Global Gateways Celebrates First Cohort of It’s Digital Media Arts Institute With the Social Media Management & Content Creation Program

Natalie Hampton was already juggling several social media accounts when she enrolled in Global Gateways’ 6-week Social Media Management and Content Creation cohort. After completing the program, she walked away with a stronger toolkit—and a clearer, more strategic approach to digital storytelling.

“I’ve learned that scheduling posts creates ease and flow in content creation,” Hampton said. “With a clear content strategy, you can plan out your social media more carefully. I’ve really been able to utilize that.”

The seven-woman cohort represented a wide spectrum of skill levels and comfort with digital media—from participants like Terran Demeritte who currently works as the social media manager for The Bean Path, to those who were social media adverse but recognized the importance of learning how to use it for personal, professional, or entrepreneurial growth. Among them was 44-year-old Jackson native Tasha McClain, who initially was coming only to bring her daughter Raighan, but decided to enroll to strengthen her ability to market her dog grooming business.

Participants, ages 16 to 44, were immersed in industry-standard training in branding, storytelling, digital strategy, and content production. Guest presenters included a social media manager for ESPN Sports, a marketing agency owner, and an HR director. Each participant also had the opportunity to earn HubSpot’s Social Media Marketing Certification.

“It was a very intentional and involved experience,” said Shameka Reed, Founder and Executive Director of Global Gateways. “We wanted them to hear directly from industry professionals so they could see the pathways, possibilities, and real-world expectations of this field.”

As a capstone project, participants partnered with local businesses and nonprofits—including The Light House Black Girls Project, Riverside Collective, and Body Party Studios—to develop real social media campaigns.  They presented their campaigns at the culminating event on November 20th.

“They had to come up with a campaign theme, explain their creative thought process, develop a one-week content calendar, and produce three to five pieces of content,” said Andrea “Smart Chic” Thomas, the cohort instructor. “I was really excited to hear about their strategies. There are so many approaches to creating a strong campaign, and they explored them thoughtfully.”

The program was supported by a $45,000 grant from the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi through its Healthy Women, Access to Opportunity Two-Generation Initiative.

“This program is uplifting, informative, and brings tremendous value to the women who participate,” said Jan Richardson, Grants Program Manager for the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi. “They’ve gained meaningful experience working with businesses through mini-internships. I commend Global Gateways for doing such a wonderful job.”

Cohort participants included: Terran Demeritte, Chelby Toplin, Raighan McCain, Aaryka Handy, Natalie Hampton, Zakiya D. Thaggard, and Tasha McClain.

Global Gateways will expand its digital media offerings with the launch of a video production cohort beginning January 2026.

For more information, visit www.globalgateways.org.