The AfroNouveau 100
Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, blends culture, authenticity, and executive power to uplift Black women globally—and redefine leadership at every level.
Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, is redefining corporate leadership through cultural authenticity and AfroNouveau vision. She doesn’t hide her heritage and neither does she shrink her story. Instead, she brings her full self to the table. That is, African, unapologetic, visionary. As the President and CEO of ESSENCE Ventures, Wanga is leading one of the most influential media platforms for Black women worldwide, with boldness, strategy, and soul.
Her leadership is not just about titles, it’s about transformation. Significantly, in every room she enters, she challenges the status quo with intention and style.
From Kenya to Corporate America
Caroline Wanga was born in Kenya and raised in the United States. Her story reflects the AfroNouveau spirit—rooted in Africa, rising globally. Caroline Wanga CEO studied community health but found herself drawn into the world of business and culture. At Target Corporation, she climbed the ranks to become Chief Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer. However, she never sacrificed who she was to succeed.
“Authenticity is the strategy, culture is the currency
Her leadership style is fearless and speaks volumes. Above all, her radical honesty has made her a beloved leader across industries, especially among young professionals of African descent who crave authenticity at work and in life.
Leading ESSENCE into the Future
In 2020, Caroline joined ESSENCE Ventures and quickly became its CEO. Under her watch, the brand has evolved beyond a magazine into a multimedia powerhouse. ESSENCE now champions Black women’s voices through television, festivals, entrepreneurship platforms, and cultural commentary.
Wanga’s leadership came during a moment of cultural reckoning—pandemics, protests, and a push for real equity. She met the moment head-on. She rebuilt the company’s internal culture, invested in Black creators, and ensured ESSENCE remained a trusted voice for Black women globally.
Through it all, she emphasized joy, community, and excellence.
Global Voice, Local Roots
Wanga’s relevance extends far beyond American boardrooms. Her story speaks to AfroNouveau leaders across Africa and the diaspora. Especially hose balancing heritage, identity, and ambition. Whether she’s speaking at tech conferences, leading at Cannes Lions, or sitting with changemakers from Lagos to Atlanta, her message remains clear: Authenticity is power.
She also wears her African roots with pride—from her braided hairstyles to her candid references to cultural wisdom. For young women navigating global systems that often overlook their value, Caroline A. Wanga is proof that staying true to your story is a strength, not a liability.
Dear AfroNouveau,
Caroline A. Wanga is more than a CEO, she’s a cultural force. Her life and leadership invite AfroNouveau communities to lead without compromise and build without erasure. In a world that often asks us to choose between being African and being global, she shows us we can be both…and brilliantly too.
Dear AfroNouveau, when Caroline leads, she doesn’t just represent. No, she also redefines. Just like the AfroNouveau 100 redefining what it means to be black, bold and global today.
👉 Meet another AfroNouveau leader redefining climate justice: Wawa Gatheru’s Profile
Join us as we continue to celebrate the AfroNouveau 100 redefining what it means to be black in the global stage!
Q: Who is Caroline Wanga?
A: Caroline Wanga is the CEO of Essence Ventures and a Kenyan-American cultural architect known for authentic and transformative leadership.
Q: What does Caroline Wanga do at Essence Ventures?
A: She leads strategy, growth, and innovation at Essence Ventures, focusing on storytelling, equity, and global representation of Black women.
