of Dayton.

 

Speaker Bio: Naya Scarbrough

Session Title: Mobile UX for Bloggers

After getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Media Production, I earned a Master’s Degree in Publications Design (Writing, Design, Web Development, Photo/Video). I've spent around 9 years of experience in agencies, in-house digital production teams, and teaching digital media.

I’m here to help entrepreneurs take the plunge into the online branding world and prove to them that the world won’t crumble beneath their feet when they take that step. I’m here to help bloggers create and maintain delightful experiences for their users.

 

Speaker Bio: Monique Johnson

Session Title: Livestreaming to Leverage Your Business

Monique is a writer, speaker, YouTube personality (MoCris) and video creator who has created videos for the digital, health, and many more industries. She has also ventured into all aspects of media including blogging, social media, etc.

Her company, Ehm Ooo Media, produces videos for businesses and brands that tell their unique story. Monique founded DIYMobileVideo.com, and teaches video production and camera presence for the web at BothSidesoftheCamera.com and MoniqueJohnson.com.

Speaker Bio: Lucrecer Braxton

Lucrecer is a podcaster, award-winning photographer and graphic designer, who seeks the light for the best self-portrait.

She has graced the stage at many conferences, sharing passionate, motivating messages with her audience. She has led workshops on relationship building, photography, blogging, podcasting, building communities online and pitching for speakers. 

As the host of the Hello Friend Podcast, Lucrecer introduces her audience to inspiring guests, through candid conversations where they offer a glimpse into how they live their most awesome lives. She is a hardcore podcast and live broadcasting connoisseur and enjoys not only listening, but sharing great information that help people grow, reclaim and own their personal freedom and power. 

Lucrecer is the Events Programming Manager for SheKnows and scouts the best speakers and developsdynamic programming for BlogHer and BlogHerFood conferences.  

She was born in Georgia and is a southern girl at heart. She loves on herself, loves on haters and has no problem calling out "hot mess" when she sees it. 

Speaker Bio:Linal Harris

Session Title: Blogging With A Purpose-How Blogging Transformed My Life

Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, accomplished blogger, radio host, and certified life coach. He was the recipient of the Chicago Urban Roundtable’s 2012, 40 Game Changers under 40 award and The Chicago Defender’s 2013, Men of Excellence award.  Harris was also inducted into Triton College’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015.

Harris is also the former Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, for U.S. Cellular®, where he developed and led talent enablement programs, diversity strategies and community outreach through the company’s affinity network groups. He was also responsible for the company’s supplier diversity strategies and third party programs.

Prior to taking a diversity leadership role, Harris assisted in the start-up and management of multiple call centers across the globe with efforts in countries like India, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Jamaica.  Over the past 15 years, Harris has held positions of leadership with a number of Fortune 500 companies, both domestic and international which has provided him a unique perspective on diversity and the impacts of globalization on achieving superior business results.

Harris is passionate about helping others. He continually shares his resources and time with inner city youth by volunteering and inspiring high school juniors and seniors to pursue further education. Harris’ passion for leadership is also evidenced in his radio show and blog inspirationalperspective.com, where he looks to challenge and help his readers and listeners, murder mediocrity™ and live their best life possible.  Harris is a skilled public speaker who has been called upon by universities and Fortune 500 companies to facilitate goal setting sessions and/or provide inspirational talks and presentations.

“We all have the power to influence great change…but if we ignore that power…to create change…we could miss an opportunity to change our city, possibly the nation, maybe the world. Don’t underestimate the ripple effect you have on the rest of our lives.” – An excerpt from “What’s Your Ripple Effect?” by Linal Harris

Harris is the founder of Inspirational Perspective Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life Coaching, LLC.

 

Speaker Bio: Michelle Smith

Session Title: State of the Digital Space

L. Michelle Smith is the award-winning lead for Diversity and Citizenship & Sustainability corporate communications for AT&T. With more than 20 years’ experience, she has led teams of dynamic PR professionals for some of the world’s largest PR agencies, as well as her own boutique agency to award winning results. She’s a former television news writer/producer with an insatiable nose for news, a precise insight for intelligent social engagement and a curious interest for anything tech related. She directs five agency teams for the Fortune 10 mobility and digital video giant. Embracing a no-silos approach to communications, she is an extremely energetic change agent, news and social media junkie. She is a creative, strategic thinker, planner and problem solver who always drives to results.
Follow Michelle on Twitter at @lmichellepr

Speaker Bio: Kristy McCarley

Session Title: 5 Steps to Explode your Instagram & Facebook Audience

Kristy McCarley is CEO and founder of Shazzy Fitness LLC, the top-selling inspirational dance workout based in Atlanta, GA. Shazzy Fitness initially began as a cardio exercise DVD series in 2013 and has now evolved into a comprehensive workout program which can be found on TotalFitnessDVDs.com, Amazon Prime, The Dove Channel and Koorong, Australia's largest Christian media retailer - and ShazzyFitness.com.

In 2014, the DVD entitled "Shazzy Fitness: In the Beginning" was named one of the "Top DVD Workouts of 2014" by the Chicago Sun-Times and has been featured in SHAPE, Rolling Out, Examiner.com, Chicago Tribune and the Christian Broadcasting Network.

McCarley's professional experience began after she graduated from Howard University and the University of Virginia with both undergraduate and graduate Engineering degrees - which led to a notable career in IT and ultimately, Internet Marketing.

In 2015, McCarley was able to draw on her graphic design and marketing background to grow the Shazzy Fitness Facebook following from 3500 to over 35,000 in less than 10 months. Shazzy's substantial social media presence has led to several business partnerships, national media appearances as well as increased sales, which keeps this unique fitness company well above the pack as the #1 faith-based fitness workout program on the market today.

Kristy McCarley is a child of God, wife, mom, entrepreneur and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

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