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Reader, At Essence Fest over the holiday weekend, I moderated a panel, had a founder feature, and hosted a Soft Stories sensory session all in one day. In between, I kept noticing people wanted to be inclusive but almost nobody had a framework for actually doing it, especially in their content. Most of the attendees I spoke with, particularly other New Voices founders, admitted they hadn't considered captions or image descriptions yet, but they were very appreciative of the insight. That's exactly what I'm bringing to you this Thursday, July 16th at 7pm Eastern Time. See Your Content Different: Accessibility as Creative Power, Not Compliance is a free live webinar and ask me anything where we're going to talk about what it actually looks like to build content that doesn't leave people behind — not as a box to check, but as a creative practice that makes your work stronger. If you create content with or without AI, run a brand, or work in media or marketing — this is for you. If there's a disability, accessibility, or inclusion topic you've always wanted to understand better, but weren't sure how to ask, your question may inspire someone else. We learn best when we're willing to listen, ask, and grow together. Catch Up on Previous Disability Pride ConversationsOver the past couple of years, Disability Pride Month has become one of my favorite times to create conversations that move beyond awareness toward action. As someone who is a retinoblastoma survivor, hearing aid with a mild hearing loss, storyteller, and media professional, Disability Pride isn't just something I observe—it's something I live every day. Some of the topics I've explored include: • Living with blindness in one eye and hearing loss If you've missed previous Disability Pride livestreams, now is the perfect time to revisit them and share them with someone who may need the encouragement or education. Accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about belonging. Save this Disability Pride Month YouTube Playlist. Ways We Can Work TogetherIf you're looking to make your organization, event, or brand more inclusive, I'd love to talk more. 🎤 SpeakingBook me to speak about:
Self-Publishing & Personal BrandingHave a story that deserves to be told? I help authors and thought leaders:
Media & Content StrategyNeed support producing meaningful content? I work with organizations and entrepreneurs on:
Send me a DM with which service you need.
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Hi! I'm Zaakirah (zaa-key-ra) I help you Go from where you are (stuck, stagnant, scared) and where you want to go in your business and life (freedom). I provide Black and Indigenous creatives with strategies that empower them to achieve their goals through branding and storytelling, and marketing.For the last 20 years, I've been storytelling by any creative means necessary; photography, writing, film, and podcasting.I check all the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility boxes.I’m a visually impaired, hard of hearing, cancer survivor, chronically ill Muslim Woman. Knowing your history helps you propel and prepare for your future. Entrepreneurship is ownership, and flexibility is key. Sign up for my semi-weekly newsletter!
Reader, I just got back from Essence Festival — and I’m still processing. I spoke at two activations, both filled with people who showed up ready to listen and talk about disability, inclusion, and what it truly means to be empathetic to other communities. It was powerful. And in both rooms, I kept hearing the same thought echo in my mind: we need more of this. We need spaces to belong, to rediscover ourselves, and to feel empowered to keep going. Here is the link to watch the 3 minute recap:...
Reader, I'm at Essence Festival this week — moderating a panel, doing a Soft Stories segment, and leading a workshop on inclusive entrepreneurship. Three activations in one day, which honestly is its own kind of access challenge nobody talks about: the cost of showing up fully in spaces that weren't designed for how your body or brain works. I'll have more to say about that next week. Social Media Day is June 30th — a reminder that the platforms we've built our voices, speaking opportunities,...
Reader, ✨ BIG NEWS FIRST I'll be speaking at Essence Festival of Culture 2026 in New Orleans on July 4th!I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams and my blessings come in two folds. I have not one but TWO activations: 🖤 We Love Us Marketplace Stage — I'll be moderating the See Life Differently Panel at 10:20am CT. This is the room for conversation about representation, storytelling, and what it means to see yourself centered in spaces that weren't always built for you. Panelists are: Lisa C. Willis,...