About me
Ricardo Silvestre is the CEO and Founder of Black Influence, a creative agency specializing in content, influence, and cultural representation. Since 2019, Black has become a pioneering force in Brazil, helping major brands connect authentically with diverse audiences through inclusive storytelling.
Before launching the agency, Ricardo built a strong career in digital media at renowned agencies. With over a decade of experience, he has led campaigns across sectors—from retail to tech—always blending creativity, innovation, and social impact.
In 2025, Ricardo co-founded Peji, a cultural intelligence company dedicated to decoding and translating the consumption behaviors of Black Brazilians. Alongside partners Jaque David and Ricardo Forli, Peji was created to help brands move beyond surface-level inclusion and establish meaningful, data-driven connections with Brazil's Black population—who represent 56% of the country and R$ trillion in annual spending power.
Peji offers services such as cultural trend monitoring, strategic curation, and product adaptation, positioning itself not as a creative agency, but as a translator of cultural codes into business strategies. The company also reinvests in the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting economic circularity and reducing structural inequality.
His work has earned multiple recognitions: he was nominated for the Caboré Awards, featured on the Forbes Under 30 list, named one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) by the United Nations, and listed among the Top 10 communication professionals by Meio & Mensagem.
Ricardo advises C-level executives and organizations on how to engage authentically with diverse audiences. He also shapes brand narratives that reflect Brazil's cultural richness and resonate globally.
A passionate advocate for representation, Ricardo believes identity is a powerful creative tool—and that storytelling rooted in truth drives real change. At the core of his work is the belief that creators are not just media vehicles, but cultural strategists shaping the future of marketing.