SheKnows Media’s #BlogHer Conference Series Continues to Build on Its Unprecedented Legacy of Diversity and Inclusion for the 13th Year in a Row

Women of Color Represent 52% of Mainstage Speakers and 49% of Breakout Session Presenters at #BlogHer17, June 22-24 in Orlando

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SheKnows Media, a leading women’s media company that averages 60 million unique visitors per month (comScore) and reaches more than 300 million social media fans, continues to shatter gender and racial stereotypes by producing a conference unmatched and unwavering in its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

From the very start of its 13-year history, #BlogHer – produced by SheKnows Media and attracting more than 2,000 women content creators, entrepreneurs, brand executives and industry luminaries each year – set a precedent to give the spotlight to speakers from the most marginalized communities. On average, people of color have represented approximately 40% of all mainstage and breakout session presenters at each event. #BlogHer17, taking place June 22-24 in Orlando, continues to build on this promise, with women of color now comprising 52% of keynote and 49% of all breakout session speakers, including tennis champion and entrepreneur Serena Williams; gymnast Laurie Hernandez; MSNBC Host of “SoPOPular!” Janet Mock; comedian, actress and activist Margaret Cho; Carla Hall, Co-Host of “The Chew”; best-selling author and celebrated blogger Luvvie Ajayi; and CNN political correspondent Ana Navarro.

#BlogHer’s unparalleled legacy of diversity and inclusion stands out in an industry widely criticized for gender and racial bias. For example, new research from 4A’s shows that 61% of respondents want to see greater diversity in advertising, and that they think more favorably of the brands that do so. Yet, the same study reveals that half of respondents said the ad industry is terrible (20%) or not great (29%) at hiring diverse professionals. And, women in creative director roles still tops out at just 11%, according to The 3% Conference.

“Despite a growing focus on diversity in advertising over the last decade, many conferences serving the industry have just started taking measures to address the gender and racial imbalance reflected on their stages and in their audiences. #BlogHer was founded on the idea of representation. It’s always top of mind as we select our speakers and partners, which in turn, attracts a diverse set of attendees year after year,” said Samantha Skey, President of SheKnows Media.

Like its speaker roster, the #BlogHer17 audience is also diverse, comprising 42% people of color – 92% of which are women – and attracting premier partner organizations equally as committed to their own inclusivity efforts. Among them is the Ad Council, the Interactive Advertising Bureau’s iDiverse initiative, Common Sense Media, and Hilton, whose Bonnet Creek property is the location of this year’s conference. In addition, SheKnows Media’s 34-member Executive Advisory Board comprises 45% people of color – 93% of which are women.

“We launched iDiverse to promote diversity in the workforce through training, mentoring, recruiting, interviewing and placement services,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB. “#BlogHer is the perfect platform for iDiverse to provide these resources to women who are striving to create their own digital businesses. Not only will the training and mentorship help them to excel with their own initiatives, participation in iDiverse will qualify more people to enter the digital industry.”

“Our Love Has No Labels campaign is dedicated to celebrating all communities regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, age or ability. We’re encouraging Americans to examine the critical role each of us plays in creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for others. SheKnows Media has done just that with the BlogHer conference,” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of Ad Council.

“Representation matters. Especially in movies and TV, which are such a ubiquitous part of our lives and our kids' lives. With Common Sense's Watching Gender research report, we are shining a light on what the entertainment industry does right, and where it has work to do” said Amy Guggenheim Shenkan, President of Common Sense. “Through BlogHer conferences and the Hatch program, partners like SheKnows Media provide diverse role models and inclusive media messages for families, which we are thrilled to support.”

To learn more or to register for #BlogHer17, click here. More information about SheKnows Media can be found at www.sheknowsmedia.com.

About SheKnows Media

SheKnows Media is a top women’s lifestyle digital media company that averages 60 million unique visitors per month (comScore) and reaches over 300 million social media fans and followers. The company operates a family of leading media properties that include SheKnows.com, BlogHer.com, STYLECASTER.com and HelloFlo.com. SheKnows Media also organizes the conference #BlogHer17, the largest annual celebration of women online content creators, social media influencers and brand executives, taking place in Orlando, June 22-24, 2017. With a mission of women inspiring women, SheKnows Media is revolutionizing the publishing industry by forging a new kind of model that seamlessly integrates users, editors and content creators onto a single platform designed to empower all women to discover, share and create. Whether it’s parenting or pop culture, fashion or food, DIY or décor, our award-winning editorial team, Experts, bloggers and social media influencers produce authentic and on-trend content every day. We dig deep to learn what makes our audience tick, revealing unexpected insights on women and digital media. Our robust, end-to-end suite of premium branded content and influencer marketing solutions generate nearly 1 billion ad impressions per month (sources: DFP), allowing brands to distribute authentic content and integrated advertising at scale.

SheKnows Media is based in New York and Scottsdale, Ariz., with offices in Los Angeles and Chicago. We also operate internationally in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Contacts

SheKnows Media
Jenni Ottum
Public Relations Director
480.231.4887
Jenni.Ottum@SheKnows.com