From Pop Culture to Purpose

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with TheAwayGames_Podcast to talk about my unconventional career path—from entertainment media to working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and ultimately betting on myself to take a step into entrepreneurship.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/e2RSsQWm

The Evolution of My Career

I started my journey in grad school, writing for entertainment media outlets that appreciated my witty and unfiltered style of writing. However, everything shifted when Trayvon Martin was murdered. That moment deeply impacted me, making me question my place in entertainment journalism and pushing me toward work that would create a real impact in my community.

I found my way into equity work, where I worked on community-driven initiatives that connected me with real people. This was also my entry into change management and DEI work, which came with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest? The spaces I was brought in to change weren’t always ready.

The Reality of Change Management & DEI

As a project manager and DEI strategist, I quickly realized that while organizations often bring people like me in to "transform" things, they aren’t willing to actually change. Sometimes, the biggest resistance came from inside the room. It was frustrating, but it also became my biggest lesson:

💡 Knowing my value gave me the confidence to push forward.

I learned that I couldn’t wait for spaces to be ready—I had to create my own. That realization led me to creating Black Luxe & Co., where I focus on using strategy, culture, and creativity to drive real impact, and the Black Luxe Expo, a platform to celebrate Black-owned businesses and creatives.

Creating My Own Path

Where I felt restricted in my 9-to-5, I felt free in my passion project.

Entrepreneurship gave me the space to take all of the skills I had gained—from media, design, and DEI—and the chance to build something that was truly mine. It wasn’t just about launching a business; it was about creating a movement that reflects my values and vision.

But let me be real—my path hasn’t linear. There are moments when I have to pause, regroup, and prepare for a greater comeback. I don’t have all the answers, but trust me, I have all the questions. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, I will always bet on myself.

Thanks to TheAwayGames_Podcast, for allowing me to share my story. If you’ve ever struggled with being the change agent in a space that wasn’t ready, or if you’re on the fence about betting on yourself, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Tune in and let me know your thoughts: https://lnkd.in/e2RSsQWm

For more info, contact: roco@theawaygamespodcast.com