Breaking Barriers in Research: A Spotlight on Dawn V. Carr

The Power of Representation in Research

March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the women who have paved the way and those shaping the future. In the world of research, representation matters. Insights drive decisions that shape industries, influence consumer experiences, and determine which voices get heard. Yet, in a field where data is king queen, the presence of Black women remains strikingly unseen. As Managing Partner & Chief Strategy Officer at ABCD & Company, the largest Black-owned, woman-owned, HBCU-led marketing and events transformation agency, I find myself asking: where are the Black women leading the charge in research?

A Pioneer in Inclusive Insights

One such leader is Dawn V. Carr, a true pioneer and unicorn in the research space. Founder and CEO of Mahogany Insights, Dawn has redefined the way brands engage with Black consumers by centering their voices in a field where they have often been marginalized. Through Mahogany Minds, a tailored survey database designed specifically for brands seeking authentic connections with Black audiences, Dawn is not just conducting research—she’s revolutionizing it.

Research as a Tool for Change

With over 20 years of experience spanning marketing, brand strategy, and consumer insights, Dawn V. Carr has left her mark across global markets. She has worked with some of the world's largest brands, including The Coca-Cola Company , Google , and The Walt Disney Company , helping them better understand and authentically engage Black consumers. Prior to launching Mahogany Insights, she was the go-to expert on Black and African American consumers at one of the world’s leading market research firms. Her approach is rooted in methodologies that go beyond the traditional—ethnography, segmentations, metaphor elicitation, and consumer co-creation—to unearth deep, meaningful insights that challenge assumptions and drive real change.

Why Research Drives Impact at ABCD & Company

At ABCD & Company, we believe that representation is the foundation of effective marketing and events. Our work is driven by the need to reach diverse audiences in ways that are authentic, culturally aligned, and impactful. That all starts with research—deep, meaningful insights that help brands connect with people, not just demographics. We go beyond surface-level statistics and leverage our proprietary ABCD Soul approach, which allows us to explore the invisible characteristics of our audiences—their values, motivations, and lived experiences. By tapping into these deeper insights, we ensure that the marketing strategies and events we design resonate on a personal and cultural level, fostering real engagement and