#United States #New York #Black Culture #ESSENCE Ventures #Caroline Wanga

Caroline Wanga's Departure from ESSENCE Ventures

In a significant leadership shift, ESSENCE Ventures has officially announced that Caroline Wanga will not be resuming her role as President and CEO after taking a health leave that began in September 2024. This decision marks the conclusion of an impactful chapter for Wanga, who has been a pivotal force behind the company's mission to empower Black women and foster cultural vitality.

Richelieu Dennis, the Founder and Chairman of Sundial Technology Media Group, the parent company of ESSENCE Ventures, expressed deep gratitude for Wanga’s dedication to the organization. He stated, "We are profoundly grateful to Caroline for her leadership, vision, and unwavering advocacy of Black women and culture." Wanga’s tenure, which started in June 2020 and extended until her health leave, was characterized by a formidable commitment to uplift Black women and enhance ESSENCE's cultural influence.

During her nearly five years at the helm, Wanga experienced the organization through transformative growth and innovation, fortifying its legacy as not just a media brand, but as a trusted voice for the Black community. Her leadership has been instrumental in reshaping ESSENCE Ventures as a beacon of empowerment and creativity in the space of cultural discourse.

Wanga herself acknowledged the honor of serving Black women in the roles she held. "The opportunity to serve Black women as CEOs of home, culture, and community will forever represent pride," she noted, emphasizing the courage she feels in advocating for those she represents and her commitment to her next purpose.

As Wanga steps away from her official responsibilities at ESSENCE, she will continue to influence and inspire through her recently published book, I'm Highly Percent Sure. This work reflects her unique voice and insights as a cultural figure. Her ability to articulate her experiences and perspectives continues to resonate deeply, helping shape conversations around empowerment and community upliftment.

The ESSENCE community, along with its partners and friends, has extended their best wishes to Wanga as she embarks on this new journey of storytelling and empowerment. Her legacy at ESSENCE Ventures is profound, and her efforts to amplify the stories, voices, and experiences of Black women have left an enduring impact.

About ESSENCE Ventures

ESSENCE Ventures operates as a multifaceted ecosystem aiming to enrich the Global Black experience by promoting seamless economic advancements that bridge community and culture. The company is part of the Sundial Group of Companies alongside renowned organizations such as Essence Communications, Inc., AFROPUNK, Beautycon, and Essence Studios. Together, they work towards fortifying cultural narratives and championing economic empowerment within the community, ensuring that Black voices continue to be heard and celebrated globally.

As the organization plans for its next steps, the contributions and vision of Caroline Wanga will continue to guide their efforts and maintain the momentum she helped create. The future holds promise, not just for ESSENCE Ventures but for the many lives they touch along the way.