The Power of Process: Jayde I. Powell Joins The Creative Collective NYC’s 2026 Creative Class
Social media strategist and creatorpreneur Jayde I. Powell has been selected as a member of The Creative Collective New York City’s 2026 Creative Class, joining a distinguished cohort of Black creatives recognized for their innovation and commitment to community.
Founded in Harlem in 2017 by Imani Ellis, The Creative Collective NYC has grown into a leading platform celebrating creativity across industries and uplifting the people shaping culture and building futures in creative fields. Over the years, the organization has honored influential voices, including Lindsey Peoples and Sandrine Charles, co-founders of the Black in Fashion Council; Kizzmekia Corbett, the scientist behind the COVID-19 vaccine; Anifa Mvuemba, founder of Hanifa Official; and activist and educator Brittany Packnett Cunningham.
This year’s Creative Class is anchored by the theme “The Power of Process,” highlighting the behind-the-scenes dedication, discipline, and intentional growth that build long-term success. The 2026 cohort celebrates thinkers, builders, and dreamers who treat curiosity as their calling, and this year's Creative of the Year recognition has been given to Oscar-nominated filmmaker and producer Ryan Coogler.
Jayde is recognized for her work in content creation. At the intersection of social media strategy, storytelling, and creator education, she has consistently championed introspective content, sustainable growth, and culturally resonant brand building. Her inclusion in this year's 2026 Creative Class reflects not only her professional impact but also her commitment to creativity and community-centered leadership.
The 2026 cohort includes 83 Black trailblazers ranging from entertainment, media, fashion, advocacy, wellness, and technology. Honorees include actor and musical prodigy Miles Caton, “Love Island USA” standout Olandria Carthen, and music producer and in-demand beatmaker Jay Versace.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named to The Creative Collective NYC’s 2026 Creative Class, especially because I’ve been attending CCNYC events for years. It’s been one of the few spaces where I’ve consistently felt inspired, challenged, and genuinely in community with other Black creatives. To now be recognized by an organization I’ve admired for so long feels surreal in the best way. The Power of Process is a theme that speaks directly to my journey, because so much of my career has been built through intentional growth behind the scenes. This moment feels like a celebration of consistency, curiosity, and the quiet work it takes to build something meaningful,” says Jayde.
Other notable changemakers named to the 2026 Creative Class include Fisayo Longe, founder and creative director of Kai Collective, DaShawn Usher, president of community and media at GLAAD and founder of Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI), content creators Taryn Delanie Smith and Tiffani Charisse, Alexis Denise Williams, deputy press secretary for culture partnerships and Black media under New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and many others.
You can see the full list of this year's recognized creatives here, and to see where you can catch Jayde next, be sure to subscribe to her newsletter and follow her on LinkedIn.
