Essence Carson

A Paterson, NJ native, Rosa Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts/Eastside High graduate and member of the Rutgers University Athletic Hall of Fame, Essence Carson is a 13-year WNBA veteran, All-Star, World Champion, musician, philanthropist, TEDx speaker, and music industry professional. Essence has held several positions within the music business ranging from Director of Label Operations & Distribution at a budding boutique record label, to the Senior Manager of Label Relations and A&R Operations at the world-renowned Motown Records & Black Forum Records. Prior to her arrival at Motown, she started her career in the music industry at Priority Records and Caroline Records (now Virgin Music) of the Capitol Music Group. No stranger to initiating change as an active WNBA player, Essence has stood on the front lines championing equality and equity. Also deeply rooted in the community, she has been the ambassador of Health Equity Initiative (501c3) for over a decade. Continuously looking to change lives through Entertainment and Literary Arts, Essence has also contributed to the Watts Community Core “Unity Gain Crew” of Los Angeles, California.