Alicia Richardson is the Founder of Create Connect, an employer marketing agency inspired by the community she built in 2020 while working in recruitment and DEI. Initially starting as a WhatsApp group, the community has evolved into Black Create Connect, now reaching circa 30K across social, and newsletter channels and partnering with numerous employers supporting them with connecting and hiring black talent.
With 8+ years of experience, Alicia has developed diverse hiring strategies for companies in the Creative, Tech, and Marketing sectors, including Depop, TikTok, Google, Fold7, and Ravensbourne University. Alicia is deeply committed to empowering underrepresented talent. Through her community initiatives, she has educated and inspired individuals on career development strategies using content, events, and networking. Her *Black Create Connect* podcast has featured over 100 Black leaders and professionals, and she has developed a groundbreaking approach for companies to attract and recruit talent through content creators, podcasts, communities, and multicultural events.
Alicia’s journey is one of resilience and breaking barriers. In her TEDx Talk, she shares how she identifies her own values and offers specific advice for women of colour. Known as a role model in the Black professional community, she remains authentic in all aspects of her life, challenging the status quo and advocating for inclusivity and equity in the workplace. Her work has opened doors for individuals to navigate the corporate world authentically. In 2024, Alicia transitioned *Create Connect* to a full-time venture after completing the Barclays 2023 Accelerator program with Foundervine. She now candidly documents her entrepreneurial journey, sharing the growth and challenges along the way.
Through her network, Alicia has impacted and connected 3,000+ multicultural creatives and tech professionals , creating a community where people can forge genuine connections and thrive together. Her work continues to inspire and lead the charge in empowering Black talent in industries where representation matters.
