Joi-Marie Mckenzie Named Senior Entertainment Editor of Essence Magazine

Joi-Marie Mckenzie writer and author of the 2017 hit The Engagement Game was recently named the Senior Entertainment Editor of Essence Magazine. The former Good Morning America entertainment, style and relationships editor took to her social media platforms to express her gratitude:

"On one of my first few days at my new job, as senior entertainment editor at @Essence magazine, I witnessed something I’d never seen before. I sat in a lengthy boardroom surrounded completely by black women. I had a seat at the table, but more importantly I had my sisters beside me. I cannot wait to work with women I’ve admired for years. Here’s to a new sprinkle in #blackgirlmagic!"

McKenzie is  also an Emmy award winner for her work at Good Morning America. She created The Fab Empire in 2007, an award-winning website that covers society, celebrities and local events in various cities around the U.S.

Previously, she has worked for ABC News, ABC Radio and has freelanced for Clutch Magazine, NBC New York, NBC Washington, along with her family’s The Afro American Newspaper, the longest running African-American family-owned newspaper in the country.

McKenzie an  is an in-demand panelist and workshop facilitator. She has spoken about owning your narrative, writing a memoir, entrepreneurship, blogging, growing an audience online, and social media topics at Columbia University, University of Maryland College Park, Howard University, LIM College, Blogger Week, and Blogalicious.

She’s also spoken at the prestigious 92Y: Cultural Institution and Community Center in New York City along with Busboys & Poets in Washington, D.C.

McKenzie attained a Master of Science in Digital Media from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, College Park.

She is also the great-granddaughter of Vashti Turley Murphy, one of the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. — the largest community service organization for black college educated women in the world.

Cheers to black girl magic!