As a young kid in Inglewood, California, I grew up with aspirations of being a music video director. A love of all things media led me to Bethune-Cookman University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in communication. While at B-CU, I unlocked a strong passion for journalism, a craft I honed at the UC Berkeley School of Journalism, where I received my master's degree in journalism with an emphasis in “new media.”

The first part of my career was as a digital journalist and editor at newsrooms including the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and The Washington Post. I transitioned from innovating in newsrooms to a career in Silicon Valley, managing influential partner companies and high-profile figures at Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook (Meta). A passion for using my skills for positive change led me to the Legal Defense Fund, where I spearheaded digital initiatives and expansion. Today, I serve as Director of Innovation and Audience Engagement at Capital B, where I continue building at the intersection of media, technology, and creativity.

I am also the author of three books: The Digital Journalist’s Handbook and the novels DO U. and Valley Girls. 

Across my now decades-long career, I’ve received several honors that reflect my jack of all trades approach to media — a Lambda Literary Award nomination for writing, part of a Pulitzer finalist team for multimedia investigative journalism, and Audio Verse Award nominations for production of my scripted podcast Sumeria. I was named twice by The Root as one of the most influential African Americans and by The Grio as one of 100 History Makers in the Making. I’m also a Guinness World Record holder for being part of the most people to take an AI class, an honor that young Inglewood Mark would never have imagined happening.

Official bio and headshots are available here.

Honors & Awards

• Guinness World Record holder (AI Skills Fest) (2025)
• Fast Company “Brands That Matter” (2023)
• Shorty Impact Awards finalist - multiple categories (2022)
• Audio Verse Awards nominee: Writing of a New Audio Play Production; Action Sound Design (2019)
• LinkedIn "Next Wave" Top Professionals  (2016)
• Juror, Pulitzer Prizes: Breaking News (2015)
• The Root 100 Influential African-Americans (2013, 2014)
• UNCF Outstanding Young Alumni Award (2014)
• Pulitzer Prize finalist team, Local News Reporting (2012)
• The Grio.com's 100 History Makers in the Making (2011)
• "35 Influencers in Social Media," Poynter Institute (2010)
• Design for America Challenge winner, Sunlight Labs (2010)
• GLAAD Media Award nominee - Digital Journalism (2008)
• NLGJA Excellence in Student Journalism Award (2007)

Work Experience

Capital B
Director of Innovation and Audience Engagement
October 2024 - Present

NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Director of Digital Strategy
May 2021 - October 2024

Digital Strategist
Tech & Diversity Consultant
November 2016 - May 2021

Facebook, Inc.
Manager, Global Influencers
October 2017 - November 2018

Reddit, Inc.
Head of Journalism and Media
February 2016 - October 2016

Twitter, Inc.
Manager of Journalism & News
June 2012 - May 2015

The Washington Post
National Innovations Editor
August 2010 - June 2012

Center for Investigative Reporting
Multimedia Producer
June 2009 - August 2010

Entertainment Weekly
Online Producer
August 2007 - December 2008

Education

University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
M.A. Journalism, new media concentration
May 2007

Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL
Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications
May 2005