The First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Kit Comes To Market As Teal Health Raises $10M
'We’re here to create a new path forward, enabling women to take control of their health with confidence and ease.'
Women’s health company Teal Health has received $10 million in funding to launch the first at-home cervical cancer screening kit, the Teal WandTM, according to a press release.
The investment, with a partnership led by Emerson Collective and Forerunner, brings the company’s total funding to $23 million, helping to advance its product development and plans to go-to-market.
In May 2024, Teal Health was awarded a $1.68 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Cancer Institute and FDA Breakthrough Device Designation.
“This investment allows us to bring Teal Health’s vision to life, getting our transformational screening solution into the hands of women. We’re here to create a new path forward, enabling women to take control of their health with confidence and ease,” Kara Egan, the company’s CEO, said.
The Teal Wand, upon FDA approval, will allow a person to request the home collection kit. Following an order, the company will provide a telehealth visit and guide the patient to collect their vaginal samples using the Wand. According to TechCrunch, the sample will then be sealed and shipped to a Teal-approved lab.
Launched in 2023, Teal Health addresses the harsh realities that 92 million women and people with cervix live with. Due to limited access and discomfort from the exam, one in four don’t regularly go through screening. The American Cancer Society once labeled cervical cancer as one of the most common cancer deaths for women, but prevention and screening brought these numbers down. But as prevention and screening measures have gone down, numbers have increased in the last few years.
“There is no shortage of reasons for wanting to improve the traditional healthcare system, but one unequivocal truth is that many healthcare experiences are not built with the end consumer as the primary customer,” Nicole Johnson, Forerunner partner, said. “This feels especially true for women’s health, despite women accounting for 80% of healthcare spending.”
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Teal Health will donate $1 to the American Cancer Society for each person with a cervix that pledges to have a screening.
South Carolina School District Sued By First Black Woman Superintendent
The lawsuit alleged the newly elected, white board members harassed, bullied, and micromanaged Dr. Thomas
Dr. Ameca Thomas, former superintendent of Laurens County School District 55, and the first Black woman appointed to the role, filed a lawsuit against the district after newly elected board members allegedly created a hostile work environment because of her race as a Black American.
According to the lawsuit, obtained by Fox Carolina, the alleged discrimination began in January 2021 after the new board members were elected to the district. The suit claims white board members carried out “systematic weekly and monthly efforts to solicit employee and parent complaints with the Board of Trustees and South Carolina Department of Education against” Dr. Thomas and “mounted a campaign publicly” to undermine Black administrators who had been hired under her. Actions stated in the lawsuit accused board members of interference with district operations, violation of board member conduct policy, harassment and bullying Black employees, micromanagement, and undermining Dr. Thomas’ decisions and authority. Patterns of the alleged racial discrimination caused the 47-year-old Laurens County native “anxiety, stress, humiliation, embarrassment, and mental anguish,” which led her to report the alleged actions to human resources.
Donald Gist, an attorney for Dr. Thomas, addressed rumors in 2023 that spread throughout the community about a possible termination of her role as superintendent. Supporters, community members, and activists gathered in February 2023 to address the matter and speak on behalf of the educator. Freedom Fighters called her “a stellar example of high academic achievement,” according to Fox Carolina. Board of Trustee member Anthony Carpenter said, “It’s all about race. There is no doubt about it. It’s all about race. She hasn’t done anything to deserve any of the accusations,” per WYFF News 4.
Gist said the rumored termination from the district would be illegal and a mistake.
After holding several positions with the public school district as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of testing and accountability, and assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, Dr. Thomas was elected to serve as superintendent beginning July 1, 2020. During her time in the role, she supervised approximately 9 schools, 5,442 students, and 400 teachers and staff. She consistently received “proficient” and “exceptional” ratings from the school district during annual reviews and earned several accolades like Teacher of the Year, National Superintendents to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association, Superintendent of the Year by South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators, and the National District Administration 2024 Districts of Distinction Award.
The educator, an alumna of Laurens District 55 High School, resigned from the position as superintendent in January 2024, following a three-hour school board meeting in February 2023. On January 16, 2024, Dr. Thomas moved into a new role as the Chief Executive Officer of GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, Inc. where she was elected by a unanimous vote to enhance the commission’s programs and partnerships.
Nick Cannon Surprises Incarcerated Firefighters Battling Los Angeles Wildfires
The Drumline star pulled up to show love to the unsung heroes
Nick Cannon surprised the incarcerated firefighters who helped fight the Los Angeles wildfires with a visit. The Wild ‘N Out host shared footage of the visit on Instagram. Cannon walked into a crowd of cheering men with his toddler daughter in tow. The actor shook hands and took photos with the men.
“Real Heros! Thank you to these young brothers for fighting fires for 24 hours at a time! God has his hand on them For Real! Had to go show my love, appreciation, and gratitude even though my Lupus has been flaring up. I got up out of my bed to go say Thank you,” the father-of-12 captioned his post.
Fans flooded the comments, showering the television personality with praise.
“No one is too big to show love and support to those who are in need! Thank you for always being a great example! We see it, and we stand with you, brother,” social media influencer Marv Simms wrote.
Cannon also addressed the tragedy on his web series, The DailyCannon. In a clip posted to the show’s Facebook page, the producer sent his well wishes to the residents of the Los Angeles area.
“As we try to get back into some sense of normalcy, we know that there have been thousands deeply affected by the devastating LA wildfires. Sending much love to the city of LA & all the communities that have come together in support & resilience!”
Nick Cannon isn’t the only celebrity supporting the imprisoned firefighters who helped to fight the L.A. wildfires. In an Instagram story, Chris Brown thanked the first responders while encouraging lawmakers to reduce the sentences of incarcerated firefighters.
Chris Brown believes that prisoners helping fight fires in LA should have their sentences reduced pic.twitter.com/iGyrs4q2ej
Nearly 1,000 incarcerated firefighters have been working around the clock to combat the fires. According to theCalifornia Department of Corrections, incarcerated firefighters earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day from CDCR. They receive an additional $1 an hour from Cal Fire while working during an active emergency. According to the Department of Labor, the minimum wage in California is $16.50 per hour.
Reports claim the GOP lawmaker has started to rally donors and some of Florida’s top political players ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race to unseat Gov. Ron DeSantis. The rumors of Donalds eyeing the seat have circulated for months, even coming from President-elect Donald Trump, after Trump asked the ally if he would consider a run in May 2024. Since then, the congressman’s moves have heightened the rumors.
In early January 2025, Donalds hosted a hospitality suite to let supporters know he would be running during a state Republican Party meeting in Orlando. After a series of meetings with key lobbyists and political donors, his position was seemingly clearer. “He was in town [Tallahassee] meeting with all the folks you need to meet with. He told them he is in,” a source revealed.
It was an honor to address grassroots leaders in Orlando at the @FloridaGOP Annual Meeting.
Congratulations Chairman @EvanPower on reelection.
Congratulations @ViceMayorJo on election as Vice Chairman.
“It’s the steps any candidate takes as they prepare to run for governor.”
According to Fox News, another eye-opening signal for Donalds was hiring the research firm founded by prominent Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio, who served as a top polster during both of Trump’s presidential campaigns. Spring 2024, the outspoken conservative reveled over residents of the faith the Sunshine State had in him to hold such a high-yielding position in politics.
“It’s really cool that people back home in Florida consider me to be able to be the state’s next governor. It’s really an honor. It’s honestly surreal thinking about it because I’m 45 and my journey through politics has been a really fruitful one,” Donalds said at the time.
“It’s really humbling and an honor, but I just focus on doing the job I have.”
There were a number of other top Florida movers and shakers that had their names thrown into the ring for governor, including disgraced former state congressman Matt Gaetz, who once said during an interview, “Florida needs a Governor who can break the control insurance companies have over Tallahassee.”
“I can do that, so it’s something Ginger and I are considering,” Gaetz said prior to taking a gig as an anchor on the conservative TV network OAN after resigning from Congress.
The special election for governor and other political roles like congressman will take place on Apr. 1. If Donalds is selected, he will follow the footsteps of fellow Black gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gilliium, who lost his Democratic bid to DeSantis in 2018.
Department Of Justice Drops Charges In Death Of Black Motorist
Ronald Greene's family is not surprised by the lack of accountability.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped its inquiry into the Louisiana State police officers involved in the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a decision that was first reported by the Associated Press.
The DOJ’s closure of the case follows a prolonged investigation into Greene’s death, which was the result of a violent altercation with officers after he was stopped for a traffic violation.
The case began when officers stunned, punched, and dragged the 49-year-old Greene while he was prone on the ground. His death initially appeared to be related to a high-speed chase, but medical reports contradicted police claims, revealing that Greene’s injuries were caused by the physical assault, not the crash.
In the aftermath, one officer, Kory York, pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and received a one-year probation sentence. Three other officers had charges dismissed, and the officer widely considered the main culprit, Chris Hollingsworth, died in a high-speed crash in 2020 just hours after learning he was under investigation.
Greene’s family expressed frustration with the DOJ’s decision, highlighting the length and lack of resolution in the investigation.
Mona Hardin, Greene’s mother, expressed disbelief in the pursuit of justice, stating, “There’s no closure here. I knew it was coming. They’re just pouring sugar on s—-.”
The case against the officers brought to light broader concerns about the culture of abuse and misconduct within the Louisiana State Police. Reports from the Associated Press uncovered a pattern of excessive use of force, with at least a dozen instances of beatings being concealed or ignored by the department. These findings have sparked further scrutiny of how the agency handles complaints and maintains accountability.
Though the Greene family has been denied justice in the form of civil charges, they have a pending wrongful death lawsuit against Louisiana state troopers.
How This Former Warehouse Worker Secured A $132K Tech Role Without A Bachelor’s Degree
A 33-year-old Scrum Master reveals her journey to success.
Meet Shanelle Gibson, a 33-year-old Scrum Master now earning $132,000 annually—just a decade after working 12-hour warehouse shifts for barely $15 an hour—without a college degree.
“Whether you succeed in college or not doesn’t define who you are as a person,” she told CNBC Make It as part of its Ditching the Degree series.
“You can read books and take boot camps online; there are so many ways to improve your skills. Whatever it is that you want to do, if you have the right attitude and put the work in, you’ll achieve it.”
It all began in 2015 when Gibson, then 23, had an epiphany while folding clothes in a warehouse. She realized her current job wasn’t the career path she envisioned.
Gibson watched as friends graduated from college and launched high-paying careers. At the same time, she navigated her own path after leaving Valdosta State University in Georgia to avoid piling up student loan debt.
“I just had this ‘aha moment’ where I looked around at these mountains of boxes and tired people working alongside me and thought, ’I shouldn’t be here; I feel like I’m destined for more than this minimum wage job. I’m not happy in,” Gibson recalled. “That propelled me to quit and just start applying everywhere.”
Determined to make a change, Gibson uploaded her resume to Craigslist, where a hiring manager at ParkingSoft, a parking management software startup, spotted her application and invited her to interview for a phone dispatcher role at its Atlanta office. After securing the job, Gibson quickly impressed her team and was promoted within weeks to customer support analyst due to her initiative in solving customer issues rather than simply passing calls to the service team.
The experience, along with her previous work in retail, all aided in Gibson’s transition into Scrum Master work.
“That job started my tech career,” she said. “All of the technical skills I learned doing that job – from SQL [a programming language] to JIRA [project tracking software] made me a more confident, competitive candidate for higher-paying tech jobs, even without a degree.”
After holding several customer service roles, Gibson grew increasingly frustrated with the monotony of the work. A friend suggested she explore becoming a Scrum Master. After further review, Gibson decided to take a $400 two-day course at Scrum Alliance.
According to Coursera, a Scrum Master is “to use Agile project management to champion a project, teams, and team members. Since Scrum Masters can work in many settings, your tasks and responsibilities may vary. Depending on where you work, you may find yourself taking on the role of a facilitator, coach, or project manager.”
Not long after earning her certification, Gibson secured her first Scrum Master position at UnitedHealthcare. In 2022, she advanced her career by joining her current company as a lead Scrum Master, earning an annual salary of well over $100,000.
“I knew that I was capable and hardworking, but society tells us that you need a college degree to land a high-paying job,” she said. “Hitting that milestone helped me realize that there’s no special formula to earning six figures; it’s up to you to decide how hard you’re willing to work toward that goal and not let something like a degree requirement limit you.”
The FTC Finds United Health’s OptumRX Is Engaged In Widespread Price Gouging
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report finding that OptumRX, Express Scripts, and CVS Caremark Rx are engaged in widespread price gouging, according to Fortune.
The investigation into prescription benefit managers (PBMs), which concluded in 2022, revealed that these companies gained $7.3 billion in revenue from markups.
The report also details the ‘Big 3 PBMs’ pattern of funneling high-cost medication to their respective pharmacies, yielding those pharmacies higher revenue.
“[prescriptions are] marked up more than $1,000 per prescription were dispensed by the Big 3 PBMs’ affiliated pharmacies compared with unaffiliated pharmacies. Dispensing patterns suggest that the Big 3 PBMs may be steering highly profitable prescriptions to their own affiliated pharmacies (and away from unaffiliated pharmacies),” the report stated.
The inflated prices raised costs for millions of Americans suffering from life-threatening conditions, including leukemia, cardiac hypertension, and HIV. Some drugs were sold at four times the acquisition cost.
CVS Caremark contends that the FTC is pushing an anti-PBM agenda. The company warns that if the current policies continue, drug prices will rise for individuals with medical conditions. Caremark also argues that taxpayers and businesses will bear the brunt of subsidizing employer insurance and government assistance programs.
“If we’re going to have an investigation like this, the American people deserve to see the complete story based on all the facts and not just those that support a predetermined narrative,” Caremark said in a statement to Fortune. “The ‘anti-PBM’ policies the FTC is currently pursuing would only increase U.S. drug costs for American patients, employers, unions, and taxpayers.”
OptumRX, a PBM owned by UnitedHealth, also provided a statement to Fortune, asserting that its approach is cost-effective and enables the company to offer a range of services for patients with complex health conditions.
“Optum is lowering the cost of specialty medications, which comprise half of all drug expenditures, and providing clinical expertise, programs, and support for patients with complex and rare conditions,” the statement said.
UnitedHealth has come under scrutiny following the recent death of its CEO, Brian Thompson. The alleged gunman, Luigi Mangione, was taken into custody. Reports indicate that Mangione had a 200-word “manifesto” at the time of his arrest, in which he criticized the American healthcare industry.
Yvette Nicole Brown Blasts Khloé Kardashian’s Excessive Water Usage After Reality Star Criticized LA Mayor Karen Bass
Yvette Nicole Brown asked Khloé Kardashian if her excessive water use during the 2022 drought was "a joke."
In a classic case of “This You?!” Yvette Nicole Brown had to remind Khloé Kardashian about her excessive water use after the reality star publicly criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
The Kardashians star took to Instagram to criticize Mayor Bass’s initial response to the ongoing L.A. wildfires, calling the mayor a “joke” over reports that the city’s fire department budget was allegedly cut months before the disaster, Page Six reported. In a twist of irony, Brown responded on social media by highlighting a Rolling Stone news report about the Kardashian’s excessive water usage amid a drought.
“This is from 2022 when Los Angeles was in the midst of a drought,” Brown wrote in her caption. “Every citizen was asked to conserve for the good of everyone else. Y’know, because of fires? This is how some citizens responded to the ask.”
At the time, the Kardashian family was under fire for using too much water for their massive homes, despite the drought plaguing Southern California. According to The Los Angeles Times, Kourtney Kardashian exceeded her water usage by 101,000 gallons, while Kim Kardashian exceeded by 232,000 gallons.
News picked up the story and called out the famous family for going “333,000 gallons over the county limit in June.”
However, that might have slipped Khloé Kardashian’s mind when she posted an Instagram Story offering her support to L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, while bashing Mayor Bass.
Khloé Kardashian criticized for calling Mayor Karen Bass “a joke” over response to LA fires.
According to the Los Angeles Times, her sister Kourtney Kardashian went over her water usage by 101,000 gallons, while her other sister Kim Kardashian exceeded 232,000 gallons. pic.twitter.com/LCWhAfKtBm
Brown’s remarks have resonated with many, who agree that Kardashian’s criticism comes across as blatant hypocrisy.
“See what happens when you’re loud and wrong, @khloekardashian ??? Smh,” one person wrote.
“Now keep Ms Bass’ name out your mouth, Khloe,” added someone else.
Brown’s criticism of Kardashian follows her public defense of Mayor Bass, who has faced heightened scrutiny over the L.A. wildfires. Both Brown and actress Kim Whitley have pointed out that the public seems quick to target Mayor Bass without fully considering the facts or the uncontrollable circumstances surrounding the situation.
“She’s got a spine of steel, and she’s also been a Black woman in America a very long time, so none of this is new to her,” Brown said last week.
Hollywood actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley say any criticism of LA Mayor Bass is racist pic.twitter.com/gYd3G6eeVL
Attorneys General Urge Walmart Not To Back Away From DEI Efforts To Avoid ‘Undermining’ Anti-Discrimination Progress
14 Attorneys general are urging Walmart not to roll back its DEI efforts.
A group of 14 attorneys general have united in a letter urging Walmart to rethink its decision to scale back on its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The coalition of attorneys general sent the letter in response to Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, pausing its DEI initiatives following the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in higher education, CBS News reported.
“We are writing to express our concern regarding Walmart’s recent decision to step away from its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”). In particular, we are concerned that Walmart’s decision to phase out supplier diversity programs, close down the Center for Racial Equality, end equity training for staff, and remove the words “diversity” and “DEI” from company documents and employee titles risks undermining important social progress and anti-discrimination efforts,” the letter read.
The rollback of DEI efforts came after the Supreme Court’s decision, with conservative anti-DEI groups filing lawsuits against corporations to challenge diversity programs and racially conscious hiring practices. As a result, Walmart, along with Ford, McDonald’s, Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Harley-Davidson, and Meta, all announced the termination of their DEI programs.
However, the attorneys general argue that opponents of DEI have misinterpreted the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College to pressure businesses into abandoning DEI programs. The coalition emphasized that these programs remain legal and are essential for ensuring compliance with civil rights laws.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are critical tools for preventing discrimination and addressing historic injustices against minorities and other marginalized groups,” Maryland Attorney General Brown said in a statement. “When major companies roll back their commitments to these efforts, they signal to smaller businesses that it is acceptable to do the same, creating a ripple effect that inflicts lasting harm across our State and nation.”
Walmart’s policy changes include no longer factoring in race and gender when making supplier decisions, ending several diversity programs, and replacing the terms “diversity” and “DEI” with “belonging” in official documents.
The attorneys general who signed the letter are from California, Hawaii, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Vermont, and Rhode Island. They are calling on Walmart’s CEO to respond to the letter and their call against ending DEI initiatives.
CÎROC Announces The Blue Dot Creative Residency To Empower Emerging Storytellers
The new program offers diverse creatives capital, mentorship, and space to develop their passions
Balancing a full-time creative career with the demands of today’s hustle culture can be challenging. However, time isn’t the only obstacle diverse talents face in maximizing their creative potential. Gaining access to resources and funding can also be a daunting hurdle, limiting their ability to develop or complete new projects.
In an effort to support the next generation of artists and innovators, CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka has unveiled the Blue Dot Creative Residency, a program aimed at providing financial capital, mentorship, and space for individuals working in entertainment, music, art, and fashion. The new initiative is designed to support creatives looking to expand into different fields and broaden their platforms by exploring uncharted ventures.
According to a press release, “the innovative program will deliver an environment of creative ease by providing them with direct funding, resources, and access needed to invest back into passion projects that shape the culture of tomorrow.”
Source: Violinist at CÎROC’s Night at the Museum Dinner on Dec. 6 at The Rubell Museum. (Photo courtesy of CIROC/Hunter PR)
As part of the residency, participants will gain collaboration opportunities with industry leaders who will help them develop artistic expression. The program also includes “(Ease)capes” to allow members to recharge and find inspiration during key cultural events. Throughout the year, the program will support and help talent distribute and showcase their projects across different verticals, from movie theatre partnerships to commission-free art galleries. The residency will culminate in the unveiling of innovative projects across various mediums.
CÎROC, a vodka company owned by DIAGEO, celebrated the launch of the Blue Dot Residency with an exclusive culinary experience honoring diverse creatives during Miami Art Week. Held at the iconic Rubell Museum, artists, creators, and tastemakers came together for a multi-sensory experience that fused art, music, and food.
Source: Victoria David, Brand Director, CÎROC (Photo courtesy of Diageo/Hunter PR)
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to Victoria David, brand director of CÎROC, about the Blue Dot Creative Residency and the culinary celebration that the spirits company hosted last month.
Tell us more about the Blue Dot Creative Residency and its mission to empower diverse creatives. The Blue Dot Creative Residency is about redefining what it means to support creativity. Centered around four key verticals—entertainment, music, art, and fashion—the program helps creators expand their craft into new frontiers. We created this residency to eliminate the barriers that many creatives face, such as lack of time, resources, or financial support, and instead provide a space where they can breathe, reflect, and innovate.
Through direct funding, mentorship, and access to a network of influential collaborators, we aim to give creators the tools they need to turn their passion projects into cultural touchstones. This isn’t just a program; it’s a cultural movement designed to inject more joy, vitality, and innovation into the creative landscape.
Source: Craft cocktail featured at CÎROC’s Night at the Museum Dinner (Photo courtesy of CIROC/Hunter PR)
What inspired CÎROC to create this initiative? At CÎROC, we’ve always been about celebrating culture and creativity, but we saw an opportunity to do more. Today’s creators are navigating an unprecedented amount of pressure to perform, and the grind culture that dominates our world often stifles their ability to innovate. We were inspired by the insight that creativity thrives when we take a step back to recharge. This residency reflects a pivotal shift for CÎROC as we embrace the philosophy that leisure isn’t just a luxury—it’s the key to unlocking extraordinary ideas. By creating a space where creators can focus on joy and experimentation, we’re helping to foster that mindset.
What role did you play in the ideation and execution of the program? As brand director, my role has been to bring this vision to life by ensuring the residency stays true to CÎROC’s legacy while paving the way for its future. Our team collaborated to build a program that speaks to the evolving needs of creatives today. From identifying the barriers they face to designing a support system that addresses those challenges, our focus has been on ensuring this initiative isn’t just impactful but also sustainable. I’m especially proud of how we’ve integrated mentorship and collaboration into the program because it reflects CÎROC’s belief in the power of connection to fuel creative breakthroughs.
What makes the Blue Dot Creative Residency meaningful for you personally? This residency is deeply meaningful because it represents the best of what CÎROC stands for—empowering people to celebrate their full potential. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of creativity, and this program gives us a chance to support artists in a way that truly makes a difference. Watching creators rediscover their passion, take risks, and create work that leaves a lasting impact on culture is inspiring. It reminds me why I fell in love with this industry—because, at its best, creativity has the power to change the world.
Source: CÎROC’s Night at the Museum Dinner (Photo courtesy of CIROC/Hunter PR)
Why was it important for CÎROC to launch the initiative during Miami Art Week? Miami Art Week is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the boundless possibilities of creativity. For CÎROC, this was the ideal stage to introduce the residency because it allowed us to engage directly with a community of artists and tastemakers who embody the spirit of innovation. By launching in a setting that thrives on bold ideas and collaboration, we were able to set the tone for what this program is all about: creating space for creatives to breathe, explore, and ultimately shape the cultural zeitgeist. The kickoff at the Rubell Museum wasn’t just a launch; it was a statement about where CÎROC is headed as a brand.
CÎROC’s “Night at the Museum” was an incredible, multi-sensory culinary experience that blended art, music, and food. What was the inspiration behind this event and what message did you aim to communicate with attendees?
The “Night at the Museum” was inspired by CÎROC’s mission to celebrate creativity and a desire to have our guests truly embrace fostering deeper connections. Held at the Rubell Museum during Art Basel, it marked the launch of the Blue Dot Creative Residency and reflected CÎROC’s evolution from the hustle of nightclubs to moments that are more meaningful and inspirational. Through a fusion of art, music, and culinary excellence, the experience created a fully immersive environment where we showcased how CÎROC is shaping culture and supporting creators who redefine what it means to innovate and inspire.
What impact have you made at CÎROC since being named brand director? Since stepping into this role, my focus has been on evolving the way CÎROC shows up in culture. We’ve moved beyond nightlife to celebrate the full spectrum of creativity and leisure. From launching CÎROC Limonata, the No. 1 vodka innovation in the U.S (Nielsen Total US x AOC P52W through 11.16.24), to aligning with cultural milestones like Culture Con, my goal has been for the brand to create meaningful connections with audiences. The Blue Dot Creative Residency is a continuation of that work, showcasing how CÎROC is redefining luxury and creativity for a new era. It’s not just about products, it’s about the impact we have on culture and the creative communities we serve.
In what other ways does CÎROC plan to make meaningful connections with Black creatives? We recognize that diverse creatives are some of the most influential voices shaping culture, and we’re committed to amplifying their impact. Whether it’s through partnerships, cultural activations, or spotlighting emerging talent, our goal is to create spaces where diverse creatives feel valued, supported, and inspired to push boundaries.
The Blue Dot Creative Residency is open to U.S. residents 25 years old and above working in creative fields like music, art, film, and fashion. Applications will open soon. For updates, visit www.CÎROC.com.
