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Mahogany / Universal McCann Worldwide

Co-Founded
Mahogany

Built a first-of-its-kind BIPOC influencer agency from the ground up inside one of the world's largest media companies - securing $1M+ in brand partnerships in year one and setting a new standard for equity in influencer marketing.

Agency
Mahogany at UM Worldwide
Role
Co-Founder & Strategic Lead
Parent Company
Universal McCann / IPG
Partners
BMW, Johnson & Johnson, and more
Mahogany Strategic Approach
$1M+
Partnerships secured in year one
1st
BIPOC influencer agency at UM
C-Suite
Pitched and approved by UM leadership
Mega-Nano
Full creator spectrum represented

Mahogany was born in the wake of a cultural reckoning. As the marketing industry confronted systemic inequities in the wake of 2020, a critical gap was clear: BIPOC influencers were consistently undervalued, underpaid, and underrepresented in brand partnerships at major agencies.

The agency's name was chosen deliberately - mahogany symbolizes strength, durability, and the rich diversity of BIPOC communities. Just as the mahogany tree is known for its resilience, the agency was built to highlight the invaluable contributions of BIPOC creators to the marketing landscape.


Address systemic inequities faced by BIPOC influencers - including pay disparity, lack of representation, and limited access to brand partnership opportunities - while building a sustainable, data-driven business model inside a Fortune 500 media company.


C-Suite Buy-In
Partnered with UM's C-Suite executives to develop the concept and created comprehensive pitch decks presented to the President and leadership team
Unique Value Proposition
Built around equitable discovery, fair metrics, and real access for BIPOC creators - from mega to nano influence levels
Community First
Data-rich and community-driven strategy focused on subcultural connections and mainstream movement influence
Science + Art
Integrated data, creativity, and outcomes in every proposal - giving brands measurable equity alongside cultural resonance


As Co-Founder and Strategic Lead, I conceptualized the Mahogany agency model, built the pitch materials, presented to UM Worldwide's C-Suite, and led business development and client acquisition from launch through the first year of operation. I owned the strategic vision and ensured every partnership reflected Mahogany's commitment to equity, fairness, and representation.

Watch the Work

BMW was among Mahogany's first major brand partners. These campaigns demonstrate the caliber of work the agency delivered in year one.


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