BrownStyle Magazine is honored to be the media sponsor of Black Influencer Weekend, hosted by Black Girl Digital. This jam-packed weekend created by LaToya Shambo invites multicultural creators to come together, mix and mingle, and take center stage to receive their accolades.
The 3rd Annual Black Girl Digital Awards, presented by Walt Disney World Resort, will recognize creators revolutionizing and advancing digital advertising. “I was inspired to create the Black Girl Digital Awards because I noticed a significant oversight in the advertising industry,” Shambo shares with us exclusively. “Brands and marketing executives often take credit for creators’ work at industry award shows, but rarely highlight or include the creators themselves.”
Since its inception, the Black Girl Digital Awards have evolved into a highly anticipated event that recognizes the achievements of creators and encourages a sense of community and inclusivity. “We continuously strive to elevate the voices and talents of underrepresented creators,” the visionary notes.
From groundbreaking content to innovative brand partnerships, Shambo says that the Black Girl Digital Awards sets the bar for creator excellence and industry progress. “We’ve grown in scale, diversity, and impact,” she adds.
Championing Underrepresented Creators In The Digital Space
Let’s be real, when it comes to setting new standards in the creator economy, Black and Brown creators are the innovators, however, we don’t often receive the recognition. Shambo hopes to change this.
“Celebrating underrepresented content creators is crucial because everyone deserves their credit. It’s essential for creators to feel seen and not just used, as their work and influence are invaluable,” Shambo mentions. “When these creators are recognized, their talent and dedication are validated. It empowers them to lead and innovate in their fields.”
Beyond recognition, the Black Girl Digital Awards inspire the next generation to drive the industry forward. Below, meet some of the nominees who are honored to be recognized for their creativity and impact.
Tiffany Aliche — Founder and CEO
Nominated: Best Business/Finance- Brand Partnership of the Year
Tiffany Aliche is America’s go-to personal finance educator and the New York Times best-selling author of Get Good with Money and Made Whole. Through her Live Richer Movement, Aliche has empowered over two million women to save, manage, and pay off hundreds of millions in debt. A former teacher with a master’s in education, she was instrumental in passing The Budgetnista Law (A1414) in New Jersey, which mandates financial education for middle schoolers.
As the first Black woman to grace the cover of Money magazine solo, an NAACP nominee, and co-host of the Webby-winning podcast Brown Ambition, Aliche has become a powerful voice in finance. She also stars in Netflix’s “Get Smart with Money” documentary, which brings financial empowerment to the masses.
✨ How Tiffany Aliche Feels About Being Nominated:
“Even after 16 years of doing this work, I’m still amazed by the impact. I am always grateful to see what I can do to help people, and I am grateful for every person I’ve been able to serve. I look forward to continuing to be of service to as many people as I can.”
Nakita Nelson — Mom, Mogul, Media Personality
Nominated: Generation X Influencer of the Year
Nakita Nelson is a dedicated wife, mother of two, and a powerhouse advocate for families with special needs. As a strategist and philanthropist, Nelson is on a mission to create transformative lifestyles for caregivers and their loved ones.
With over 25 years of experience navigating the special needs landscape, Nelson empowers families to overcome caregiver burnout and stress through personalized lifestyle plans and one-on-one mentorship.
✨ How Nakita Nelson Feels About Being Nominated:
“I am grateful to be nominated by BGD Awards and glad to be recognized as a mom, mogul, and media personality.”
Annelise Campbell — CEO & Founder
Nominated: Creator Champion
Annelise Campbell is the dynamic CEO and Founder of CFG, an influencer marketing agency dedicated to diversity and inclusion. As a DEI advocate, speaker, and podcast host, she’s committed to transforming the influencer landscape.
After crafting top-notch influencer strategies for global brands like NARS, Hyatt, L’Oréal, and Pepsi, Campbell saw a pressing need for greater representation in the space. With CFG, the founder empowers both brands and creators to ensure that diversity is at the heart of every partnership.
✨ How Annelise Campbell Feels About Being Nominated:
“I am honored to be acknowledged by an organization that continuously champions all that Black women do across this industry. It highlights the importance of representation and the incredible contributions of Black women in the digital space. Recognizing their work not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires others to pursue their passions.”
Francesca Murray — Creator
Nominated: Breakthrough Influencer of the Year
Francesca Murray is the editor-in-chief of One Girl One World, a platform she launched in 2014 to share her love of beauty, travel, and culture.
With over a decade of content creation experience, this proud Afro-Latina and two-time expat has paved the way in the Black travel movement. Once an aspiring Hollywood publicist, Murray traded red carpets for global adventures and now shares her lifestyle tips and travel inspiration.
✨ How Francesca Murray Feels About Being Nominated:
“I’m incredibly thankful for my nomination because it represents being seen and celebrated by my community in a meaningful way. Being recognized by a Black-owned organization adds an extra layer of significance, as it highlights the power of our community to uplift and support one another.”
Alyssa Marie — Influencer & Entrepreneur
Nominated: Best Lifestyle Brand Partnership of the Year and Best Fashion Brand Partnership of the Year
Alyssa Marie is a vibrant natural hair, beauty, and lifestyle creator celebrated for her big hair and even bigger personality. Based in Atlanta, she’s built an international community that uplifts and empowers Women Of Color.
Driven by her “look good, feel good, be good” motto, Marie spreads a message of self-love and acceptance to inspire others on their journey.
✨ How Alyssa Marie Feels About Being Nominated:
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be nominated for two Black Girl Digital awards! This recognition means the world to me, especially as someone who began this journey in the Cayman Islands and took a leap of faith by moving to Atlanta to pursue content creation full-time. It’s an honor to be celebrated alongside so many talented people.”
Monica Awe-Etuk, Fashion and Lifestyle Content Creator
Nominated: Generation X Influencer of the Year
Monica Awe-Etuk is a seasoned fashion and lifestyle creator with over 20 years in luxury fashion. For the past 12 years, she’s inspired her community of style lovers through her platforms, blending high-end luxury with accessible style.
Awe-Etuk’s passion is helping women embrace their unique style— whether it’s chic streetwear or runway-ready looks.
✨ How Monica Awe-Etuk Feels About Being Nominated:
“I’m incredibly grateful for my Black Girl Digital nomination because it recognizes not only my work, but the community of amazing women who have supported me throughout my journey. As a Black woman in the fashion and digital space, I’ve always strived to create authentic content that inspires others to embrace their individuality.”
Monique Collier — Athlete & Fitness Influencer
Nominated: Best Fitness/Health Brand Partnership of the Year
Monique Collier is a personal trainer, firefighter EMT, health coach, and fierce advocate for women’s wellness. Fueled by her transformative journey, Collier is dedicated to empowering women to overcome challenges and embrace their strengths.
A devoted runner and believer in the power of faith and perseverance, she inspires others to find victory in every step.
✨ How Monique Collier Feels About Being Nominated:
“I am thankful for the nomination. It lets me know that the work is being seen while there is still so much more work to do.”
Obio Jones — Influencer
Nominated: Male Breakthrough Influencer of the Year
Obio Jones is not just an influencer, he is also an LGBTQ+ advocate, actor, speaker, and podcast host with a mission to inspire and uplift.
With a degree in psychology and a certification in personal development, Jones is passionate about creating content that liberates and educates. Known for his “create space for yourself and others” motto, the creator uses his warm and charismatic personality to resonate deeply with his community, both online and off.
✨ How Obio Jones Feels About Being Nominated:
“It’s always so good to be acknowledged, but it’s even better to be acknowledged by your community. Black Girl Digital has supported me since the beginning. Not just putting money in my pocket, but allowing me creative freedom. I’m grateful to share space with other dynamic people and to continue to be seen.”
Tajia Reed — Beauty Content Creator
Nominated: Best Skin Care Collaboration with Dieux Skin
Tajia Reed is a 35-year-old beauty content creator from St. Louis, MO with a passion for all things beauty.
Since 2017, Taj has captivated her audience and the beauty community with engaging makeup content—and her work has not gone unnoticed. She was awarded Best Tech Brand Partnership at the 2022 Black Girl Digital Awards, showcasing her creativity and influence in the industry.
✨ How Tajia Reed Feels About Being Nominated:
“It was unexpected to be nominated the first time last year and just as unexpected this year! To be recognized is an honor!”
Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson — Founder & CEO
Nominated: Baby Boomer Influencer of the Year
Dr. Polote-Williamson is a visionary force in business and media. As celebrated mindset coach, transformational speaker, and best-selling author, Dr. Cheryl has penned 19 impactful books, including The Art of Influence and Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions.
As Editor-in-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, she crafts a 120-page love letter dedicated to inspiring Black women everywhere. As an award-winning filmmaker, Dr. Cheryl has also executive-produced acclaimed documentaries like Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Invitation, which explores the legacy of The Links, Incorporated.
✨ How Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson Feels About Being Nominated:
“I am thankful for this nomination because it confirms what I always tell everyone: ‘It is never too late to be great.’ I pray that this inspires other women 40+ to never give up on their dreams, to live boldly, and to be unapologetic.”
Taty Cokley — Content Creator & Dating Coach on The Roku Channel
Nominated: Generation Z Influencer of the Year
Taty Cokley is a 25-year-old influencer known for her bold beauty looks, trendsetting style, and fierce commitment to female empowerment.
A young entrepreneur and recent college grad, Cokley inspires her audience to embrace self-love and live confidently. Like a big sister to her fans, she shares relatable advice on love, relationships, style, and self-confidence, encouraging everyone to own their power and shine.
✨ How Taty Cokley Feels About Being Nominated:
“This nomination is such an affirmation that the work I am doing in this space is impactful not only for young women but specifically young Black women. I’ve always wanted to be the big sister I never had, and I am so thankful to be acknowledged in this role. I cherish that deeply.”
Jasmin Moses — Influencer
Nominated: Best Beauty- Protective Hairstyles Brand Partnership of the Year
Jasmin Moses, aka ‘Slim Reshae,’ is a lifestyle influencer from Sumter, SC. Her makeup journey started as a way to cover up acne but quickly blossomed into a path of self-love and self-discovery.
Today, her brand inspires others to embrace their inner beauty, and she’s had the pleasure of working with iconic brands like Sally Beauty, Shea Moisture, and Fenty Beauty. With a thriving presence on YouTube and Instagram, her latest project is Uncut Gems with Slim, a podcast dedicated to personal growth and self-improvement.
✨ How Jasmin Moses Feels About Being Nominated:
“I am thankful for this Black Girl Digital nomination because my content is truly impacting the world. I love that I have the opportunity daily to create tutorials and share tips with other people to help them achieve their beauty wants and needs.”
The event will take place November 1-3, 2024 at the Riverside EpiCenter for Black Influencer Weekend. You can also be a part of this celebration of Black and Brown creators by purchasing tickets at blackinfluencerweekend.com
