Meet the Expert: Karla Wagner

Can you tell us about your role at Fenton??

As the Chief People Officer at Fenton, my role is to champion the heartbeat of the firm – our incredible team. I'm dedicated to fostering a work environment where everyone feels empowered, valued, and inspired to bring their best selves to the table. From talent acquisition and development to creating a culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration, my mission is to ensure that Fenton is not just a workplace. Fenton is a community where every Fentonista plays a vital role in our shared success.?

What have been some of the highlights of your time at the firm?

Reflecting on my time at the firm, several highlights stand out. One milestone that I am particularly proud of is the successful launch of our first-ever professional development platform, the Fenton Learning Lab. This initiative has transformed how our team approaches learning, creating a space for continuous skill enhancement, collaboration, and innovation.

In tandem with this, the development of a robust career framework has been instrumental in providing clear pathways for professional growth and advancement. It's not just about filling roles; it's about cultivating a culture where individuals can map out their career trajectories, ensuring that their journey aligns with their aspirations.

What social issues are at the forefront of your mind right now?

One glaring concern is the state of women's reproductive rights. What’s happening in Texas right now is unimaginable and underscores the urgent need for a society that upholds women's autonomy over their own bodies. Equally troubling is the erosion of voting rights for Black Americans. The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and any threat to that right is a threat to the principles our society holds dear.

On a more personal note, as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, his rights and well-being are always top of mind. Navigating a world that doesn't always accommodate diverse needs can be challenging, but it motivates me to advocate for a more inclusive and understanding society—one that recognizes and supports the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Can you tell us about the Black Santa Experience and your role in developing the event?

I founded The Black Santa Experience in 2022. At its core, The Black Santa Experience is a cultural celebration beyond traditional holiday festivities. It's a platform to spotlight Black-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday and foster economic support within our community. I had read an article that cited the amount of time that a dollar circulates in various communities: a month in Asian communities, approximately 17 days in white communities, and just six hours in African-American communities. The dollar is leaving the neighborhood before many Black-owned businesses have a chance to touch or even see it! The Black Vendor Marketplace at The Black Santa Experience is a way to help combat that. We had over 1,200 attendees, and they shopped! Many entrepreneurs sold out. Think about that: when does a small business owner see 1,200 diverse and engaged customers in one day? It’s a powerful day.

Another objective behind the event was to create an environment where children (and, let's be honest, adults too – because who doesn't love the magic of Christmas?) can engage with a Santa who looks like them. Representation matters, and the joy and wonder in children's eyes when they see a Santa who reflects their identity (some for the first time) is truly magical. Kids come to the event and engage in several Black Santa-themed activities – they decorate cupcakes, make Christmas tree ornaments, and write letters to Santa. This year, we were thrilled that Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony and District Court Judge Kristen Simmons joined other local luminaries and read Christmas stories to the children. These beautiful images of strength, grace and power are important for all children, especially the Black and Brown children in attendance. You cannot be what you do not see.

The Black Santa Experience isn't just an event; it's a celebration of my community! I'm so proud to have played a role in creating an inclusive space where folks, young and old, can come together to celebrate, connect, and share in the magic of the season in a way that is familiar to us.

What’s next for The Black Santa Experience?

In the short term – we’ve got Christmas Eve coming. I’d mentioned that children write letters to Santa during the Black Santa experience. However, we just don’t send those letters to the North Pole. We believe kids deserve a response to their letters,? so over the next two weeks, we will be working to answer as many of these letters as possible, culminating with a Black Santa delivering gifts to children’s homes on Christmas Eve. I am so blessed with family and friends who support my vision and are helping make this all possible.???

I have huge plans for The Black Santa Experience – we will be THE destination for all things Black Santa. We’ve had inquiries from several cities but will limit to three in 2024. Last week, I was informed that we received a significant grant to ensure that The Black Santa Experience will be around for years to come. So, as Rachel Maddow says, “watch this space.”

Thank you, Karla!?

For more information: www.theblacksantaexperiencetm.com