
Caroline Wanga Officially Departs Essence Ventures As President And CEO
Essence Ventures has confirmed the departure of Caroline Wanga, who had been on health leave since September 2024.
After four transformative years at the helm, Wanga has decided not to return to her role as President and CEO a decision that closes a powerful chapter in the brand’s continued evolution.
A Cultural Architect With Unmatched Impact
Caroline Wanga joined Essence Ventures in June 2020, and her leadership quickly ushered in a new era.
Bold, authentic, and visionary, Wanga embraced her role not just as a business leader, but as a cultural custodian for Black women across the globe.
Her imprint is undeniable from expanding the Essence Ventures portfolio to reaffirming the company’s deep-rooted mission of empowerment and elevation.
“We are profoundly grateful to Caroline for her leadership, vision, and unwavering advocacy of Black women and culture,” said Richelieu Dennis, Founder and Chairman of Sundial Technology & Media Group.
“She has left an indelible mark on ESSENCE and beyond.”
‘Salad Anyone? Word.’ – Wanga Responds With A Statement Full Of Purpose
On August 25, Caroline reposted a powerful message to her Instagram account, originally shared on July 10.
In her signature prose-meets-poetry style, she made it clear that her leave and ultimate decision not to return had been mischaracterized by some.
She opened with an African proverb: “Until the Lion Learned to Write, All Stories Favored the Hunter.”
Then she continued:
“Out of an abundance of courtesy I share this regarding my personal integrity, professional ethos & purpose journey.”
“#ImHighlyPercentSure that some missing knowledge has led to false assumptions regarding my leave as President/CEO that predated the activation of operational planning for a significant annualized event.”
“My holistic career experiences amidst the current socioeconomic climate have NO PROVEN ROLE in the current state of affairs within the company and its supporters…”
She went on to stress her commitment to truth, community, and constructive discourse:
“My heritage, values, principles, lived life and sense of community are a place of pride, passion and purpose to #DemocratizeAuthenticity for the upliftment of all—not just some.”
“Leveraging factual and constructive observations, insights and experiences is the only appropriate way to drive change and should take place as often as needed in service of progressing forward…”
“I encourage debate and discussion…absent of sensationalized slander without proof, lies without legal defense, and character concoctions that give way to conviction and correction.”
Then came the final warning shot:
“The ‘defamation’ and ‘disparagement’ smoke that accompanies correlating the uncorrelated ain’t what anyone should want. Take Heed.”
See her post below.
Whew.
Caroline didn’t have to name names.
Her message was clear, direct, and brimming with the same unapologetic clarity that made her an iconic leader in the first place.
What’s Next For Caroline Wanga?
Caroline may have left the executive suite, but her influence continues.
Her recently released book, “I’m Highly Percent Sure,” offers readers a bold and intimate look at her leadership philosophies, personal revelations, and cultural perspective.

It’s Wanga unfiltered.
Essence Ventures, now part of Sundial Group, includes Essence Communications, AFROPUNK, Beautycon, and Essence Studios.
While the organization enters a new chapter, Caroline’s legacy will remain stitched into its DNA.
Have you read Caroline’s statement or picked up her new book?
What are your thoughts on her departure from Essence? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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