Results-driven marketing executive with a track record of launching impactful initiatives and driving strategic partnerships. Key achievements include top sales for a luxury wine collection and the successful introduction of award-winning products to major markets. Expertise in guiding teams to exceed business objectives through innovative marketing strategies.
Overview
1
1
Certification
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO | Founder
Enjoie
New York, NY
09.2008 - Current
Designed, launched, and managed a niche service company for strategic consulting and event management.
Achieved top sales for launch of Legend Vineyard Exclusive collection in collaboration with John Legend.
Introduced award-winning Theopolis Vineyards wines to New York City market through targeted events.
Launched House of Mandela wines with two major events alongside Selena Cuffe and Nelson Mandela family.
Conceived and hosted corporate charity and wine industry events, enhancing community engagement and brand visibility.
Developed strategic plans for project management, steering internal and external teams towards successful outcomes.
Conducted engaging tasting experiences featuring premium wines for young professionals in various sectors.
Created educational wine appreciation videos, fostering enjoyment and increasing audience engagement on YouTube channels.
Marketing & Communications Consultant
Judia E. Black Consulting
New York, NY
09.1998 - 09.2008
Launched consulting business to assess needs of for-profit and non-profit clients.
Defined marketing and communications goals; formulated actionable strategies with client leadership teams to align with organizational objectives.
Developed diverse marketing strategies across various industries to enhance client outcomes.
Produced compelling content for websites, brochures, newsletters, and press releases to enhance audience engagement.
Crafted clear messaging for digital and print communications to boost visibility.
Implemented targeted event marketing strategies that significantly increased awareness of non-profit organization within the community.
Analyzed customer feedback data to refine messaging and improve decision-making processes.
Researched industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic planning.
Director, Marketing & Communication
Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone
New York, NY
05.1997 - 09.1998
Advanced goals of economic development organization serving Harlem through integrated marketing initiatives.
Directed development of digital assets, including websites, e-commerce platforms, and email campaigns.
Spearheaded development of website, marketing collateral, newsletter, and other communications to effectively engage target audiences.
Developed comprehensive marketing strategies for community engagement and outreach initiatives.
Coordinated public relations efforts, increasing visibility and strengthening reputation of organization within the community.
Led production of 'The Future is Looking Up' ad campaign in partnership with Edelman Public Relations.
Cultivated relationships with local businesses and stakeholders, fostering collaboration opportunities that supported community initiatives.
Mentored marketing personnel on best practices to maximize productivity.
Account Manager – Client: IKEA USA
Deutsch Inc.
New York, NY
10.1995 - 05.1996
Managed client relationships, ensuring high satisfaction and retention levels.
Acted as main point of contact for client inquiries, fostering clear communication.
Developed and executed creative advertising strategies for IKEA USA.
Collaborated with creative teams to deliver customized solutions for clients.
Facilitated meetings to align team efforts with client objectives.
Coordinated project timelines with internal teams for streamlined execution.
Analyzed client feedback to improve service offerings and refine marketing strategies.
Resolved customer complaints promptly to maintain positive relationships.
Senior Business Planner – Corporate Planning
Walt Disney Company
Burbank, CA
04.1993 - 05.1995
Created strategic business plans that aligned with company objectives and addressed emerging market trends.
Developed annual marketing and operating plans for theme parks and resorts in Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California.
Analyzed financial data to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
Evaluated new business opportunities, identifying key areas for growth.
Reviewed performance metrics, optimizing planning processes and enhancing overall efficiency.
Managed budgets, forecasting expenses while tracking financial performance consistently.
Coordinated cross-functional teams for effective project alignment and execution.
Presented findings and recommendations to senior leadership for strategic initiatives.
Education
Master's in Wine & Beverage Management - Hospitality Administration And Management
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park
08-2006
Master of Business Administration - Marketing & Corporate Strategy
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduate Level Finance & Accounting Studies -
Columbia Business School
New York, NY
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA
Skills
Business development
Strategic planning
Financial strategy
Marketing strategy
Brand development
Project management
Event management
Certifications And Credentials
Certificate of Business Excellence, Digital Business Leadership Program, Columbia Business School, 01/01/19
Advanced (Level 3) Training, Wine Spirit & Education Trust (WSET), International Wine Center (IWC), NYC
Certified Sommelier, American Sommelier Association
Community Leadership
Board Member, Grand Street Settlement and Grandlo Café, 01/01/16 - 12/31/20
Gala Benefit Committee Member, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS), 01/01/12 - 12/31/15
Leadership Council & Hamptons Benefit Committee Member, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), 01/01/13 - 12/31/15
Team Leader, NYC Lupus Walk, 01/01/13 - 12/31/15
Gala Benefit Committee Member, Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), 01/01/12 - 12/31/14
Task Force Leader, Dalton School Board of Trustees | Dalton Council, 01/01/08 - 12/31/13
Acquisition Committee Member, Studio Museum in Harlem (SMH), 01/01/03 - 12/31/12
Co-Chair, Gala Benefit & Fundraiser, Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated, 01/01/12 - 12/31/12
Leadership Success Highlights
Event Management, Marketing & Sales, Market and distribute premier wines and luxury accessories as an Independent Ambassador for the Boisset Collection of 20+ iconic wineries in California and France that are leaders in setting the highest standards for responsible and sustainable winemaking.
Presentations, Led South African wine seminar at Food Network's '2013 New York City Wine and Food Festival.'
Media Relations, Gained media coverage in Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Today Show, The New York Post, Ebony.com, Hamptons.com, The Grape Collective, SoulVision Magazine and other digital and print outlets.
Public Relations, Garnered extensive media coverage for groundbreaking celebration for Harlem USA, a mega retail and entertainment complex with internationally-recognized tenants, including Chase Manhattan Bank, AMC Magic Johnson Theaters, HMV Records and Old Navy.
Product Launch & Placement, Paved way for U.S. launch of high-end Chilean Bordeaux blend by devising strategy and conducting focus group of wine industry professionals and end consumers for distributor, culminating in product placement in prestigious wine retailer located in the Rockefeller Center in New York City.
Ecommerce Website & Food & Wine Blog, Conceptualized and launched website (enjoie.com) including a food and wine blog, 'Stylo & Substance,' and ecommerce site featuring luxury wine products.
Affiliations
Board Member, Grand Street Settlement and GrandLo Café (2016 - 2020)
Gala Benefit Committee Member, Brooklyn Community Services (2012 - 2015
Leadership Council & Hamptons Benefit Committee, UNCF (2013 - 2015)
Team Leader, NYC Lupus Walk (2013 - 2015)
Gala Benefit Committee Member, Lupus Foundation of America (2012 - 2014)
Project Leader, Dalton School Board of Trustees | Dalton Council (2008 - 2013)
Acquisition Committee Member, Studio Museum in Harlem (2003 -2012)
Co-Chair, Gala Benefit & Fundraiser, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. (2012)
Certification
Certificate of Business Excellence, Digital Business Leadership Program, Columbia Business School (2019)