digitalundivided
Founded in 2012, digitalundivided is the leading non-profit leveraging our data, programs, and advocacy to catalyze economic growth for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs and innovators. The goal is to create a greater world where all women of color own their work and worth. The legacy of ProjectDiane inspires expanded research efforts, conducted by women of color and focused on women of color in entrepreneurship and the businesses they lead. Programs -- START, BIG Pre-Accelerator, BREAKTHROUGH, Do You Fellowship, and the New C-Suite -- mobilize community, resources, advisory, and investment to support women of color founders at all stages of their entrepreneurial and funding journeys.
Our Opportunity
For too long, Latina and Black women entrepreneurs have faced an uphill battle in securing business capital and accessing funding. Since 2012, digitalundivided has been on a mission to catalyze economic growth for these trailblazing entrepreneurs, harnessing the power of data, programs, and advocacy. This visionary nonprofit is the force behind the transformative ProjectDiane study, the first research initiative to shed light on the stark funding disparities faced by women of color in the venture capital arena.
Amidst the global pandemic's unprecedented challenges, digitalundivided recognized the pressing need to amplify its mission, programming, and leadership profile through a dynamic communications strategy. It enlisted the expertise of CJC Insights to shape its brand narrative and position the nonprofit as a preeminent authority, navigating the complexities of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The shared goal? To increase funding opportunities for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs, unleashing their full potential as economic powerhouses.
Our Approach
For over two years, CJC Insights served as the PR agency of record for digitalundivided, spearheading all thought leadership initiatives, messaging strategies, press outreach, and media relations. We embarked on our partnership by engaging in a deep immersion process, closely collaborating with the organization to understand its mission, vision, and objectives.
Our approach was rooted in collaboration, enabling us to align with their overarching goals seamlessly and swiftly secure media placements and event integrations. We led with building awareness for research insights, the introduction of the new CEO Lauren Maillian, and a slate of newly launched grant and visibility programs created amidst the pandemic. Our responsive media plan touched on the myriad issues impacting entrepreneurs during the pandemic, aiming to build community and highlight the transformational businesses and founders at the core of digitalundivided's programs
CJC Insights also focused on Project Diane, the groundbreaking report that ignited a movement. While the research was frequently quoted, it was often not credited. Our team pushed for research credit and orchestrated the organization's inaugural virtual press conference for the release of the Project Diane report, centering the organization's legacy and the transformative research.
“The CJC Insights team were invaluable partners in amplifying digitalundivided's mission, groundbreaking new initiatives, and far-reaching impact during a pivotal period for the organization. Their strategic communications leadership played an indispensable role in empowering Latina and Black women entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth opportunities, and elevating their voices amid the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and national racial reckoning."
- Lauren Maillian, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Former Board Chair & CEO of digitalundivided
Our Results
CJC Insights developed and implemented a comprehensive external communications and messaging strategy for digitalundivided. This strategic partnership helped to increase brand visibility and engagement and leveraged research and thought leadership to build urgency around the need for economic growth for diverse founders.
PR & Media Relations: We generated billions of media impressions with extensive coverage in prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Inc., Forbes, USA Today, Worth, and more. Project Diane was featured on CNN Business, GMA, CNBC, TechCrunch, Black Enterprise, Insider, Fortune, Vogue Business, AfroTech, and other media outlets. The research was referenced in some of the year’s buzzy business stories including a CNN op-ed by Serena Williams "Silicon Valley Is Wrong About Black Women Entrepreneurs" and the Fortune cover story titled "Billions Women Founders are Crashing the Billionaire Club."
Our team supported digitalundivided CEO Lauren Maillian’s vision to create a new power list for women of color launching Cosmopolitan's New C-Suite Power List. A milestone initiative with celebrity judges Venus Williams and Quinta Brunson identifying the next generation of powerhouse women of color entrepreneurs with a Cosmo cover story, multi-page features in magazines, and an Undivided We Rise Summit at Hearst Tower with the founders.
Communications Strategy & Partnerships: Supported communications and coordination for dozens of founder- focused activations nationwide to launch digitalundivided’s Breakthrough with JP Morgan Chase's Advancing Black Pathways in cities including Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Launched the InvestHer Summit with the Nasdaq Foundation convening entrepreneurs and investors in Martha's Vineyard and during Essence Festival in New Orleans. Announced a custom START program by digitalundivided x She Runs It advancing women of color founders in marketing, media, and tech.
Thought Leadership: Secured speaking opportunities for digitalundivided's leadership and founders at prestigious events, including the WSJ Women In Series, Worth Magazine's Women & Worth Summit, Money 20/20, and more.