About The Black Girl Social Club
The inception of The Black Girl Social Club traces back to a memorable Girls’ night in 2019. Twelve women gathered to converse, dine, toast, and uplift one another with affirmations on the cusp of New Year’s Eve. Amidst healing conversations, guided meditation, shared laughter, tears, and the forging of new connections, Carmen had an epiphany: this camaraderie was not just desired but necessary, particularly for Black women. They craved a sanctuary where they could authentically express themselves, without fear of judgment—a space for healing, personal growth, and nurturing relationships through communal activities. Driven by her desire to perpetuate the warmth and solidarity experienced that evening, Carmen birthed The Black Girl Social Club.
Our History
In 2019, Carmen established the Atlanta Chapter, leading it for approximately six months before passing the torch to her successors, Kamesha Marshall and Courtni Hawkins. This inaugural chapter is now recognized as The Founding Chapter. Following its establishment, the Richmond, VA District, as well as the Los Angeles and New York Chapters, were swiftly established.
Our Mission
Is to establish a sanctuary for Black women and redefine the narrative surrounding their interactions. As a contemporary social club, we’re committed to reviving genuine, face-to-face communication, steering clear of screens and the digital realm. Together, we address mental, physical, and emotional well-being while fostering strong connections. We aim to fill a significant void for Black women in cities worldwide. Our mission is straightforward: to positively influence the lives of Black women through social engagement, enabling them to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.
Our Vision
Is to foster an inclusive international network of Black women who understand sisterhood, community, and collaboration. We are looking to cultivate relationships and connections that are impactful, while producing work that is equally impactful. We seek to change the narrative about what it looks like when Black women come together. We want to be able to do all of these things while maintaining integrity, dignity, and structure within our organization as a whole.
Our Core Values
Community. Compassion. Leadership. Service. Integrity.
“BGSC, thank you for making this community possible. This club has changed my life, honestly. Moving to a new city without a familiar face in sight, your club helped me find my tribe.”
– Shanice, North Jersey Chapter
Meet Our Team
Meet the dynamic team behind the Black Girl Social Club—passionate women
dedicated to building community, connection, and joy.
Carmen Jones, Founder & CEO
Carmen Jones is an award-winning entrepreneur, community builder, speaker, and community engagement strategist dedicated to helping people and organizations build meaningful connections that drive impact. As the Founder and CEO of The Black Girl Social Club, Carmen has built one of the nation’s leading communities centered on friendship, belonging, and intentional connection for Black women, creating transformative experiences that foster authentic relationships both online and offline.
With more than a decade of experience spanning higher education, nonprofit leadership, public engagement, and entrepreneurship, Carmen has led strategic outreach initiatives, developed high-impact partnerships, and designed programs that connect diverse communities to opportunities, resources, and one another. Her expertise includes community building, stakeholder engagement, membership growth, experiential programming, leadership development, and relationship-centered organizational strategy.
Prior to founding The Black Girl Social Club, Carmen served in leadership roles at Clark Atlanta University, including Associate Director of Career & Professional Development and Community Engagement Manager for the Center for Cancer Research & Therapeutic Development. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals strengthen professional relationships, build social capital, and navigate personal and professional growth through the power of community.
Carmen holds a Master of Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University, a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University in Legal Communications, Public Relations, and Political Science.
Her work has been featured in Ebony, Essence, Hello Beautiful, Women for the Culture, and The Houston Defender. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the AT&T Black Business Award, Martell Cognac Community Entrepreneur Award, Industry Shifter Award, Black Business Chamber Community Award, and the Galentine’s Day Community Impact Award.
As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Carmen has shared her insights on community building, friendship, leadership, professional development, entrepreneurship, resilience, and belonging at TEDx, MelaninCon, universities, conferences, and leadership forums across the country.
Carmen has recently launched a consulting firm, called The People Business Collective, a leadership and community development consultancy dedicated to helping individuals, organizations, and teams grow through meaningful relationships, strong social skills, and intentional leadership.
Briana Chambers, Miss BGSC
Briana is an Illinois native with a background in human development and communication sciences. A pageant competitor since 2011, she’s passionate about community, sisterhood, and uplifting women. She enjoys singing, fitness, family time, and creating spaces that bring people together.
Donvenia “French” Jackson,
Community Care Manager
Chef Donvenia “French” Jackson, owner of French Toast Connection, is a culinary expert and business consultant who brings people together through food. Known for blending creativity with strategy, she helps culinary brands grow while creating meaningful, flavorful connections.
Natohya Mallory, Advisor
Dr. Mallory is a clinical pharmacist, professor, and mentor dedicated to improving community health and empowering women. Based in Jacksonville, she’s passionate about service, travel, and sisterhood, helping others grow, explore, and thrive.
Shanasia Douse, Community Advisor
Shanasia, a Queens, NY native based in Richmond, VA works in communications and serves on an advisory board. She’s a mentor, author, and creator of vision and prayer journals, passionate about empowering women, faith, and community.
“We have such a beautiful footprint in the community of Black women. So grateful for THE BLACK GIRL SOCIAL CLUB!”
– Aspen Wright, Denver, Colorado Chapter President