Sullivan Anderson 
Last weekend was sunny and beautiful in the Big Apple, where the blue skies were complemented by the radiant energy in the Black Girls in Media Conference. The conference successfully hosted over 400 attendees, held panels with industry professionals, and gave opportunities for connection, networking, and Black sisterhood.
A few gems dropped on the panels that I stuffed in my purse:
“When you have a vision and you know what you want; it’s impossible to settle for less.”
“Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one idea. Don’t be afraid to pivot and let yourself be open to possibility.”
“Sometimes you have to go into a season of sacrifice and get it done, and people will understand later.”
Aren’t these a word?
Olivia Hancock, beauty editor at Byrdie and podcast host, was one of the speakers on the panel “Rest & Rise: Navigating the Hustle as a Business Babe”. She was thrilled to take part in this year’s event. “When I got the email that invited me to be on the panel, I was super excited because I followed the brand for such a long time,” Olivia explained. “It was such an honor to be a part of the panel and talk about my journey, and help people navigate theirs through advice that I could share. It’s definitely a beautiful moment.”
The moment was beautiful, indeed. The energy in the room was impeccable, and the small details – “you are beautiful” stickers, a lit D.J., Mielle Organics goodies, and intimate experiences with panelists – brought the sophisticated elegance of the space to life.
This is Black Girls in Media’s second annual conference. The first was held in 2022 in Atlanta, where it hosted 300+ women and 30 professional speakers. BGIM was founded by Tasha McCaskiel in 2018, when she identified a need for opportunity and community in the media industry for Black women because of the unique challenges we face.
“Cheers to you for making it, for trying every single day, even when you don’t want to. For showing up, and never giving up,” McCaskiel told the audience. “I’m excited for every single one of you all!”
Job well done, Sis.
I look forward to what the future holds for me as a Black Girl in Media!
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. By donating at truestarmedia.org/donate you are helping to empower young creators and transform lives.
