In a digital world where influence is often measured by followers, likes, and views, Black Girl Digital Foundation is challenging creators to think bigger, using their platforms to create real change.
On a summer evening overlooking the Atlanta skyline, creators, entrepreneurs, brand leaders, and changemakers gathered at Tesserae Rooftop for the Summer of Influence & Impact Kickoff Event, an evening rooted in connection, community, and purpose.
Founded by entrepreneur and Black Girl Digital creator LaToya Shambo, the foundation represents an evolution of her work, moving beyond brand partnerships and creator opportunities into building legacy and community-centered change.
“For me, it was literally right in front of me,” Shambo shared with attendees while speaking about her 14-year-old daughter with special needs. “When we look at our children, it’s about how we can build a better world for them and support them.”
For Shambo, the mission is personal. She explained that while attending programs and events with her daughter, she noticed a gap that many families experience: a lack of connection and community.
“We don’t really have a community,” she said. “How can I create an environment that supports my child, but also supports the family that’s part of the community?”
That question became the foundation for her next chapter.
The evening introduced guests to the foundation’s Post for Impact initiative, designed to show creators that influence goes far beyond likes, followers, and viral moments.
Through social sharing, brand partnerships, and community engagement, attendees helped unlock sponsorship support for the foundation’s programs. The inaugural Creator Silent Auction and Post for Impact initiative raised $2,500 toward supporting neurodivergent youth transitioning into adulthood and their families.
The message of the night was clear: everyone has influence and everyone has the ability to create change.
“We all have a platform,” host Medinah Monroe reminded guests. “I don’t care if you have a thousand followers or a million followers, you have a platform.”
Monroe encouraged attendees to think differently about the content they share every day.
“We can influence people to make real change for a community that truly needs the help,” she said.
“I think it’s important for parents with neurodivergent and special needs children to have community,” Monroe shared. “There’s something to be said about teaching kids to support other kids.”
She explained that many families aren’t disconnected because they don’t care, but because resources and access are not always easy to find.
“Too many families never discover the right programs, the right opportunities, or the right people until it’s too late,” Monroe said. “Not because they don’t care but because they don’t have access.”
The rooftop celebration combined luxury and purpose, featuring conversations, networking, a creator silent auction, and partnerships with brands committed to impact.
Event partners included The Tess, Autograph Collection, Salt XO, and Edmonds Honor. Silent auction donors included Dynamic Med Spa, The Body Mechanic, Brushed ATL, Upendo Estates Farm, and Ruby Love.
But beyond the funds raised, organizers say the true success of the night was the connections formed.
For Shambo, the launch of the Black Girl Digital Foundation represents the next phase of impact: bringing creators, brands, and communities together to create opportunities for families who often feel unseen.
“We just live our lives, and it’s normal,” Shambo shared. “This is the first time I’ve ever been in such a vulnerable space, and I’m grateful that I’m able to share it.”
The foundation plans to continue expanding programs, partnerships, and community resources for neurodivergent youth and families.
To learn more about the Black Girl Digital Foundation and the Post for Impact initiative, visit PostforImpact.com.
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