Global Creator Awards Honor Multicultural Influencers

The digital world took center stage at the 2025 Global Creator Awards, an event designed to shine a much-deserved spotlight on the influencers who are shaping culture and driving conversations online. Hosted as part of Creator Palooza Week by BGD Media (formerly Black Girl Digital), the awards transformed the purple carpet into a dazzling parade of digital excellence, celebrating purpose, community, and genuine cultural impact.

A Platform for Purpose and Recognition

The core mission behind the Global Creator Awards was clear: to provide a dedicated space where multicultural creators are not just seen, but fully recognized and valued for their significant contributions. This intention resonated throughout the event, from the energetic purple carpet to the heartfelt acceptance speeches. Creators emphasized that this was more than just a glamorous gathering; it was a night of honor, validation, and genuine appreciation.

Fashion creator Yanique Duké expressed how fitting the acknowledgment felt. “They are really acknowledging what women and men of color bring to the influencer space,” she told BOSSIP. “It feels good to see true celebration because the impact we carry online is massive.” Lifestyle creator Danielle Nekole added that the recognition carries deep emotional weight, stating, “This validates us in our purpose. Black creators do not always get the recognition we deserve.”

LaToya Shambo’s Vision: Building a Home for Creators

The driving force behind this intentional celebration was LaToya Shambo, founder of BGD Media. Her presence was palpable, with creators consistently crediting her vision for creating a much-needed platform. Shambo, described as a “quiet architect,” has built an infrastructure that champions creators of color, offering them structure, equity, celebration, and respect.

Female Legacy Honoree Dearra Taylor echoed the sentiment, stating, “It is really an honor to be in a room that is created to enrich and uplift creators. It is amazing to be around influencers doing similar things.” The collective message was clear: Shambo didn’t just create an event; she built a home for creators who have long deserved more than just visibility.

Disruption and Equity: Pamela Zapata’s Blueprint

Pamela Zapata, founder of Society 18, was honored as Creator Disruptor of the Year. She shared her motivation for building an agency focused on multicultural and multi-ethnic creators, aiming to address the gaps and inequities she witnessed in influencer marketing. “I wanted to help creators of color feel like they were getting value and not getting underpaid,” Zapata explained.

Zapata’s agency achieved remarkable success, hitting $1 million in revenue within its first year, driven by creator referrals and intentional brand partnerships. Her advice for navigating the digital world? “Create the content you wish you saw. Tune into your analytics. Pivot when you need to. There is a creator for every brand and a space for every creator.” Her story underscored the night’s theme: influence is powerful, but infrastructure is what creates lasting change.

Fashion as a Statement

The purple carpet wasn’t just a pathway; it was a runway where fashion became an extension of digital identity. Creators showcased bold color stories and multidimensional draping. Host NeAndre Broussard kicked off the carpet in a custom white suit, embodying confidence. Duké stunned in a red draped dress with Black-owned accessories, while others like Danielle Nekole opted for chic, fitted looks. The fashion choices underscored the message that representation extends to style, confidence, and creative expression.

Authenticity and Purpose Over Trends

In a constantly shifting digital landscape, creators emphasized the enduring importance of authenticity. “You have to ignore the numbers,” advised Duké. “If you get caught up in the algorithm, you will lose your purpose.” This sentiment, echoed by others who admitted to not always understanding the algorithm, highlighted that true influence stems from truth and purpose, not fleeting trends.

The 2025 Global Creator Awards powerfully demonstrated that when creators of color are centered, the entire industry benefits, becoming more equitable and reflective of the diverse world they influence. It was a night that celebrated not just individual success, but the collective power of a community built on purpose and shared vision.