For Tasha McCaskiel, the founder of Black Girls in Media (BGIM), creating space where it didn’t exist has been a mission rooted in passion and purpose. When she launched BGIM in 2018, she saw a gap in the media landscape—a space that didn’t fully reflect the stories, experiences, and ambitions of Black women. So, she took matters into her own hands, building a thriving community that empowers Black women in the media industry.
“I just did a group chat, and I didn’t think it was going to grow into a community,” Tasha shared, reflecting on BGIM’s humble beginnings.
Today, that community has flourished into a platform that not only uplifts Black women working in media, but also connects them with career-changing opportunities. BGIM hosts regular events, both in-person and virtual, with their conferences being the crown jewel.
“This is one of the highlights of Black Girls in Media,” she says, referencing the annual conference that brings together hundreds of women to network, share resources, and grow in their careers.
But growing a business from scratch hasn’t been without its challenges. Tasha is open about the hurdles she’s faced—especially as a Black woman in an industry that often underestimates her value.
“We know the value we bring,” she explains, “but a lot of times we need the capital to run things and to grow.”
Securing investment and support can be difficult, but Tasha emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
“Getting people to believe in what you do” has been one of the biggest obstacles, but she’s used those moments to sharpen her business mindset, making BGIM not just a community, but a sustainable enterprise.
The Roots of BGIM
Creating BGIM wasn’t just about building a community for others—it’s been an intense period of growth for Tasha herself.
“I’ve learned to embrace my mistakes,” she says. “I don’t beat myself up, I’m gentle with myself, and I’ve learned from them along the way.”
In an industry where perfectionism is often expected, Tasha’s willingness to give herself grace has been key to her success. Her openness about navigating the pressures of balancing work and personal life makes her relatable to the women she serves.
“I’m still learning that,” she admits with a laugh, acknowledging the constant juggle of being an entrepreneur.
Tasha’s ability to ground herself in her vision is what keeps her going, even in the face of setbacks.
“A lot of times it’s easy to accidentally copy or get content inspiration from somebody else,” she says, referencing the overwhelming influence of social media.
But she emphasizes the importance of knowing yourself first.
“When you know yourself, everything you do is just organic,” she explains.
It’s that authenticity that has allowed BGIM to grow steadily and gain the trust of the community it serves. For Tasha, success doesn’t come overnight, but she’s learned that slow growth can be just as meaningful.
“Even if you have 30 followers, you have 30 people watching you,” she says. “If it’s just one person here today, I’ve done my job.”
Embracing a Future of Change
As BGIM continues to expand, Tasha remains focused on its larger footprint. Though she didn’t start with a grand plan, she now envisions BGIM reaching even greater heights.
“I see us growing larger every day, every year, every event,” she says with confidence.
And while she doesn’t know exactly what the future holds, she’s sure of one thing, “Whatever God has planned.”
For now, she’s committed to showing up, brick by brick, building a legacy that ensures Black women in media not only have a seat at the table, but thrive in their careers and lives.