Standing Ovation: Angela Benton named one of the Most Influential Women in Tech

Passionate, driven, and business-minded Black Web Media CEO, Angela Conyers-Benton is a woman to be praised and admired. She’s doing big things in the world of new media and the world’s taking notice. Angela was recently featured in Fast Company Magazine’s list of “The Most Influential Women in Tech.” But rest assured, Angela’s success in the digital space hasn’t been an overnight affair.

Three years ago, Black Web 2.0 was nothing but a dream. One person put their elbow to the proverbial wheel and began the labor of love that birthed the website that sits before you. That person was Angela Conyers-Benton. From the first post, Angela foresaw a forum where people could come and read about the numerous accomplishments that African Americans have made in the technology section. The seed that planted that fateful day in August 2007, has grown into an ongoing discussion of the state of blacks in tech and using technology as a means to achieve dreams and foster ownership.

Three years later, Angela is the CEO of Black Web Media, a digital media company with a portfolio of websites including Black Web 2.o, Politic365, Vocay, and Young, Black, Professional Guide (YBPGuide). In addition to providing engaging and compelling content on a daily basis, under Angela’s leadership, Black Web Media syndication partnerships with some of the largest black targeted websites online.

Black Web Media recently held the New Media Entrepreneurship Conference, an event to work towards the goal of fostering the creativity, talent and business acumen of the next generation of minority new media entrepreneurs. Black Web is doing big things, but without the guidance of our fierce and fearless leader who knows where Black Web Media would be. It’s fitting that we post this article a few days before Mother’s Day because not only is Angela a mother in her off-line life, she’s also become the mother of a movement. We’re growing and it’s only a matter of time before we’re the first and last thing on every techie’s lips. The following is a collection of thoughts from people that work closely with Angela as she paves the way for black techies everywhere. We celebrate her taking her rightful place as an influential figure in the ever-changing landscape of tech and all her future triumphs.

Markus Robinson – COO, Black Web Media

I can honestly say that Angela is hands down one of the most driven, intelligent, and hardworking, people I’ve ever met. She’s an inspiration to many, and I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of the accolades. The success of this year’s NewMe Conference, was a culmination of some of Angela’s best traits, and the positive responses from the conference’s attendees reaffirmed what so many of us already know.

Congratulations Angela,  I’m so proud of you, and it’s been an honor to be included on this journey with you.

Robin Caldwell – Executive Editor, Black Web Media

Nothing was more rewarding or heartwarming than to hear guest after guest at the NewME conference laud you and BlackWeb20.com for making the conference happen. Other compliments came in the form of entrepreneurs featured on the site stating what BW 2.0 meant to them. What resonated loud and clear is that your passion has given a whole lot of people hope, a home and a voice.  Your passion equals power and empowerment. I’m grateful for you and knew from the first conversation that you’re rare and one of those people York Eggleston says is authentic and who lives generously. I’m very proud of you.

Sherri L. Smith – Managing Editor, Black Web Media

Congratulations coupled with a standing O! Angela you are an amazing woman and I am proud to be associated with you and the Black Web Family. You took a chance and believed in me at a time when I wasn’t too sure of myself. You encourage me to write about my passions and I am passionate about you and this site. Through my time working with you, I have grown in ways I never thought possible. Not only are you a shrewd business woman wrapped in a lovable techie core, you’re a genuinely nice person. Somebody cue the theme music! Ludacris’ “My Chick Bad” fills the room…Congratulations and thank you.

Clarence Wooten – Groupsite, Black Web Media Advisory Board

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving.  Angela is like a quiet assassin! Don’t sleep on her, if you’re involved in social media, she probably knows more about your business than you do. She is a BIG part of my personal brain trust. She continues to provided valuable feedback. Not-to-mention, I can’t count the number of introductions and helpful resources that she’s referred to me.”

Navarrow Wright – Guest Contributor – Black Web 2.0

From the first story you ever wrote  about my company to now allowing me to share my voice with your audience, I’ve watched you grow your brand and offer a platform that is needed and respected. It’s great to see the rest of the world recognize all of your hard work. Your not just a business woman, your a Business! Woman! Congrats!

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.