issue II: who is in the room?

a conversation about who's telling our stories

How do they communicate with us? this was stated at the 2023 annual Where Are All The Black People conference centered on amplifying Black advertising and communication professionals. 

Let’s break this down:

How do they communicate with us, means what? 

How are social, PR and marketing campaigns that center diverse stories tap into the nuances and intricacies of different cultures? 

Quite simply, having people in the room that look like us. 

As a pr girly myself, I looked into what’s the current state of public relations, 81.4 PR specialists identify as white. So, who’s telling our story?

I spoke with Jaychele, gen z icon, pop culture enthusiast and Inclusive Entertainment Specialist about her journey being an inclusive champion in media. I wanted to know more about her path and dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion - especially in the storytelling space.

Let’s get into it 🪩

I’d love to hear about that "aha" moment that sparked your journey into DE&I. Was there a particular story, event, or person that lit up the path for you?

I've always been fascinated by the way my identity shapes how I see the world.

But things really clicked for me after the Parkland school shooting. I was only 13 at the time, and that senseless tragedy ignited something in me.  That summer, I joined Young Voices, a Rhode Island youth organization, and my journey in activism and social justice truly began. 

Since those early days, I've thrown myself into the work – leading massive protests, founding a national youth movement called Gen Z We Want to Live, and confronting systemic racism in wrestling as both an athlete and creator. Every step of the way, my experiences as a young Black woman have informed my understanding of the inequalities in our world. It wasn't until I discovered Bentley's DEI major that I realized this work was my true calling – allowing me to continue the fight in a professional and strategic way.

Today, as a 19-year-old Black woman with African American roots reaching back to slavery, I view the world through a critical lens shaped by race, culture, and my passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

My work, and even my existence, is a testament to that, and I'm determined to help create a world where everyone's voice and identity matter. 

In the intersection of DE&I, PR, and pop culture, it's like you're a conductor of a very vibrant, very powerful orchestra. How do you make sure the right voices are not just heard but resonate throughout the hall? Any memorable moments where you felt, "Yes, this is it, we’re making waves"?

In this intersection of DE&I, PR, and pop culture, I see myself as a conductor focused on amplifying marginalized voices.  It's about more than just hearing them – it's about creating a space where those voices truly resonate. One of the most satisfying moments came when I was recognized by Her Campus and e.l.f. Beauty for their e.l.f.ing Amazing 22 Under 22 Awards. It felt like my tireless work in this often thankless field was finally being seen and celebrated.

Another unforgettable moment was the outpouring of support after I released "Wrestling with Whiteness". Seeing it rack up thousands of views validated the importance of examining race within unexpected spaces. And most recently, leading Bentley University's first-ever Black United Body Unity Conference this MLK Day as the inagural DEI Chair was incredible. Engaging over 100 attendees, even our university president, showed me that we're truly creating ripples of change, one event at a time.

Impactful Initiatives: From leading in Black United Body to sparking movements with "Gen Z: We Want To Live," your portfolio is rich with action. Could you share a project that holds a special place in your heart and the ripple effect it created?

My work with Bentley's Black United Body (BUB) holds a deep significance for me. Initiating partnerships with the admissions team has been incredibly rewarding - from creating the first-ever Black Admitted Students Day to securing front-row seats for Bentley student ambassadors at the Celtics Career Day.  Being entrusted with the list of over 200 accepted Black students, enabling direct outreach, fills me with immense pride.  But perhaps the most fulfilling moment was proposing the groundbreaking Black Recruitment & Retention Center.

This concept, born entirely from my own vision, stands to be a legacy project within the university. This idea, born from my own experiences, aims to increase Black student enrollment and provide ongoing support, fostering a sense of belonging and success on campus. It's been incredibly rewarding to see these projects not only gain traction but also create ripple effects within the university community.

Another project that excites me is my DEI Empowerment Toolkit for Artists, Creatives, Influencers & Brands. This toolkit is all about dismantling tokenism and helping people build truly diverse and inclusive content, communities, and brands. It includes checklists, resources, and guides like  "Ignite Your Brand" – focused on authentic DEI representation in entertainment, and  "Building an Inclusive Influencer Community"  – designed to help anyone create spaces where diverse voices are amplified. Seeing others use these tools to make a difference fuels my passion for this work.

These projects illustrate two sides of my work: the institutional advocacy within BUB and the entrepreneurial spirit in developing the brand kit. Both demonstrate how I strive to create lasting impact, from dismantling barriers within higher education to empowering voices within the entertainment industry.

You’ve got a knack for steering by the stars of data in a sea of narratives. How has a piece of data or a trend ever taken you by surprise, reshaping your strategy or even your perspective on an issue?

Early in my DEI work, I was focused heavily on the qualitative side –  the personal stories, the lived experiences, which are undeniably important. However, I discovered an unexpected power in data. One instance that really surprised me was when I deep-dived into the representation of Black women in leadership positions — both in higher education and in the corporate world. The sheer disparity, backed by hard numbers, was a shock. It wasn't just disheartening; it was a glaring indicator of systemic barriers.

This stark data completely reshaped my approach. It made me realize that while personal narratives are powerful, they need to be paired with quantifiable evidence to really move the needle.  Since then, I've always tried to weave data into my advocacy. It adds an undeniable weight to my arguments and helps drive the conversation towards actionable solutions. Sometimes, those cold, hard numbers can tell a more compelling and convincing story than I ever could alone.

This realization fueled the creation of my career community, No Gatekeepers Allowed (NGA).  I started with a workshop sharing my career tips with 15 motivated women, and it has since blossomed into a community of nearly 70! The impact has been incredible –  just today, one member shared the exciting news of reaching the final round of the Unilever Business Case Competition thanks to an opportunity she found through NGA.  We've hosted inspiring events with leaders in digital marketing from Shondaland and soon,  a financial analyst at Apple. NGA is proof that by combining data-driven insights with a passion for removing barriers, we can create platforms that truly empower Black and Latinx women to achieve their career goals. 

As you envision the future, stepping into the shoes of a Chief Representation Officer, what’s the picture you’re painting for media diversity? And in this vast canvas, are there spots you feel urgently need more color, more depth?

As I step into that Chief Representation Officer role, I see a future where music isn't just diverse, it reflects the rich diaspora of our world. I want to be the DEI Olivia Pope of the music industry, partnering with iconic Black female artists like Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and Victoria Monet, crafting marketing and PR that truly resonates with their audience. We'll build campaigns that are as authentic and groundbreaking as their music.

But… I'm not afraid to mix it up! The lack of representation for Black women in sports gets me fired up too, and I could see myself diving into women's basketball or collaborating with trailblazers like Angel Reese and Flau'jae. And with my love of reality TV, why not shake things up on shows like Love Island and make them truly reflect our diverse world? Even coming back to wrestling feels right since it's where my passion for inclusive content started. 

My new show, "The Pop Culture Powerbomb," is the first step towards that vision. It's my space to dissect pop culture through the lens of DEI, just like my TikTok. This is where the worlds of entertainment and social change collide. When I was creating wrestling content, I felt radical as a young Black woman in that space. Now, I'm back – older, wiser, and fueled by those experiences. I want my journey to show others that their unique perspectives, their own "pop culture powerbombs," are worth sharing. Your voice makes you a changemaker, so don't be afraid to use it! 

So, who’s in the room?

Jaychele.

The next generation.

Storytelling need diverse voices as we live in a diverse world - and Jaychele is doing the work. She is the definition of a loudmouf and I’m proud to know her.

Wanna work with her? Check out her LinkedIn. 🪩