AZIZA WORK GROUP
AZIZA WORK GROUP
AZIZA WORK GROUP
AZIZA WORK GROUP
AZIZA WORK GROUP
AZIZA WORK GROUP
"Michelle is the reason that so many stars shine."
- Leland Pookie Wigington
Former President + Co-Founder of Hartbeat Productions
MEET MICHELLE WATTS
Founder & CEO
The Aziza Work Group’s mantra is: “We are the Why.” Michelle Watts is the how.
She’s the bones and blood of public relations—long before earning her PR degree from the University of Toledo, she was the work. After graduation, she brought her grit and vision to Essence Communications, working with top-tier entertainment talent while studying under cultural icon Susan Taylor. From there, she sharpened her edge in the City of Cleveland’s Mayor’s Office of Communications—learning to craft fearless, truth-forward messaging. Then came Universal/Def Jam under Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, where she mastered the high-stakes game of risk and reward. That’s where she became a force.
By 2012, her talent needed its own platform. She launched The Aziza Work Group in Los Angeles. Within three years, her comedy roster alone included Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, Lil Rel Howery, Deon Cole, HaHa Davis, Chris Redd, and DeRay Davis. And that was just the start. T.A.W.G. now thrives across film, fine arts, television, tech, law, sports, education, toys, and music. The work speaks. The roster rivals any.
Michelle’s approach is a rare blend of cultural fluency, strategic precision, and unflinching truth. She’s been a featured speaker for platforms like AdColor, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and BPRSLA. Her firm led the relaunch of EBONY and Jet, reviving legacy while defining what’s next. When Oscar-winner Bruce Smith and TV legend Ralph Farquhar wanted to bring The Proud Family back to Disney, they turned to Watts. The reboot landed at #1 and broke Disney+ streaming records.
As Leland Wigington, co-founder of Hartbeat Productions, puts it:
“Michelle is the reason so many stars shine.”
She’s the strategist for those who move culture—not chase it.
Named a Power Broker to watch, Michelle Watts breathes culture. When she’s not reshaping the industry, she’s off chasing global adventure and God’s purpose for her life.
She lives in Los Angeles—but her impact is everywhere.
Michelle’s Story →
OUR IMPACT
OUR IMPACT
01
Trailblazing Cultural Impact &
Influence
02
Elevating Underrepresented Narratives
03
Record-breaking Hollywood Moments
OUR SERVICES
We Provide Unparalleled Expertise & Execution In The Areas of …
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We secure press coverage in every top media publication in the country, including digital outlets. We maintain rewarding and thriving relationships.
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We singularly craft and steer the explosive relaunch of the iconic media cultural moments.
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We’ve managed campaigns for Oscar-winning “Get Out”, the global phenomenon “Bird Box”, Oscar-nominated “Judas & The Black Messiah”, runaway hit “Bad Trip”, nearly a billion hits for Kevin Hart’s “Hartbeat Weekend”.
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We have catapulted the 75-year-old EBONY brand into topical cultural conversations, current media platforms, engaging social ideations, and into today’s journalistic forces.
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We’ve partnered with AFLAC, Complex, NBA, NCAA, NFL, AXE, and more!
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We can’t tell you or we’d have to kill you. Just know, “IT. IS . HANDLED!”
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LEVERAGE. We productively utilize every promotional avenue available to gain recognition in association with the sponsored entity.
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We understand the value of making the abstract concrete. The goal is to make a brand come to life so that it quickly seeps into the hearts and minds of its audience.
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We represent some of the biggest influencers on multiple social platforms. We have mastered the art of maximization and monetization.
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We have a stronghold on traditional media: Television, Radio & Print
SHAPING CULTURE THROUGH…
#1 Hollywood Box Office Hits
Get Out
Bird Box
Uncle Drew
The Photograph
Fatherhood
Bad Trip
Vacation Friends
Free Guy
Social
Change
Black AIDS Institute (Resuscitation)
Jordan Neely Murder Case (Narrative)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Joseph Bologna (Outcome Changed)
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
Fearless
Confrontation
Mills & Edwards on Anderson Cooper 360° (Jordan Neely Murder Case)
Proud Family (Discussing Controversial Topics in Kids' Animation Classics)
Sparkle vs. R. Kelly (CBS This Morning)
California Reparations Task Force
“The AZIZA Work Group not only knows what's happening now, they create what happens next.”
“Michelle Watts takes our work and blends it into the culture so it's a necessary conversation. She is the link to our audience. That's what PR means; that's what the AZIZA Work Group does!!"
— Attorney Donte Mills
Partner, Mills & Edwards, LLP