Caroline A. Wanga is a Kenyan-born American business leader, cultural architect, and advocate for authenticity and equity. As of May 2025, she serves as the President & CEO of Essence Ventures, a media and lifestyle company dedicated to Black culture and community. Under her leadership, Essence Ventures encompasses brands such as ESSENCE, Afropunk, BeautyCon, and Essence Studios.
Wanga began her professional journey at Target Corporation, where she spent 15 years rising from an intern to the Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture Officer. Her roles included leadership in supply chain transformation, business intelligence, and digital strategy.
In 2020, Wanga joined Essence Ventures as Chief Growth Officer and later became President & CEO. She co-founded WangaWoman LLC, a platform aimed at “democratizing authenticity” and helping individuals discover their purpose.
Early Life and Family
Birth and Heritage
Born in Kisumu, Kenya, Caroline Wanga was raised in an academic environment, with both her parents serving as professors at Kenyatta University.
Immigration to the United States
In 1988, at the age of 6, Wanga moved to the United States with her mother and three brothers to join her father, who was pursuing a doctorate at the University of Minnesota. This transition marked the beginning of her journey in a new cultural landscape.
Personal Life and Daughter
Wanga is a proud mother to her daughter, Cadence, who she considers her greatest life’s accomplishment. Her experiences as a young mother have profoundly influenced her perspectives on purpose and authenticity.
Education
Wanga completed her undergraduate studies at Texas College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future endeavors in leadership and cultural advocacy.
Career Journey
Early Professional Years
Before her corporate ascent, Wanga dedicated nearly a decade to youth and community development in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. Her work in the non-profit sector honed her skills in community organizing and cultural advocacy.
Target Corporation
Wanga’s 15-year tenure at Target Corporation began as an intern and culminated in her role as Chief Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer. Throughout her career, she held various transformational leadership positions, including roles in supply chain, business intelligence, and digital strategy.
Essence Ventures
In 2020, Wanga joined Essence Ventures as Chief Growth Officer and later ascended to the role of President and CEO. Under her leadership, Essence Ventures encompasses brands like ESSENCE, Afropunk, BeautyCon, and Essence Studios, all dedicated to celebrating and empowering Black culture.
Honors and Recognition
- Two honorary doctorate degrees from Texas College and Dillard University.
- Named Top Executive in Corporate Diversity by Black Enterprise.
- Recognized by Savoy as one of the Most Powerful Women in Corporate America.
- Recipient of the National Action Network’s “Keepers of The Dream” Award.
- Awarded the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation “Helping Hands” Award.
- Honored with the For(bes) The Culture AfroFuture Award.
Memoir: I’m Highly Percent Sure
Released on May 6, 2025, Wanga’s memoir, I’m Highly Percent Sure, delves into her life’s journey, exploring themes of intuition, purpose, and authenticity. The book offers readers an intimate look at her experiences and the lessons learned along the way.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Wanga’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed, her leadership roles at Target Corporation and Essence Ventures, along with her entrepreneurial ventures, suggest a significant financial standing.
FAQs
What is Caroline Wanga’s nationality?
Caroline Wanga is Kenyan-American.
Where was Caroline Wanga born?
She was born in Kisumu, Kenya.
What is WangaWoman LLC?
WangaWoman LLC is a company co-founded by Caroline Wanga in 2020, aiming to “Democratize Authenticity” and help individuals discover their true purpose.
What are some of Caroline Wanga’s notable awards?
She has received honorary doctorate degrees, been named Top Executive in Corporate Diversity by Black Enterprise, and honored with the National Action Network’s “Keepers of The Dream” Award, among others.
What is Caroline Wanga’s role at Essence Ventures?
She is the President and CEO of Essence Ventures.
What is the focus of Caroline Wanga’s memoir?
The memoir explores themes of intuition, purpose, and authenticity, offering readers an intimate look at her life’s journey.
What is Caroline Wanga’s personal philosophy?
She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating, “Who you are is who you are. If you cannot be who you are where you are, you change where you are, not who you are.”
