CEO + Publisher
Billy J. Strawter, Jr.
Born in Georgia and raised in Midland, Michigan, Billy Strawter Jr, has been a Metro-Detroiter since 1996.
He owns the full-service marketing agency MILO, headquartered in Detroit, is a partner in Busted Bra Shop with 6 locations in Detroit, Rochester, and Chicago, along with his newest opportunity, BLAC, Inc. where Billy serves as the CEO and Publisher of BLAC Detroit magazine and BLAC Media, a full service production company.
Guided by natural curiosity and constantly questions “How can we take something, and how can we make it better? How can we grow this?” Those answers are leading BLAC to reach new heights, including community involvement and partnerships, expansion into other markets, and evolving BLAC into a holistic lifestyle brand.
Team at BLAC - Black, Life, Arts & Culture
Ann Duke
Associate PublisherAnn Duke is a veteran of the magazine business with over 20 years’ experience on both the business and creative sides. As one of the founding staffers at Hour Media, she was instrumental in the launch of numerous publications including Hour Detroit and Detroit Home. While marketing director at Tapper’s Jewelry, she developed their very successful Jewelry Stars program for Tapper’s Accent magazine. By day, Duke is the director of philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. For this issue, as feature editor for “A Night at the Opera,” she was able to tap into her love of architecture, fashion and Detroit history.
Savannah Strawter
Content SpecialistMILO Detroit, Inc
Creative DirectionFull-service digital advertising agency MILO strives to deliver exceptional results by employing innovative and creative strategies. By combining traditional marketing expertise with cutting-edge digital practices, MILO creates tailored solutions for clients. The passionate team of experts at MILO pushes boundaries in digital marketing, captivating audiences, and elevating brand presence, providing design and digital campaign support for BLAC.
Victoria Webb
Director Of Business OperationsMost people in business talk about ROI. Victoria believes that ROA (Return On Attention) is what drives consumer behavior. “We need to go from marketing at people to marketing for people.” She is an internationally recognized marketing leader specializing in branding, strategic focus, equity building and growth through business development, integrated marketing campaigns and true innovation. Victoria has worked with companies of all size and scope, including Unilever, SC Johnson, L'Oreal, Hasbro, Lund International, Ecolab, Akzo Nobel and American Axle & Manufacturing.
Joshua Andrei Bon Gilles
Jr. EditorSamantha Alessaandri
Sales DirectorSam Alessandri is a highly respected and skilled advertising professional with 15 years of experience in the industry. A proud graduate of Michigan State, Sam's expertise has led to the successful execution of numerous campaigns, leaving a lasting impact on the brands they represent. Balancing work and family life, Sam is a dedicated parent to two wonderful boys, showcasing the perfect blend of career success and personal fulfillment.