Janis Middleton

We’re doing Cinco de Mayo differently this year. 🌮🥂 Auntie’s Den is happening with @neishafbabee and @jaydeipowell — and we’re making room for you. This is a closed-door, real-talk fireside conversation for women of color navigating job loss, career pivots, breakdowns, and the come-up. The Aunties are in the room. The wisdom is real. And yes — we’ll have tacos and margs because why not. ✨ Buy one ticket and bring up to 3 women with you. The more seats filled, the richer the room. This isn’t a panel. It’s not a networking event. It’s the conversation you’ve been needing — in a space that was built for you.. 📅 May 5, 2026 📍 Plywood People ATL 🎟️ DM Us for the RSVP link Tag someone who needs to be in this room. 👇🏾

A space to exhale. A space to be real. The Auntie’s Den is where we share what we don’t post — grounded in vulnerability, privacy, bravery, and safety. Our first conversation: the “slay-off” — turning pivots into power. RSVP in the HEYLO app at the link in bio!

Last week’s @firstnotonlynetwork @helloelo.co felt like an early 2000’s kickback in the den. 📸 @meccagamble

We’re so excited to partner with @helloelo.co for a meaningful evening of mindfulness and elevated scent. DM for link 🔗 to RSVP

First, Not Only Network 2026 BINGO cards! DM your email to get the template. This is less about imagining the year we want and more about actively engaging with it, one intentional square at a time. This approach encourages real action, reflection, and connection without the pressure of perfection or performance. It meets us where we are and allows progress to look different for everyone. Growth isn’t linear, and neither are our lives.

The foundation of the @firstnotonlynetwork community is intentionality. Which begins with authenticity and knowing the reality.

In a challenging period marked by job loss and rejection, this retreat offers a sanctuary for women to rediscover community, connection, and calmness. It serves as a powerful reminder that while navigating these difficulties, this is also an opportune time for self-reset and alignment with one’s true self and inherent worth. The core message is to prioritize oneself with the same dedication often given to our careers.

She refused to wait 22 more years for change. So she became it. 👇🏾[READ MORE] After all the comments on my last video, I knew I had to answer this properly. @janis_camille Middleton isn’t just a name. She’s a movement. → EVP, Chief Inclusion Officer at 22Squared (Chalkboard Ventures) → First Black person to become a shareholder within her company → Founder of @firstnotonlynetwork But here’s what the titles don’t tell you: She saw the stats (5% to 6% Black representation in advertising over 22 years) and refused to wait another two decades for change. She felt the isolation of being “the only” and built a community so others wouldn’t have to. She made it to the table and immediately started pulling up more chairs. This is what using your influence for good actually looks like. 🙏🏾 Not just opening doors, making sure they stay open. 🙏🏾 Not just being first, ensuring you’re not the only. 🙏🏾 Not just surviving, building so the next generation thrives. Janis is the living, breathing example of what happens when you turn your pain into purpose and your platform into power. Full Boss On The Street episode with Janis, @asha_hunter25 , and 11 other incredible women now live (link in bio). Tag a Black woman who’s leading a change. Let’s amplify their names too. 🎥 @itsthegreatwalt @orangecountyru @ceezypodgang #FirstNotOnly #BossOnTheStreet #WomenInMedia #advertisingagency

First Not Only Network! Because what’s the point of “making it” if you’re the only one there? This community is built on a simple but powerful truth, when one of us wins, we all rise. It’s women of color showing up for each other, sharing game, and holding the door open instead of guarding it. About three weeks ago, I met with @janis_camille and to hear her speak about the vision behind the @firstnotonlynetwork lit me up… I felt it in my spirit. So when I went to my first event couple nights ago I knew it’d be one where collaboration wasn’t performative. I brought some of my faves with me and left knowing so many more. The Black-owned vineyard @norwood.vineyard was such a vibe with a dynamic background and @vinestastingroom helped us to experience Black winemakers like @divine_libations and @sipsouth that had some of the best tasting wine. This is what community looks like. This is what alignment feels like. I CANNOT wait for the next one!

The squad called “The Solutions” cause they solved it all😂 📸 @meccagamble

10.14.25 was another unforgettable night! The photos from @norwood.vineyard say it all. Highly recommend getting out there! Found my peace with this crew. 📸 @meccagamble 🍷 @divine_libations @sipsouth and @vinestastingroom