Barkley has hired Aniesia Williams, a social media strategist and journalist, as its new content director. As part of her role at the Kansas City-based agency, Williams will oversee content strategy for Wingstop’s active social media community.

Prior to joining Barkley, Williams led audience diversity initiatives for Project:Now through the Clinton Global Initiative and was an advisory board member for Ready for Hillary, a Hillary Clinton PAC formed to engage and mobilize the African American community around the election.

In addition, she has managed digital and social marketing campaigns for the Ford Motor Company, Family Dollar, Shell and Lionsgate. With a background in journalism, Williams is regular contributor to publications including Business Insider, Black Enterprise, Ebony Magazine and Root.

“Barkley represents the way forward in connecting with the next generation of consumers. I want to be a part of that,” Williams said. “I’m excited to bridge culture into new initiatives for the company and prospective clients, and help Barkley become a leader through diversity and inclusion.”  

Williams’ notable recent work includes social influencer events with not-for-profit organization Black Girls Code, and for the films Hidden Figures and A Wrinkle in Time. She was named SWIB (Women in Business) 2017 Social Influencer of the Year and The Network Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2016.

“At Barkley, we believe that to bring great ideas to life, we need to see it from as many perspectives as possible,” said Joe Cox, VP of engagement at Barkley. “Aniesia’s strong voice, impressive track record of impactful projects, and in-depth knowledge of social platforms made her the perfect fit for what we are doing at Barkley.”