When I set out on my journey in fashion journalism 25 years ago, I quickly realized that breaking into the industry as a Black woman, let alone thriving in it, would be both challenging and transformative. Working at major publishing houses, I was often the only Black woman in the room. At one beauty magazine, there was just one other Black woman on the team and none in leadership. Looking back, I realize how much seeing that representation would have helped me.
I experienced microaggressions, the sting of invisibility, and the constant battle of pushing to be seen, heard, and valued. As a Black woman of Haitian descent, I saw firsthand how our narratives were overlooked—Black women’s unique beauty needs were often ignored in product recommendations, and our stories were frequently absent from editorial spreads. Rather than allow these experiences to discourage me, they became my fuel. They sparked a fire in me to advocate for more inclusive storytelling and ensure that Black voices were centered—not just included as an afterthought.
I dedicated my career to amplifying diverse narratives and highlighting the richness of Black culture across the diaspora. As I took on leadership roles, I made it my mission to ensure diversity wasn’t just a talking point—it was woven into the DNA of every space I occupied. I pushed for more inclusive storytelling and made sure Black creatives—writers, stylists, photographers, and editors—had a seat at the table.
Through mentorship and collaborations with student organizations, I empower young Black professionals to navigate industries that were not always built for us. Now, as Vice President of Content at Shoptalk, I curate dynamic programming for over 10,000 executives and visionaries in fashion, beauty, tech, and retail innovation at global events across the U.S. and Europe. At every stage, I ensure that diversity is reflected not just in who is on stage but in the conversations shaping the future of retail.
As a Black woman of Caribbean descent, pursuing a career in fashion and media was not the expected path. There was often pressure to pursue a more "traditional" career, one perceived as more stable. But I followed my passion, knowing that my purpose lay in storytelling and advocacy.
Not only did I challenge expectations within my community, but I also pushed back against the norms of the media industry itself. From journalism to styling, creative direction, digital strategy, and editorial leadership, I carved out my own path.
This journey has been liberating—it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of self-determination. I have learned that I am a fighter, a builder, a chameleon, and a Disruptor. My career has been anything but linear—I have worked with legacy brands, startups, event companies, and digital platforms, always evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. And I take pride in having built a diverse skill set that allows me to take on any challenge.
I am most proud of the milestones that have allowed me to champion diverse creators and reshape the media and fashion industries. Taking the helm as Editor-in-Chief and SVP of Programming at EBONY during a pivotal time in the brand’s history stands out as one of my greatest achievements.
When I joined, the magazine had just been purchased out of bankruptcy, and I was tasked with leading its transformation into a digital-first brand after nearly eight decades of print as its primary focus. This required reimagining how EBONY would serve a new generation of readers while still honoring its legacy as a cultural institution.
I have learned that I am a fighter, a builder, a chameleon, and a Disruptor. My career has been anything but linear—I have worked with legacy brands, startups, event companies, and digital platforms, always evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Under my leadership, we launched a redesigned website and introduced groundbreaking digital covers that incorporated AI, AR, and video storytelling—something that had never been done before at the publication. I revitalized key events like EBONY Power 100, infusing them with fresh energy while fostering partnerships with industry giants like Google and Netflix.
Beyond the technical and strategic innovations, what made this experience truly meaningful was the opportunity to provide Black creatives with a major platform. I was intentional about ensuring that representation extended beyond the magazine’s articles and into every aspect of our visual storytelling.
From the wardrobe team and prop stylists to the set designers and photographers, I prioritized hiring Black talent for our highly coveted cover shoots. It was essential not only to authentically tell our community’s stories but also to ensure that the creatives shaping these narratives reflected the culture we were celebrating. This commitment was particularly significant to me because I understood firsthand the challenges of navigating an industry where such opportunities were often scarce.
Another proud milestone was being featured in the Vogue x YouTube Originals docuseries Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion and in Time of Essence, a five-part documentary on OWN celebrating the 50th anniversary of Essence magazine. Being part of these projects was not only a personal honor, but also a testament to the impact of my work in shaping the fashion and media landscape.
This year, in what truly felt like a full-circle moment, I had the honor of contributing my expertise to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2025 Costume Institute exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. As the first exhibition to explore Black dandyism and the role of fashion in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, it marks a significant cultural milestone. Being invited to share my insights with one of the world’s most respected institutions was both a profound privilege and a powerful reminder of how representation shapes the narratives that define history.
I am a Disruptor because I refuse to accept the status quo. For over two decades, I have been at the forefront of elevating diverse voices and redefining representation in fashion, media, and culture. Whether in editorial leadership, brand strategy, creative direction, or content curation, I use my platform to push for change, amplify underrepresented stories, and ensure the next generation doesn’t have to fight as hard for visibility.
Being a Disruptor means advocating not just for inclusion, but for true equity—making sure that Black creatives are not just given opportunities, but paid their worth, credited properly, and placed in leadership roles. I have pushed for diversity not just in the faces seen on magazine covers, but in the creatives behind those covers. I have fought for authentic representation in storytelling, ensuring that narratives about Black culture are told by those who live them.
My advocacy reaches beyond the media industry. Through my involvement with organizations such as the Fashion Institute of Technology Alumni Advisory Board and RAISEfashion, I am dedicated to expanding opportunities for the next generation of Black creatives by providing access to mentorship, funding, and essential resources for their success.
Currently, I am developing an anthology celebrating Haitian-born creatives and their vibrant diaspora, a project inspired by my heritage and my commitment to preserving and uplifting diverse narratives.
At every stage of my career, I have challenged norms, broken barriers, and created opportunities where they did not exist before. And I will continue to disrupt—because the work is far from done.
Marielle Bobo is an award-winning creative executive, publishing veteran, and trailblazer in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle media with 25 years of experience shaping iconic brands. As Vice President of Content at Shoptalk, a global conference driving the future of retail, she curates compelling programming for over 10,000 executives and industry leaders across retail, tech, and e-commerce innovation. Previously, as Editor-in-Chief & SVP of Programming at EBONY, she led a groundbreaking digital transformation for the 80-year-old legacy brand, pioneering immersive digital covers and revitalizing marquee events like EBONY Power 100.
She has held leadership roles at Ayesha Curry's Sweet July and Essence, influencing the global fashion landscape and championing Black creatives. Her expertise spans television and film, with appearances in the award-winning docuseries Supreme Models (Netflix) and Time of Essence (OWN). A passionate advocate for diverse storytelling, she is developing an anthology celebrating Haitian-born creatives and their diaspora and continues to push for a more inclusive future through her work with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and RAISEfashion.
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