Amplify your brand’s voice. Reach broader audiences. Elevate your business.
Join Black PR Wire and Business Wire for an engaging webinar focused on empowering Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Featuring successful business leaders from diverse industries, you’ll hear proven communication tips and strategies you can apply to your business. Whether you're a startup, scaling your operations, or preparing to go public, this session will provide actionable communications strategies to help you thrive in a competitive market.
This information-packed discussion will help you:
- Gain practical insights to boost your visibility and credibility.
- Discover methods to connect with your target audience and media outlets.
- Access tools to refine your brand identity and navigate crisis communication effectively.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your business and amplify your impact. Register now to secure your spot and take the next step in your journey to success!
Webinar originally recorded: February 19, 2025
Meet the Panelists
Dexter A. Bridgeman is the CEO and founder of M•I•A Media Group LLC, the largest distributor of media content celebrating the achievements of Florida’s Black community. Established in 2004, the company operates across digital and broadcast platforms, publishing Legacy Miami, Legacy South Florida, and M•I•A Magazine. The Legacy publications focus on business, politics, education, and culture for South Florida’s Black community, while M•I•A Magazine highlights luxury, lifestyle, and entertainment, partnering with major events like Jazz in the Gardens and the American Black Film Festival.
M•I•A Media Group also produces six weekly TV shows aired on WSFL Channel 39 and distributes a digital newsletter three times a week. A New York City native and Hofstra University graduate, Dexter is a proud Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, an active civic leader, and an award-winning advocate for cultural arts and philanthropy, which he shares with his wife, Michelle.
Andre Kay, founder of Sociallybuzz, the world’s first social media agency launched in 2008, is an acclaimed entrepreneur and innovator. Under his leadership, the company earned recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine as one of America’s best entrepreneurial firms, and he was named among South Florida's most influential business leaders.
A dedicated philanthropist, Andre leverages his success to drive global impact. With a forward-thinking approach, he is exploring transformative technologies like the Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain, aiming to shape the future of the digital landscape while fostering positive social change.
Nicole Kirby is a leading public relations strategist with over two decades of experience in the corporate communications, philanthropic, and diplomatic sectors. Known for her expertise in strategic marketing, branding, and crisis management, she represents high-profile clients across business, politics, entertainment, and sports.
Her firm, CarVer Communications, has spearheaded campaigns and partnerships for several organizations, including The AFRO Media Group, Morgan State University, and Howard University Athletics. Kirby has also played a pivotal role in social justice initiatives, collaborating with figures like Attorney Benjamin Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton and serving as a leading press conduit to amplify efforts for victims like Trayvon Martin and Freddie Gray.
With a reputation for delivering impactful results, Nicole continues to shape the industry through her innovative strategies and dedication to excellence. Her personal motto: “I make it look easy!”
Candice Nicole is an award-winning publicist with 17 years of experience creating impactful publicity campaigns for talent, businesses, and brands across sectors like entrepreneurship, film, tech, and non-profits. Known for her expertise in media relations, brand management, and storytelling, she has worked with high-profile names such as Spike Lee and Tika Sumpter, as well as small businesses and major conferences. Her clients have been prominently featured in renowned outlets like Forbes, The Today Show, BET, and Black Enterprise.
Committed to inspiring and empowering others, Candice combines her social media, marketing, project management, and content creation expertise to generate results for her clients.
A proud graduate of HBCU Morgan State University and holder of a Cornell Women’s Entrepreneurship certificate, Candice is also the founder of Respect The Publicist, a network for PR professionals and journalists. Candice has been recognized as one of The Huff Post's Top 25 African American Publicists and named to QCity Metro’s The Power List: Black PR Professionals to Know.
Danesha Smith, an Atlanta-based business owner and philanthropist, is the president of Shine2Inspire, a 501(c)(3) organization. As a McDonald’s franchisee, she has been featured in publications such as Rolling Out, The Atlanta Voice, and The Top 100 Magazine, plus outlets like Fox 5 Atlanta and CW69, discussing mentorship, business ownership, and community impact.
A proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, Danesha credits her HBCU experience with inspiring her mission to empower youth and future business leaders. She has partnered with organizations like Morehouse College, Georgia State University, and the City of Clarkston to create impactful programs.
Danesha and her husband, Andre, co-founded the Shine2Inspire Scholarship of Excellence to support aspiring business and hospitality professionals. Together, they champion initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and community responsibility.
Bernadette Morris is a dedicated community leader and successful business owner/executive. Bernadette owns three companies: Sonshine Communications, founded in 1993; Black PR Wire, Inc., founded in 2000; and Women Grow Strong, founded in 2008. Black PR Wire is an online newswire distribution company. It provides key news and information to Black media in the U.S. and the Caribbean 24/7.