Lauren Wesley Wilson: Empowering ColorComm’s Growth with No Permission Required at Essence

Founder Lauren Wesley Wilson Champions Black Women in Leadership with ColorComm

A core belief in uplifting others fuels the work of many impactful leaders. Lauren Wesley Wilson embodies this principle as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ColorComm, a pioneering organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and advancing the careers of women of color in the communications, marketing, advertising, and digital sectors.

Wilson’s journey began in 2011, born from a personal frustration with the limited access to mentorship and timely guidance available to professionals like herself. Rather than passively waiting for opportunities, she proactively constructed a space for connection and support, initially through small, intimate gatherings.

From Luncheons to a Leading Platform

These initial luncheons, hosting around 30 to 40 attendees, quickly blossomed into a robust community. Today, ColorComm encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem, featuring conferences, networking events, and a full-service agency. The organization’s central mission remains unwavering: to foster a thriving network for women of color and cultivate the next generation of leaders.

Building ColorComm wasn’t without its challenges. Wilson skillfully balanced a demanding corporate position with the burgeoning demands of her entrepreneurial venture. Her days were meticulously structured, commencing at 7:00 AM with ColorComm initiatives, followed by full-time corporate responsibilities, and concluding with further advancement of her company in the evenings. Prior to taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, Wilson diligently saved six months of living expenses, a testament to her strategic planning and financial prudence.

Remarkably, she onboarded her first employee, and herself, without ever needing to draw upon those savings, demonstrating keen financial management and rapid growth.

Leading with Authenticity and Directness

wilson’s leadership style is characterized by a refreshing level of candor and self-assurance. She articulates, “I am a leader who is direct, no nonsense, and no bullsh*t. I expect excellence of myself, the employees we hire, and the work we deliver.” This unwavering commitment to high standards has become a hallmark of ColorComm’s culture and a powerful example of authentic leadership for black women.

Did you Know? According to a 2024 McKinsey report, women of color represent only 5.1% of C-suite positions, underscoring the continued need for organizations like ColorComm that champion their advancement.

Balancing Motherhood and Momentum

This year marked a significant milestone for ColorComm: its 10th anniversary conference. The timing was particularly noteworthy, occurring just a month after Wilson welcomed her second daughter. Despite the understandable complexities of new motherhood,Wilson successfully steered the conference to resounding success,demonstrating remarkable determination and leveraging the strength of her team.

The conference addressed a diverse range of contemporary topics,including the impact of Artificial Intelligence,the rise of podcasting,depiction on corporate boards,and the balancing act of working motherhood. Wilson emphasizes that true success isn’t solely measured by attendance numbers, but by the tangible impact on participants’ professional journeys.

she stresses a vital message about time management: “If I am there, it is because I want to be.There is no more time to waste when you are juggling a baby, toddler, family life, and a business.”

Milestone	Year
ColorComm founded	2011
10th Anniversary Conference	2025

A Vision for the Future

Wilson’s work transcends the current focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. ColorComm is a platform providing critical mentorship, professional development, and a pipeline for leadership roles for women of color.Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both pragmatic and forward-looking: “Build it anyway, but build it with a plan… If you want to build something, do it with the goal that it will still be around five years from now, ten years from now, and so on.”

pro tip: When launching a venture, focus on long-term sustainability and create a detailed business plan to guide your growth.

Wilson’s story exemplifies the power of self-advocacy and community building. By creating opportunities where they didn’t previously exist, she’s not only transformed her own career trajectory but also inspired countless others.

As Wilson demonstrates, when Black women embrace their purpose and lead with authenticity, they catalyze positive change for all.

The principles demonstrated by Lauren Wesley Wilson and colorcomm remain remarkably relevant in today’s evolving professional landscape. Building strong networks, prioritizing mentorship, and advocating for inclusive leadership are all strategies applicable across industries and career stages. The ongoing challenges faced by women of color in attaining leadership positions – as highlighted by persistent representation gaps – underscore the enduring importance of organizations like ColorComm and the continued need for proactive efforts to foster equity and inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions About ColorComm and Lauren Wesley Wilson

1. What is the primary mission of ColorComm? colorcomm’s core mission is to connect,empower,and advance women of color in the communications,marketing,advertising,and digital industries.
2. How did Lauren Wesley wilson start ColorComm? Wilson founded ColorComm in 2011 in response to a personal need for mentorship and professional guidance.
3. What is Wilson’s leadership style? Wilson’s leadership is characterized by directness, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering focus on achieving goals.
4. How does ColorComm address DEI challenges? colorcomm goes beyond basic DEI initiatives by providing concrete resources, mentorship, and leadership pathways for women of color.
5. What advice does Wilson offer to aspiring entrepreneurs? Wilson encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to build with a long-term vision and detailed plan for sustainability.
6. What was unique about the 10th-anniversary conference? The conference took place only one month after Wilson gave birth to her second daughter, demonstrating her dedication and the strength of her team.
7. where can I learn more about ColorComm? visit the ColorComm website at https://www.colorcommnetwork.com/.

What are your thoughts on the importance of mentorship in professional development? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Do you believe organizations like ColorComm are crucial for fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

How did Lauren Wesley WilsonS “No Permission Required” ideology influence the rapid growth and impact of ColorComm?

The Genesis of ColorComm: addressing Representation in Communications

Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder and CEO of ColorComm, recognized a critical gap in the communications industry: the lack of representation for people of color. This wasn’t simply a matter of diversity numbers; it was about access, opportunity, and the silencing of diverse voices. ColorComm emerged as a direct response, initially as a private Facebook group in 2013, quickly evolving into a powerhouse network for Black and Latinx communications professionals. The core principle driving this growth? Wilson’s unwavering belief in operating with “No permission Required” – a philosophy that has become synonymous with the association’s success. This concept, popularized by her mentor, encourages professionals to create thier own opportunities and dismantle barriers rather than waiting for invitations.

From Facebook Group to Industry Leader: ColorComm’s Trajectory

The early days of ColorComm were fueled by Wilson’s personal network and a genuine desire to connect professionals facing similar challenges. What began as a space for sharing job postings and offering support rapidly transformed into a vital resource for career advancement, mentorship, and industry insights.

Here’s a breakdown of colorcomm’s key milestones:

2013: Launch of the private Facebook group, initially serving as a networking hub.

2015: Frist in-person networking event held in New York City, demonstrating the demand for a physical community.

2017: Formal launch of ColorComm as an organization, expanding its offerings beyond networking to include workshops, conferences, and leadership growth programs.

2019: Inaugural ColorComm Conference, attracting over 500 attendees and solidifying its position as a leading event for diverse communications professionals.

Present: Continued expansion of programs, partnerships, and influence within the industry, advocating for greater representation and inclusion.

Wilson’s “No Permission Required” Philosophy in Action

The “No Permission Required” mantra isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a practical framework for career advancement.Wilson actively encourages members to:

Self-Advocate: Negotiate for higher salaries, seek out challenging assignments, and confidently present their ideas.

Create Opportunities: Launch their own projects, start businesses, or develop new initiatives within their organizations.

Build Networks: Proactively connect with other professionals, mentors, and potential collaborators.

Challenge the Status Quo: Speak up against systemic biases and advocate for inclusive practices.

This approach directly addresses the historical barriers faced by people of color in the communications field, where access to mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership opportunities has been limited.

The Impact of ColorComm on the Communications Landscape

ColorComm’s influence extends far beyond its membership base. the organization has become a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion, prompting companies to re-evaluate their hiring practices and create more equitable workplaces.

Key areas of impact include:

Increased Representation: ColorComm has helped to increase the visibility of Black and Latinx professionals in the communications industry, leading to more diverse teams and leadership pipelines.

Enhanced career Opportunities: The organization’s job board and networking events have connected members with a wide range of career opportunities.

Improved Industry Awareness: ColorComm has raised awareness of the challenges faced by diverse professionals and advocated for systemic change.

Mentorship & Sponsorship: Facilitating connections between seasoned professionals and emerging talent, providing guidance and support for career growth.

Lauren Wesley Wilson’s Role at Essence & Synergies with colorcomm

Wilson’s appointment at Essence Ventures, the parent company of Essence Magazine, further amplified her impact.As Head of Communications,she leveraged her experience and the principles of ColorComm to drive strategic communications initiatives. This role allowed her to:

Champion Diverse Storytelling: Ensure that Essence’s content reflected the experiences and perspectives of Black women and communities.

Strengthen Brand Reputation: Position Essence as a leading voice for Black culture and empowerment.

Foster Internal Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion within Essence’s own workforce.

Strategic Partnerships: Develop collaborations that expanded Essence’s reach and impact.

The synergy between Wilson’s work at Essence and ColorComm created a powerful platform for advancing representation and amplifying Black voices in media and communications.

Benefits of Joining the colorcomm Network

For communications professionals of color,joining ColorComm offers a multitude of benefits:

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a vibrant community of like-minded professionals.

Career Advancement: Access job postings, mentorship programs, and leadership development resources.