There are moments in business when you realize you are stepping into something completely new. That is exactly where I found myself while wrapping my mind around creating a magazine as an extension of Real Sisters Rising Women Business Association.
What started as an idea quickly became a decision to enter an entirely new industry. With that came a new title, new responsibilities, and a lot of learning on the fly. This was not just about adding a product to the RSRWBA ecosystem. It was about building something that could stand on its own while still honoring the mission and community we have spent years cultivating.
This magazine came to life through conversation. I shared the idea with a colleague who immediately saw the vision and did not hesitate to help me bring it to reality. She has guided me through every step of this process, from structure to standards to the details most people never see. Asking her to serve as co-editor felt natural, not symbolic. When Dr. Kym Oglesby said yes, it confirmed that this project was bigger than me. It became a shared responsibility and a shared purpose.
As we moved forward, I found myself deep in research mode. Magazine cover design standards. Editorial formatting. Production timelines. Industry language I had never used before. One of my biggest surprises was learning that in the magazine industry the word “budget” does not mean money. That moment alone reminded me how different this space is and how much there is to respect about the craft.
This week marked a major milestone. The Visionary Women to Watch in 2026 section was officially formatted. Seeing those pages come together was emotional in the best way. Many of these women have never had media exposure before. Giving them a platform for the first time is exactly why this magazine matters. Visibility changes confidence. Representation changes perception. That is not lost on me at all.
SistersRise! Magazine is more than pages and print. It is a living extension of the RSRWBA mission and a new lane of impact. It feels like birthing a new baby, equal parts excitement, responsibility, and pride.
If you believe in this vision, I invite you to subscribe to our community. If you would like to purchase a copy of the magazine, please do. Every subscription and every purchase supports the stories of women who deserve to be seen.
This is only the beginning.