EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar focuses on growth, Black wealth, and lasting impact

Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, CEO of EBONY Media Group, is leading efforts to expand the historic Black media company beyond traditional publishing while continuing the entrepreneurial legacy of her late father, businessman and former NBA player Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, Forbes reports. As EBONY celebrates more than 80 years of chronicling Black culture, Bridgeman Sklenar is focused on strengthening the brand’s influence, creating more economic opportunity, and preparing the company for future generations, according to the outlet. Her vision will take center stage at the 2026 EBONY Power 100 ceremony on Nov.

9 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The event, themed “The Stories We Shape,” will honor influential leaders in business, entertainment, sports, and community service. This year’s honorees include Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Debbie Allen, Byron Allen, Naomi Osaka, Keke Palmer, and Jay-Z.

“Power 100 is not intended to be a popularity ranking. We really look at impact,” Bridgeman Sklenar told the outlet. The ceremony will also debut the Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard category, created to honor her father’s legacy of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

The first honorees in that category include Sam’s Club U.S. CEO Latriece Watkins, Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen, Cherryrock Capital founder Stacy Brown-Philpot, and Calendly founder Tope Awotona. Bridgeman Sklenar stressed the importance of access to capital in opening doors for Black entrepreneurs.

“Without access to capital, you can’t create the art. You can’t do a lot of the community work,” she said. Her leadership style also reflects her father’s dedication to service, with a focus on the needs of employees, customers, and communities.

The Bridgeman family acquired EBONY and JET in 2021 after the iconic brands faced financial challenges. Since then, Bridgeman Sklenar has been working to rebuild operations and broaden the company’s reach. Looking ahead, she hopes EBONY will do more than document Black achievement by launching initiatives that meet community needs and create new opportunities.

With the publication’s centennial approaching, Bridgeman Sklenar remains committed to preserving its cultural importance while building a business that can support future generations. RELATED CONTENT: BOMESI Summit Unites Black Media Leaders In Detroit For Growth And Legacy