2024 MATRIX HONOREE

RAKIA REYNOLDS

Founder and Executive Officer, Skai Blue Media

One of the most sought-after minds in strategic communications, Rakia Reynolds, is a thought leader, tastemaker, branding expert, and advisor and amplifier of people, products, and places at the award-winning strategic communications agency, Skai Blue Media.  Her guiding principles as an adept storyteller with a bullish approach to equitable communications, her proven ability to navigate the ever-increasing complex cultural and social media landscapes, along with her dedication to building brands in both Web2 and Web3, are only some of the reasons Rakia has successfully created her own distinct brand of authenticity and expertise for over 15 years.  Rakia has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, was listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and recently was also profiled by Forbes on their “Next 1000” list. 

Rakia serves as Founder and Executive Officer of Skai Blue Media (SBM), a non-traditional communications agency that proudly hosts an eclectic group of storytellers, brand experts, and strategists. Rakia continues to be a key influencer in the creative business industry as she works with her team to launch, brand, re-brand, and revitalize lifestyle, technology, non-profit and entrepreneurial clients. This list includes Airbnb, Nasdaq, Comcast/Xfinity, Dell, Serena Williams, Morgan Stanley, Jill Scott, and more. Rakia’s portfolio includes #FanofYourBrand (tactical business tools), clothing brand EVRYDAY Jane, and an ethical intelligence platform launching in 2023.

As a thought leader and proven authority in marketing, creative strategy, and business development Rakia is a member of the Fast Company Impact Council and regularly contributes her expertise to the pages of Forbes, Inc.com, HuffPost, Fast Company, and more. Onstage, she captivates audiences across many industries as her talks span branding, media, multicultural business, economic development, and the entrepreneurial journey, all of which are more than relevant to the recent challenging and changing times. Rakia is recognized for her innovative approach and commitment to authenticity and has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, Inbound, and others. More than a keynote speaker, Rakia is often called upon to moderate panel discussions due to her in-depth knowledge of an extensive range of topics affecting the business community.

Presenting the Matrix Award to Rakia Reynolds

SKAI SPENCER REYNOLDS

Daughter of Rakia and Student, Pratt Institute, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing

Skai is the daughter of Bram & Rakia Reynolds and eldest of three children. Skai is senior to her brother, Bram Reynolds II, and sister, Zoie Reynolds.

Skai is currently a junior at Pratt Institute pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing. She is a President’s List and Dean’s List Honoree studying Nomadic Drawing and Psychoanalysis and Art. She spent last summer in Venice, Italy studying Venetian historical sites and cultures. Skai’s work has been praised in publications such as Essence Magazine where she reimagined the astrological signs using Black hairstyles and on The Riveter where she reinvented the famous Rosie The Riveter.

As the daughter of entrepreneurs, Skai has embodied the entrepreneurial mindset from the age of 11 when she was first presented with  the Dolphin Tank award by the Small Business Administration in 2016 (when she was 12) for her technology innovation idea for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities.  At the age of  13 Skai was one of 13 girls selected to travel to South Africa to participate in Dell’s global technology program for young women. In Highschool, she led the Black Student Union to  encourage and promote equality to all students at Princeton High School. Skai also co-founded  the Leaders of Change organization, a leadership organization created by and for the students Racial Literacy and Equity.