Visible Figures - Vol 32
SVP on Platforming, VFMH Models Announcement, The Course, Invitation to The Cook Out š„ on Martha's Vineyard
I recently and somewhat reluctantly posted about my good friendās sudden and unexpected passing on LinkedIn. Daniel Malmer was many things to me: my co-founder, my woke ping pong partner, and brother from another mother. I loved him dearly. š
We met on LinkedIn over a decade ago.
Some might ask: what did a 44 y/o White man from Kankakee, IL have in common with a 30 y/o Black woman from SE DC?
Well, height for one; when we met in person we certainly saw eye to eye. š¤£
In all seriousness, Dan and I shared a great deal of compassion, an overdose of consciousness, a lot of love for ALL people, and a pinch of nerd swag. #StanfordEngineeringš²
Pouring one out for you, Danš«
You are always āinvited to the cook out.ā
platĀ·āform (verb)
to provide someone with a space, stage, or opportunity to voice their ideas.
In 1988, Oprah platformed White supremacists.
She interviewed a panel of skinheads and had an š” āaha momentā that changed her career forever. They were using her platform to recruit. Oprah vowed to never be used in that way again.
Hereās My Take:
I think of Oprahās anecdote often as I consider who and what to platform in my work and why. Two celebrity multihyphenates with last names that rhyme with āgreedā and āheartā have recently been platformed for what Iāll call irresponsible professional choices. Now, I am a proponent of responsible free speech AND I am opting out of publicly opining over people whoās work I donāt respect. Hate-watching, hate-following, and host-posting are all forms of platforming and feed a system that rewards poor taste.
Donāt like it? Ignore it. Silence is loud too, yaāll. Especially to the algorithms.
What Iām Reading: My Grandmotherās Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menaken
Ever wonder how the brutal and absolutely inhumane blood shed of ācivilizedā Europeās past shows up in present-day White bodies, psyches, and culture? Epigenetics š§¬is real. While a lot of research and media (justifiably) focuses on the downstream effects of racialized trauma on descendants of the colonized, Resmaa masterfully raises awareness about the harm racism has caused on Western White and (law enforcement) bodies and psyches. It begs the questions: What could healing those bodies and psyches yield? Reparations? Who and what must be involved? š? Ayahuasca? Where do we start? Yes.
Toni Morrison interview w/Charlie Rose speaking on on White Peopleās Problems, 1998
What Iām Streaming: W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause on American Masterās by PBS
Did you know Du Bois was sexually assaulted in his 20ās by a female landlord? š¤ÆThatās definitely NOT the highlight of the documentary, but the point is there is A LOT we all should know and understand about this phenomenal American figure. He was a scholar, a data scientist, a romance novelist, a journalist, an international activist, and so much more! Certainly not a saint (who is?), still William Edward Burghardt Du Bois is a product of America that we should all be aware and proud of.
Love Always Wins,
Maji Moment š
The āMajiā are citizens of the mythical African kingdom of OrĆÆsha in Tomi Adeyemiās Children of Blood and Bone who are born with the ability to summon magical powers.
Jennifer Lewis on the 1st Monday in May
The Course by VFMH š
Today was the final day of the The Course by VFMH. Congratulations graduates!
Iām so proud of the recording-breaking 30 multihyphenate executives I worked with this springā¼ļø From defining your unique value proposition (UVP) to managing social media, CRMs, and community platforms, The Course by VFMH provides hands-on learning, cohorts, and toolkits for portfolio career professionals that are ready to Be Visible. Weāll be hosting another session this Fall 2026. Learn more here.
On Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at 11AM ET, paid VFMH subscribers will be invited to join our LIVE! Q&A and will be granted digital access to all course notes, recordings, summaries, and platform reviews.
VFMH Models Fellowship Announcement š¢
ICYMI, earlier this year we announced the VFMH Models Fellowship: a $25K grant (cash + services) awarded to up to five individuals each for 12 months of media training, production support, social media management, accounting, and legal representation. After several months and several hundreds of hours searching publicly available information, we realized that we need more input, soā¦
Iām pleased to announce we are extending the evaluation process 6 months. Over the next 3 months, we will have an open call and call backs for multihyphenate entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives ready to take their personal brand to the next level. We are looking for those with substantial followings who appeal to our better nature. š Learn more and apply below by Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 @ 11:59PM
Upcoming Events š
š„The Cook Out on Marthaās Vineyard | Thursday, August 13th @ 6PM
The Cook Out by VFMH will be set against the vibrant backdrop of Marthaās Vineyard this August. The Cook Out marks the beginning of a new cultural traditionāone rooted in sustainability, wellness, artistry, and authentic community engagement. Bringing together visionary creatives and thought leaders, the event will serve as a living expression of VFMHās mission to amplify voices and experiences that nourish both culture and consciousness. Invitations will be sent to paid VFMH subscribers.
š¦āš„Grown Folx @ AfroTech in Houston, TX | Thursday, November 5th @ 6PM
Weāre headed back to Afro Tech for an exclusive gathering for multihyphenate executives. Private dining. Real talk. Chill vibes. VFMH events are intentionally designed for candid conversations among senior executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and intellectuals in cozy, relaxed environments. All VFMH events support small, local, women and/or minority-owned businesses. Invitations will be sent to paid VFMH subscribers.
šøDivine Femme @ Art Basel in Miami, FL | Wednesday, December 2nd @ 6PM
Art Work by Reginald Cunningham (@kidnoble)
Weāre excited to return to Miami for our 2nd annual Divine Femme experience. Art Basel is the perfect back drop for this celebration of art, media, and innovation. We will honor our benefactors and showcase the inaugural class of VFMH Models. Guests can expect an immersive journey through the power, depths, and divinity of feminine beings. Invitations will be sent to paid VFMH subscribers.
So sorry to hear about your friendās passing!!
Congrats on the milestones and the upcoming events. Everything looks amazing!