cdebarry26@nul.org

Charisma Deberry is an award-winning communications executive known for shaping narratives,  building brands, and amplifying influence. As the architect of Horizon Media’s communications division, she created a best-in-class internal and executive comms strategy for the world’s largest privately held media agency. Before focusing on the corporate world, Charisma founded and developed ESSENCE’s highly celebrated ESSIES community, which grew to 11M+ social followers and became a cultural hub for Black women worldwide. She also developed communications and social media strategies for NBCUniversal, Northrop Grumman, and YEEZY. Charisma was recognized in 2025 as a “Leading the Charge: PR” honoree in Campaign Inspiring Women awards for her leadership in advertising, marketing, media, and technology.