Reynolds, Rakia
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About Rakia Reynolds
One of the most sought-after minds in strategic communications, @rakiareynolds is a thought leader, tastemaker, and strategic communications expert who advises top Fortune 500 companies on creative strategy. Rakia (pronounced RA-KEY-AH) has been guiding client successes with her own distinctive brand of authenticity and expertise for over a decade. Although Rakia’s expertise doesn’t fit into a single box, her experience checks many.
With a gloriously and intentionally diverse client list that has included Airbnb, Comcast, Dell, Morgan Stanley, Serena Williams, Ashley Graham, Global Citizen, Landit, and many others, Rakia serves as Founder and CEO of strategic communications agency Skai Blue Media. A non-traditional agency, Skai Blue Media is a proudly eclectic group of storytellers, brand experts and strategists. Her team works with people, places and products that span lifestyle, technology, non-profit vertices, specializing in innovative entrepreneurs and brands. The movers and doers of Skai Blue Media are based in Philadelphia and New York, but not bound.
Rakia is recognized for her innovative approach and commitment to authenticity, almost as distinctly as she is for the bright highlights in hues of blue that consistently eminente from her fro. As a thought-leader, Rakia is a proven authority in marketing, creative strategy, strategic communications, and business development. Onstage, she has a passion and expertise that has captivates audiences across several industries—including branding and media, multicultural business, economic development and the entrepreneurial journey.
Originally from Newark, Rakia resides in Princeton, NJ with her family. In 2017, Inc. Magazine named Rakia an “Entrepreneur Aiming to Change the World”, and she doesn’t plan on stopping until she does.
Rakia is an active member of the NationSwell Council—participating in the network of innovators who are working together to develop impactful solutions for America’s most critical issues. Self-described as a “well-dressed nerd”, Rakia was named one of 25 tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list and is currently the face of the Dell small business national campaign. She was appointed to the United Nations Global Accelerator, a select group of entrepreneurs from the U.S. who collectively address real-world issues with creative solutions.
The Rules of the Road
Where Rakia discusses her path to entrepreneurship and how she became who she is today. This talk is inspiring and exciting, and always appeals to a wide variety of audiences.
10 Small Business Commandments
Where Rakia discusses the top 10 guideline or “take-aways” that she has learned along the road to entrepreneurship. This talk is inspiring and provides tactile takeaways for the audience.
The Latest, Greatest and Future of Branding
In the world of multimedia communications, change, adaption and evolution are constant. Those working in the industry need to embrace this truth by shunning the obvious and seeking out fresh and imaginative ways to take a business or a brand to the next level. During this keynote, Rakia Reynolds presents and discusses the latest and most effective approaches to building both alternate and mainstream appeal, and the future of branding.
“Rakia is a marketing & PR veteran with expertise across several industry verticals. She engaged with our audience naturally, and presented clear frameworks around branding that were easy to understand and fun to watch!”
– Regina Gwynn, Black Women Talk Tech 2018
“Rakia brought a fresh perspective on harnessing the power of personal branding. She inspired us all to celebrate our authentic selves!”
– Niki Hawkins, 6ABC Best in Class 2018
“Passionate, informative and entertaining, Rakia Reynolds hit a high note here in the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Her keynote address to the Memphis tourism community during our industry’s annual meeting, MemTalks, perfectly aligned with the goals of the event as we prepared to unveil a refresh to our brand. Rakia worked closely with the Memphis Tourism team in advance of the annual meeting to incorporate the soul of our city into her presentation. She did this by immersing herself in our destination, visiting local attractions and restaurants, interacting with our members as she explored the city. This hands on approach resulted in a highly tailored presentation that gave our audience valuable takeaways that can used in their daily marketing and individual branding, while also incorporating the Memphis Tourism brand and destination narrative.”
– Kevin Kane, President & CEO, Memphis Tourism