Kirsten West Savali Honored by Urban Magazine

A huge congratulations is in order for Kirsten West Savali, the esteemed VP of Content at iONE Digital! Urban Magazine has recognized her incredible work in its latest “Women’s Issue,” celebrating her dedication to championing and preserving the stories of Black people with power and purpose.

Championing Black Narratives

On March 16, Urban Magazine honored West Savali for her significant contributions to media and journalism. For over a decade, she has been a driving force in elevating and honoring the stories, communities, and legacies of Black individuals. Her work is characterized by intention and care, empowering these narratives while paving the way for future generations of storytellers.

Described as a cultural leader and truth-teller, West Savali’s career at iONE Digital began as a Contributing Editor in 2011. She returned in 2021 as Senior Director and was quickly promoted to VP of Content in 2022, where she has made a lasting impact. She’s spearheaded innovative growth strategies that have led to record-breaking increases in traffic and revenue across iONE Digital’s brands.

Fostering Growth and Amplifying Voices

Beyond her strategic leadership, West Savali has cultivated strong collaborations across departments, helping the company thrive. Crucially, she remains deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that Black stories are told with truth and integrity. A powerful example of this commitment was her 2025 conversation with Dr. Cornel West, discussing the urgency of resisting fascism.

In 2025, she also played a key role in launching the Bison ONE Newsroom, a partnership between NewsOne and student journalists at Howard University. This initiative is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Black journalists and highlighting the vital role HBCUs play in cultural and political transformation.

A Powerful Perspective

Reflecting on the Urban Magazine honor, West Savali shared her profound connection to her identity: “In every lifetime, I want to be a Black woman.” She expressed her honor at being recognized alongside other phenomenal women who are “creating, curating, and protecting our cultures.” She added, “There is beauty and power in that truth,” even when the work isn’t always recognized.

A native of Natchez, Mississippi, West Savali’s impressive career also includes roles as executive producer and senior editor at ESSENCE Magazine. Her insightful commentary on justice, politics, and Black life has been featured on networks like MSNBC and C-SPAN, and she has spoken at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Yale. Her work has garnered accolades from the National Association of Black Journalists and a spot on EBONY Magazine’s Power 100 list.