From Luncheons to legacy: How ColorComm is Redefining Leadership for Women of Color
For decades, the communications, marketing, and advertising industries have lacked true portrayal. While conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have gained traction, tangible progress for women of color has frequently enough lagged. Enter colorcomm, a platform born from a simple, yet powerful idea: create a space by women of color, for women of color, to foster connection, growth, and unapologetic leadership.
The story of ColorComm is, at its heart, the story of its founder, Lauren wilson.It began not with a grand business plan, but with a need. Recognizing the isolation manny women of color experienced in their fields, Wilson started hosting intimate luncheons – gatherings of 30 to 40 peers. These weren’t just networking events; they were spaces for authentic connection, shared experiences, and the forging of powerful bonds. Those small gatherings quickly blossomed into something far larger, evolving into the thriving ecosystem ColorComm is today: encompassing conferences, robust networks, and a full-service agency.
Building a Movement, One Evening at a Time
The journey wasn’t easy. Wilson wasn’t a seasoned entrepreneur when she started. She was a dedicated professional juggling a demanding corporate career while building colorcomm as a side hustle. Her days were a relentless cycle: 7 a.m. dedicated to ColorComm, followed by a full day at her corporate job, then back to building her company late into the night.
This dedication speaks to a core principle of successful entrepreneurship: unwavering commitment. Wilson’s perseverance ultimately allowed her to take the leap to full-time entrepreneurship, a move she strategically prepared for by saving six months of living expenses. Remarkably, she hired herself and her first employee before needing to tap into those savings – a testament to early revenue generation and smart financial planning.
Leading Without Compromise: A New Blueprint
What truly sets colorcomm apart is Wilson’s leadership style. She’s direct, authentic, and uncompromising in her expectations – both for herself and her team. “I know who I am and who I am not,” she states plainly.”I am a leader who is direct, no nonsense, no bullsht. I expect excellence of myself, the employees we hire, and the work we deliver. I am laser focused on achieving the goals of the company.”
This isn’t just about strong leadership; it’s about authentic leadership. Wilson’s unapologetic clarity has become ColorComm’s signature, and it’s creating a powerful blueprint for how Black women can lead without sacrificing their identities or values. It’s a rejection of the often-prescribed “professional” persona that can feel inauthentic and stifling.
Balancing Purpose, presence, and Parenthood
this year marked a importent milestone for colorcomm: its 10th anniversary conference. The timing? Just one month after Wilson welcomed her second daughter. Many questioned her ability to pull it off, but Wilson, like so many Black women, defied expectations.
The success wasn’t solely her own. It was a testament to the strength of her team and her willingness to empower them. The conference programming was cutting-edge, addressing critical topics like the impact of AI, the evolving landscape of podcasting, and the challenges and opportunities for women of color on corporate boards and in working motherhood.
For Wilson, however, success isn’t just about attendance numbers. It’s about impact. Managing new motherhood alongside a major event required vulnerability and strength. “It was HARD-two monumental events happening at the same time,” she admits. But by leaning on her team and prioritizing both purpose and presence, she demonstrated what’s possible.
Her advice to other women juggling multiple priorities is direct: “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.” It’s a powerful reminder to prioritize time and energy, and to be intentional about commitments.
Beyond DEI: Building Enduring Pipelines
Even as DEI initiatives face increased scrutiny, ColorComm’s work remains vital. Wilson emphasizes that the platform goes beyond simply checking boxes.It’s about building sustainable pipelines for mentorship, professional growth, and leadership opportunities for women of color across industries. It’s about creating a community where women can thrive, not just survive.
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