Television · Storytelling
Regional Emmy® Nominated Producer
Upper Midwest Emmy® nomination for the Itasca docuseries.
Trusted Advisor · Cultural Strategist · Minnesota Powerhouse
Unlock The True Power Of Relationships
Sharon Smith‑Akinsanya advises executives, corporations, and institutions on how to implement her proprietary Relationships & Revenue Method™. In 2026, it’s more vital than ever to build and nurture the RIGHT relationships that lead to hitting your recruitment, retention, brand relevance, and business growth goals.
CEO & Founder, Rae Mackenzie GroupAward-Winning C-Suite Advisor · Author of COLORFULL
The model behind the work
Relationships & Revenue Method
Relationships & Revenue Method™ leverages Sharon’s extensive network of decision makers and influencers in the Twin Cities to help executives and organizations build, track, and nurture high-value relationships that lead to revenue, influence, partnerships, and market growth.
01
Business Growth
Understand the communities, talent, and cultural dynamics shaping the market — before you spend a dollar trying to reach them.
02
Brand Reputation
Sharon helps connect clients to community leaders and nonprofit organizations that are critical in helping you brand up your reputation among customers and employees.
03
Recruitment and Retention
Translate relationships into recruitment, retention, brand strength, market growth, and measurable business outcomes.
Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Over 25 Years of Impact in the Twin Cities
Not a list of titles — an interconnected platform. Every venture moves the same mission forward: connecting companies to Talent and Communities of Color, and turning that connection into growth.
01Award-Winning Advising Agency
Rae Mackenzie Group
RMG has a 25-year track record of helping corporations build deeper relationships with strategic stakeholders in the Twin Cities.
Visit RaeMackenzieGroup.comA message from Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
The Key To Keeping Minnesota Competitive
A special message from Itasca Project leaders and Celebrating the Sistas alumni
Discover the impact Sharon has created during the last 16 career fairs
Watch the unforgettable 2026 Celebrating the Sistas recap
A Message From Sharon
The Key To Keeping Minnesota Competitive
Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
More To Watch04 Videos
25+ Years of Impact
Recognized for moving Minnesota forward
Press features, national awards, documentary recognition, and a two-decade record of connecting employers to the talent and communities that drive growth.
20+
Years advising the C-suite on talent & growth
10k+
Professionals of color connected to employers
200+
Partner brands, employers & institutions
250,000+
Views generated promoting small businesses in Minnesota
As seen on
From the studio to the national stage
Catch Sharon’s on-air conversations — tap any clip to watch the full interview.
KARE 11KARE 11
Story Behind the Prince Mural
FOX 9FOX 9
People of Color Career Fair Returning to Minneapolis
GMA3 · ABCGood Morning America
How Top Employers Build Authentic Relationships with People of Color
ABC Las VegasABC Las Vegas
Strategies To Attract & Retain Top Talent Of Color
NewsNationNewsNation
Community Reactions to Chauvin Trial Verdict
WCCO · CBSCBS Minnesota
People Of Color Career Fair
ABC MinnesotaABC Minnesota
Celebrating the Sistas
Impact Story From the Relationship and Revenue Method™
Within months of partnering with Rae Mackenzie Group, dozens of CEOs, corporate leaders, philanthropists, and community decision-makers who had never been inside our building were scheduling tours of Dream Accelerator. Those conversations are creating opportunities that will shape our organization for years to come. Sharon has an extraordinary ability to build the relationships that matter most.
Sara Dziuk, President & CEO, Junior Achievement North
The book
The playbook for attracting and retaining the fastest-growing talent market in America.
COLORFULL is Sharon’s framework for leaders who are done guessing — a practical, relationship-first approach to becoming the kind of employer and brand that Talent and Communities of Color choose, trust, and stay with.
Published on LinkedIn
Solution-Centered Thought Leadership On Minnesota’s Most Pressing Issues
Honors & accolades
Recognized on the regional & national stage
Entrepreneurship
Hall of Fame Inductee
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
Executive Leadership
Women In Business Recognition
Twin Cities Business Journal
Brand & Social Impact
Inaugural Anthem Award Recipient
Honored in the first-ever class of The Anthem Awards.