January 7, 2009
As President of Essence Communications, Inc., Michelle Ebanks leads the number one media and communications company dedicated to African-American women. The organization is comprised of diverse media and entertainment properties including ESSENCE magazine - the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, with a loyal readership of 8.5 million - and the internationally renowned Essence Music Festival, one of the largest entertainment events in the world.
Essence has become the authority for attitudinal and behavioral insights and resources crucial to effectively reaching African-American women who, in 2006, comprise the largest share of purchasing power (46.6%) for multicultural women - an increasingly important market segment. With 40 percent market penetration, ESSENCE magazine is home to an audience who represents the gateway to $761 billion in African-American purchasing power.
Ebanks joined the Essence family in March 2001 as group publisher. Prior to joining Essence, Ebanks was a vice-president in Time Inc.'s corporate division. Ebanks began her publishing career in 1985 at Knapp Communications, where she held several key financial and management positions at Home and Bon Appetit. After Knapp was acquired by Conde Nast Publications in 1993, Ebanks moved to New York City to serve as corporate business manager for Conde Nast's 13 titles. In 1996, she joined Time Inc.'s Money magazine as financial director and was promoted to general manager in 1998.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Ebanks holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida. She resides in Manhattan with her husband and two children.
