Back to Martha's Vineyard!

What a summer it has been! From an unforgettable week at Cannes Lions with Hero Media Inc. , to new family memories traveling around France, visiting friends in NYC, spending time in California and Puerto Rico, and now heading to the Vineyard!

I am so excited to see friends, family and colleagues on the island for the 21st Annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival .?

Martha’s Vineyard has been a place of great personal joy for nearly two decades. I’ve been taking my children there since they were toddlers. To see them grow, and celebrate traditions together has been the highlight of many summers. Going to Inkwell Beach, grabbing burgers in Oak Bluffs, riding bikes and eating some of the best lobster rolls and ice cream in the region…it’s a time we, as a family, always look forward to.?

?The island holds a deep significance culturally as well. Martha’s Vineyard is a hub for Black excellence and representation. It’s a place where we uplift each other, celebrate together and can get away from the city. Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival has turned into an influential week for the media and entertainment industry - a community that I am now a part of with Hero Media.

Change is the only constant. And a lot of us have spent the last few years looking to write?that?next chapter, trying to make?that?next move. We’ve faced monumental change across the globe, and it’s been catalytic for?individual?change.?

Personal happiness. Health. Career goals. More time with our families. More time for ourselves. These are core pillars that motivate us as we look for the opportunities that align with our interests, allow us to show up as our best selves and do what we love.?It can be nerve-racking to completely shift gears and venture into new territory, but there is a sense of heroism that comes with it. Being brave enough to step into what’s next.?

For the last two and a half months, I’ve been thrilled to explore this new chapter as President, Digital Innovation at Hero Media Inc. After knowing Joseph Anthony for over a decade, we are finally working together to build a next generation media and ad tech company for the culture. We share a vision to build towards our mission of creating space, opportunity and access for diverse ownership, full cultural expression, inclusive content and authentic celebrations of who we are. Together, we’re passionate about making: BIG moves For The Culture.?

Timing is everything, and our time is now.?

It’s a joy to work with such a passionate group, building our business, creating content, learning all things ad tech and our solutions, reconnecting with my agency colleagues, and spending time conceptualizing and programming new content.?

We have so much in store, and I’m excited to share what we’ve been working on. I’ve started to develop branded content, and brought personal passion projects to original formats for Hero Originals. With this upcoming week at Martha’s Vineyard, I know there will be plenty of inspiration and conversations By and For The Culture. I look forward to seeing you there!?

Drop a comment or send me a DM if you’ll be in Martha’s Vineyard and let’s find time to connect in town or by the sea!

Best,

Lauren