Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes addressed the crowd about The Informer’s past, present and future, and the way the publication works with the community.
Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes addressed the crowd about The Informer’s past, present and future, and the way the publication works with the community.

On Thursday, Feb. 29, The Washington Informer hosted readers and business partners for a SMART marketing workshop at the Carlyle Room.

The event featured speakers from  BloomLab — a collaboration between the Knight Foundation and Local Media Association (LMA) — and staff from the Washington Informer discussing digital marketing strategies and the benefits of partnering with The Washington Informer.

  • Guest filled The Carlyle Room to learn more about Smart Marketing tools and the importance of advertising to the Black consumer.
  • Jeremy Allen, the owner of the Carlyle Room and Corey Griffin, chair of Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce, a supporting sponsor, welcomed guests.
  • Robert Walker-Smith, Knight x LMA BloomLab’s Digital Revenue director, shared insights about the power of the Black consumer.
  • Apryl Pilloli, director of Technology for Knight x LMA BloomLab shared digital marketing tips.
  • Sheila Brooks, president and CEO of SRB Communications, Inc., Joe Hand of AARP DC and Mike Bento, owner of Engage Strategies shared their experiences working with The Informer as an advertising partner.
  • Managing Editor Micha Green shared her editorial philosophy.
  • Green spoke with Digital Advertising Manager Ra-Jah Kelly, Business Development Specialist Anthony Stevens, and Director of Advertising and Marketing Ron Burke about the opportunities and benefits of partnering with The Washington Informer.
  • Washington Informer Bridge Publisher Lafayette Barnes joined Stevens and Kelly to discuss his publication and approach to covering arts and lifestyle for young adult Washingtonians.
  • Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes addressed the crowd about The Informer’s past, present and future, and the way the publication works with the community.
  • After addressing the crowd, Rolark Barnes was joined by The Washington Informer staff.
  • Rolark Barnes gave a special thanks to event planner Leslie Green of Golden Life Ventures.
  • After the event staff members and guests mingled. Environmental writer Kayla Benjamin spoke with guest Queen McKnight.
  • After the event staff members and guests mingled. Environmental writer Kayla Benjamin spoke with guest Queen McKnight.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Smart Marketing event!  

If interested in partnering with The Washington Informer or WI Bridge, please fill out this form HERE.

Ra-Jah is the Chief Officer of Technology and Grants (COTG) at The Washington Informer, where he drives the strategic integration of technology across operations and leads efforts to secure funding through...

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