Voyage LA| Inspiring Stories

Hi Brande, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I always loved reading magazines as a teenager, and though I initially majored in communications at the University of Cincinnati, all it took was an Intro to PR class for me to switch my major to journalism with a concentration in magazine writing. Soon after graduation, I landed a job with Wolters Kluwer Health as an editorial assistant for medical trade publications, which took me to New York. As blogs started gaining traction, I began writing for some on the side to gain experience covering issues that mattered to me as a Black woman. Freelancing for MadameNoire turned into a full-time role where I was promoted to Deputy Editor within six months. After nine years with the brand, and later HelloBeautiful, I joined ESSENCE as the Senior Entertainment Editor in 2021, responsible for booking all of our cover and in-book shoots as well as overseeing content for the website and print magazine. With so many opportunities consistently bringing me to L.A., in 2022, I decided to move here and try it out. I spent 2023-2025 freelancing in various capacities, from covering red carpets to moderating panels and, of course, writing. For the past year, I have worked full-time for The Hollywood Reporter as the Deputy Awards Editor.

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