4
2013
Harlem, NY
Full Service Creative Agency
10-25
Underdog
We break the industry rule that says purpose and performance can’t coexist. At Elite Media, we’ve proven they can not only coexist—they can amplify each other. We’re one of the only independent, Black-owned, female-led creative agencies in the country, built to reflect the new general market because we are the market—immersed in, representative of, and deeply connected to the audiences we serve.
We don’t create from the sidelines. Our team is rooted in lived experience, which means we can craft authentic, nuanced narratives that resonate because they’re real. We leverage the influence of celebrity and the power of cultural movements to spark partnerships where brands, talent, and content creators all win—creating work that’s both culturally relevant and commercially undeniable.
We call ourselves “best-in-class mercenaries” and “practitioners” for a reason—we know how to get in the trenches, execute with precision, and move in lockstep toward a shared goal. That’s the discipline. But here’s the joy: being independent means freedom. Freedom to call our own shots. Freedom to choose work that matters. Freedom to say no when it’s not aligned. That independence fuels agility, creativity, and a sense of possibility that takes our work and commitment to another level. .
And when we talk about impact, we are talking about meaningful impact. We treat community investment with the same strategic rigor we give to our highest-profile campaigns. The Schoolys is a perfect example—we didn’t just attach our name to a feel-good project. We built a branded movement that funneled our own dollars, recognition, and pride into our local public school system. Teachers got resources they desperately needed. Students felt seen and celebrated. That’s not charity—that’s good business that strengthens communities and brands.
Because here’s the truth: while many agencies can “do” social impact for their clients, Elite is uniquely positioned to have a lasting impact as an agency. Our business model was designed to transform talking points into tactical change—closing the gap between “what should be” and “what is.”
We’re rewriting the traditional agency playbook. Not to follow trends, but to reflect the culture, community, and creativity we actually live. We bet on ourselves — and it pays off in real, measurable change.
At Elite, we don’t just want to outperform in the market—we aim to outgood the competition. That’s advertising for impact, and it’s not just our philosophy—it’s our future. It fuels our drive in our deep belief in our collective possibility to change the world, by changing a world.
At Elite Media, independence isn’t just a business model — it’s our superpower. As an independent agency, we aren’t waiting for permission to lead or innovate or impact. We move with purpose, powered by a tight-knit, best-in-class team that reflects the new general market — diverse, culture-first, and unapologetically bold. We’re not here to color inside the lines of traditional advertising. We take non-traditional talent — people with raw vision, lived experience, and relentless drive — and give them space to do the most.
We ask the hard questions, then ask again, refusing to leave any insight or idea unexplored. Our clients don’t come to us for safe; they come to us to stand out. And that only works because we operate with a deep sense of ownership — we care, we push, we deliver. This isn’t about paying bills, it’s about paying it forward - doing great work that builds business and community.
Every campaign, every idea, every partnership is a chance to build something bigger than ourselves. Our independence allows us to think freely, move quickly, and create meaningfully. That’s the Elite culture — radical creativity, shared accountability, and impact that moves both business and communities.
We believe the real flex isn’t the award — it’s the impact. In 2024, we launched The Schoolys at Teachers College Community School (TCCS) in Harlem with no corporate sponsor, no safety net — just our own dollars and our belief that local businesses can drive big change. We surprised over 50 staff members, from teachers to cafeteria workers, with a $150K grant focused on self-care and professional development.
Then we lit up Harlem with billboards celebrating them — not a brand, not a product, but the people shaping the future of our communities. The impact was undeniable:
a 100% increase in staff retention,
86% of teachers said it transformed their well-being,
82% felt professionally valued, and
74% observed increased student engagement in their classrooms.
“This grant finally allowed me to prioritize my mental health,” said Ms. Rodriguez, a 4th-grade teacher. “I feel more present and engaged with my students, and I'm genuinely enjoying teaching again.”
Mrs. Chen, a kindergarten teacher, echoed that sentiment: “Knowing that the school and The Schoolys cared about my well-being made all the difference. It reaffirmed my commitment to TCCS and my students.”
This is the power of showing up with intention. The Schoolys didn’t just provide resources — it recharged a workforce, reignited passion, and reminded a community of its own strength. And we’re just getting started. Phase II launches in 2025 with custom murals, cafeteria and hallway renovations, a media lab where students will produce their own “Great Day in Harlem” news segment, and grant-writing support to secure ongoing resources.
We’re not here to check a CSR box — we’re here to shift systems. We move fast, think big, and stay rooted in community. We don’t wait for permission to create impact — we create it. Because when you’re independent, mission-led, and unafraid to do the most, you get to build a different kind of legacy. This is what advertising looks like when purpose leads and results follow.
Elite Media was founded in 2013 from Chris Crawford’s one-bedroom apartment in Harlem—a space that became the launchpad for a bold vision to reimagine what an agency could be. The defining spark came when a colleague told Chris that chasing culture and real community impact wasn’t worth it; the very next day, he handed in his resignation and bet on himself instead. By 2014, the agency had just one employee and $120,000 in debt, but Chris leaned into the struggle, fueled by grit and the belief that nontraditional talent could fill the gap the industry had ignored.
Elite Media wasn’t built to fit the Madison Avenue mold—it was built to break it. From day one, the agency drew its strength from creatives, strategists, and marketers who brought lived experience, fresh perspective, and relentless drive over polished resumes. That outsider DNA gave Elite Media its edge and made it clear that innovation doesn’t require permission.
What started as an underdog story grew into a proof point that you can “lift while you climb”—building a sustainable, impact-driven business that empowers communities while delivering game-changing results for brands. We’ve exceeded expectations not only with our impact work but also with the caliber of clients we serve.
We’re proud to partner with Fortune 300 companies like American Family Insurance, and serve several clients that will drive projected revenues of $40–50 million—all with fewer than 15 employees.
That same energy ignites the work we do in the community: tackling teacher retention through our Schoolys initiative, supporting mental health resources, and funding grants to empower people—starting in our own backyard, Harlem.
Elite Media exists because one choice, one risk, and one Harlem apartment proved that audacity and authenticity can outshine tradition. And ten years later, we’re still betting on us. Not only are we no longer in debt, but we’ve been named one of the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies and one of AdWeek’s Fastest Growing Agencies in 2024.
