Raquel Eatmon is a dynamic communications leader who understands the importance of being bold. As CEO of Rising Media LLC, author of two books, founder of the Woman of Power Conference (WoPC), professional speaker and the writer behind the 10-year Be Inspired with Raquel Gannett newspaper column, Raquel lives her mantra of boldness every day.
Starting out with a promising career in television news, Raquel’s bold approach meant she quickly climbed the ranks as an anchor/reporter in top markets including CBS in Dallas, Texas. From covering presidential visits to deadly hurricanes, she mastered storytelling from both the anchor desk and live shots. Wanting viewers to have more inspiration in their daily lives, she once again stepped out going against the grain to create it. She wrote letters to dignitaries, civil rights leaders and anyone who was traveling through her city, inviting them to sit down with her to talk. That tenacious effort resulted in interviews with an array of thought leaders, celebrities and every day working people about their ability to beat the odds. Raquel’s bold vision and hard work landed interviews with Maya Angelou, Patti LaBelle, Willie Nelson, Morgan Freeman, working mothers seeking balance, local heroes, and many more.
Longing to create deeper connections with viewers, Raquel grew disillusioned with the broadcast news business and left her high-profile position in search of deeper purpose. That purpose came in the form of business ownership. She started her communications company, Rising Media LLC and built a portfolio focused on women’s empowerment, courageous leadership and social change through a now 11-year running forum: Woman of Power Conference.
Raquel’s commitment to empower people and impact workplace culture and the community has created partnerships with some of America’s leading corporations including Sherwin Williams, KeyBank, Vitamix, Wells Fargo, and Samsung. Fueled by her passion, Raquel’s message has taken her to speak to audiences all over the world including the Simmons Leadership Conference with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Her second book, Beyond Enough: How to Lead with Your Whole Self is a resource for anyone seeking to strengthen their self-worth and apply it to the workplace and the world.
A mass communications major and Dean’s List recipient, Raquel attended Cleveland State University. A true believer in personal development, she has enrolled in and completed numerous leadership courses and summits. Raquel is a certified volunteer for Hospice VNA and former spokesperson for the American Heart Association in Ohio. She is currently enrolled in her own promise to her community: mentoring ten young women of color for ten years.
Raquel is proud of her untraditional and often hilarious upbringing, being reared by three women: mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She uses their lessons and love to create a bold life and bring value to communities worldwide. She lives in Cleveland with her husband Dexter and their fur baby Statler, and enjoys hiking, running and precious time with family and friends. Visit RaquelEatmon.com for more information.