Charli Penn
About Charli Penn
Charli Penn is the Executive Lifestyle Director at Apartment Therapy Media, with over 16 years of experience in media and a strong background in editorial content leadership and communications strategy.
Current Position at Apartment Therapy Media
Charli Penn currently serves as the Executive Lifestyle Director at Apartment Therapy Media. She has been with the company since 2022, working from New York, United States. In her role, she is responsible for leading the lifestyle content strategy, contributing to the brand's digital and social media growth.
A Tenure at Essence Communications Inc.
Charli Penn has an extensive background with Essence Communications Inc., having held multiple roles from 2011 to 2022. Her roles included Relationships and Wellness Editorial Director (2019-2022), Lifestyle Director (2017-2019), Webby-Nominated Podcast Host for ESSENCE Magazine's Yes, Girl! Podcast (2017-2022), Senior Editor of Relationships and Lifestyle for ESSENCE.com (2016-2017), Relationships and Lifestyle Editor (2014-2016), and Relationships Editor (2011-2014). Each position allowed her to shape the editorial direction and contribute to the brand’s growth and audience engagement.
Early Career and Experience
Before joining Essence Communications Inc., Charli Penn worked at several other notable companies. She served as the Digital Commerce and Marketing Manager at Ellery Homestyles LLC (2010-2011), Founder and Lifestyle Blogger at Man Wife and Dog Blog (2010-2014), and Online Managing Editor at The Knot (2007-2010). Her early career also includes positions as an Online Freelancer for Seventeen Magazine (2006-2007) and various editorial roles at Alloy Media + Marketing (2004-2006).
Education and Academic Background
Charli Penn holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, which she completed from 2005 to 2007. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Spelman College, studying from 2000 to 2004. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her career in media and editorial content leadership.
Expertise in Media Strategy
With over 16 years of experience in media, Charli Penn specializes in creating 360° content strategies that drive traffic and performance across digital, video, social media, print, and podcasts. She utilizes SEO and Google Analytics to optimize content performance and reach. Additionally, she has expertise in BIPOC content strategy, enhancing representation and engagement in media content. Her skills extend to live event hosting and on-air talent roles, contributing to dynamic media presentations.