ColorComm's Lauren Wesley Wilson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 hear from Lauren Wesley Wilson, who is a dynamic game changer in the world of communications and public relations. A child of a pr guru, the apple did not fall far from the tree. Lauren will share how she built a network to help connect other like minded young women of color with senior level women in the communications field. Her decision to not let others "no" deter her has turned a lunch meeting into an thriving membership community that meets monthly to empower, to inspire, and to motivate one another.

 Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, Inspiration Network, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

 More About ColorComm
ColorComm is an essential organization for women of color in communications. In a field where there are often less than a handful of us at a professional meeting or networking event, ColorComm provides this niche group the opportunity to see, learn and hear from highly successful women of color. ColorComm is also for women who have achieved great success who are looking for new opportunities that will stimulate, educate, and broaden their horizons.  Communications fields include: public relations, corporate communications, media relations, political communications and others.

The ColorComm mission is to personally connect women with other like-minded individuals to build a strong network of leaders by creating mentors/mentees, business relationships and friendships. ColorComm offers a unique opportunity for women to share experiences and learn from one another to enhance their personal and professional development.

It Started With Lunch
A group of 30 women gathered for the first luncheon in May 2011 at an upscale restaurant in Washington, D.C. Several luncheons later, these invite-only events with top-level guest speakers have become the most sought-after ticket in the District and beyond for professional women of color in communications.

Based on feedback from participants who expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect, ColorComm evolved into a membership organization. Membership allows ColorComm to expand its programming, networking and partnerships to create the most meaningful and dynamic experiences for our exclusive, member community.

Excerpt from Pamela's Punch:
 PP:  How did the idea of ColorComm begin?
LWW:  The idea for ColorComm began when I was working in the PR agency world. It was an environment that was based on hierarchy, sweatshop mentality, and a cut throat atmosphere. My path to a promotion and success was often unclear. At the time I was looking for a mentor to help guide me and provide strategic insight on how to achieve my best and get to the next level. So I began actively seeking out a mentor. I attended every professional development seminar, networking session, panel discussion that you could imagine. I was looking to meet anyone who cared enough to give me 15 minutes of their time.

What I’ve found and eventually learned, is that most people really don’t want to give up their time to people that they don’t know or someone who didn’t come recommended. What’s in it for them? And honestly, how many times have they done this before? I can remember that there was one Senior Vice President at Fleishman-Hillard that I was dying to get to know and dying to hear from, and it took an entire year (July 2009-July 2010) for me to meet with her. I get it, I wasn’t a priority! But, I wasted time. I was so focused on that one person, and at the end of the day there was 0 connection. The “mentor hunt” was unsuccessful.

I thought to myself, there has got to be an easier way to meet executive level communicators. How about we put them all in one room over lunch and that way we have an opportunity to hear from them, learn from them, and connect with them. No more getting the runaround! I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Thus, the idea for ColorComm was created. Since the first luncheon in May 2011, it became apparent that there was a hunger for more interaction among women of color in communications. Our unique questions were not being answered and we needed to connect with other like-minded women. ColorComm began with a luncheon series and now is transitioning into a membership community, and it’s the most amazing thing to watch evolve.

 Pamela's Punch Full Interview with Lauren Wesley Wilson can be found here.
 Photos from previous events can be found here.

Traci Otey Blunt on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and individuals who lead by example. With acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

On Saturday, September 29, 2012, we will hear from Traci Otey Blunt, a veteran media, political and public affairs specialist. Traci, the Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at RLJ Companies,  is responsible for media strategy and communications, government relations and public affairs activities on behalf of the company. Traci, who recently served as a Deputy Communications Director for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, has more than 19 years of experience leading public relations and public affairs efforts for corporate, local, state and federal governments, as well as non-profit organizations.

Listen to Traci share about her undergraduate years at Tennessee State University and her early experiences that prepared her for epic political campaigns. She will share about maintaining relationships from California to Tennessee to Texas to DC. Hear stories from Traci about working with First Lady Laura Bush, Presidential debate prep with then Senator Hilary Clinton, advising President Clinton, and how she landed her position with Bob Johnson, founder of BET . She will give a rare look into her personal life and talk about  how family keeps her grounded and how she values her friendships from every chapter of her. Although Traci has been on the national scene for many years, she does not forget those who plowed the soil before her,locally and statewide. She also talk about the importance of giving back to "Big Blue" and her love of the Aristocrat of Bands.

Traci is a 1990 graduate of Tennessee State University where she received her degree, cum laude, in Criminal Justice. Traci also attended law school at Texas Southern University. She currently serves on several boards including the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBCLEO) Foundation, the College of Public Service and Urban Affairs Board of Advisors at Tennessee State University, Color Comm.

 Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Traci Otey Blunt 

 Getting to Know Traci O.
What is the key to balancing your professional, philanthropic and social commitments?
I have been fortunate to maintain a fairly balanced life when it comes to my professional, philanthropic and social commitments. In DC, you find that all three of these sectors are often intricately linked and it’s important that you define your own balance and determine what the trade-offs are. I think I do a pretty decent job with it.
What is the biggest mistake young professionals make? Young professionals (and seasoned ones too) often name drop, discuss internal office business, or have negative conversations about people or matters in very public settings (i.e. the Metro, events, restaurants & bars). This is a networking town and if you choose to discuss these things in open forums … be aware that people are listening in.

What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to excel in their profession, specifically for other young women of color?
My advice to other young women of color is to always remain true to yourself and never lose focus of what you are trying to achieve. As you grow professionally, you may have to take what seems like one or two steps back to get three steps ahead; however, if you keep sight of your goals, you will get there. All that you desire in your personal and professional life may not come today or all at once, but I am a true believer that perseverance and hard work will always pay off.

What’s been the best experience of your career thus far (or the most rewarding)?
This is a hard one. Each employment opportunity has advanced my career. I have worked on local, state, and national political campaigns; at every branch of government (local, state, federal); have worked at a women’s issues focused political action committee; at a national legal association; two of the world’s leading PR agencies and now in a corporate office. I believe every job has been a stepping stone for me and has allowed me to have and maintain a solid foundation for each new experience. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for each opportunity. One of my most exciting career moves was being asked to serve as a deputy communications director/director of African American media for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign – that was an historic and unforgettable experience and I’d do it all over again.

What’s next for you in your career? What should we look out for?
I enjoy working at The RLJ Companies (the holding company formed by Bob Johnson after he sold BET) where I have been employed for almost three years. As the principal who oversees corporate communications and public affairs, my role encompasses every job I’ve ever had.  I don’t have any immediate career moves in the near future and see myself working to promote and execute the RLJ brand and the innovative and cutting edge work being conducted across the companies.
Lastly, give me three words to sum up Traci.
Loyal! Energetic! Real!

Above interview from Impact .
Photo Credits: AP, Genma Holmes, Lisa Otey-Spencer
Traci recently became proud new mom to a beautiful baby girl!