Michelle James is the Sales Development Director for ESSENCE Communications—the leading lifestyle, fashion, and beauty multi-media brand for African American women.  

James joined ESSENCE in 2005 as Research Director and was promoted to Sales Development Director in 2007. Her work with ESSENCE Magazine follows more than 15 years of experience in television and publishing, including positions held at Scholastic, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanguarde Media, and Black Entertainment Television. In addition, she was Vice President of Fuse Media as well as Vice President of 360 Consumer Brand Marketing and Strategy at BET Networks.

Ms. James is a member of Advertising Women of New York, Cosmetic Executive Women, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and lends her time and energy to a number of causes and organizations, including the Girl Scouts of America, Dress for Success, and the Fresh Air Fund. She also serves on the board of The Society of African-American Alumni at Western Kentucky University.

In 2008, Ms. James created the Southern Hope College Scholarship, an endowment at Western Kentucky University for qualified state residents to pursue their dreams of a college education.

A native of Kentucky, Ms. James earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in television from Western Kentucky University and a Master of Science degree with a concentration in publishing from New York University.