Tren’ness Woods-Black

Tren’ness Woods-Black is a visionary hospitality executive and cultural strategist, recognized as “The Queen of Hospitality” for her transformative leadership across legacy brands, civic institutions, and luxury entities. With over two decades of experience, she combines high-level communications, experiential strategy, and business development to build brand equity, deepen stakeholder engagement, and drive measurable revenue outcomes.

Business & Strategic Leadership

As President and Chief Strategist of Tren’ness Woods-Black LLC, now in its 15th year, she has built a premier strategic advisory and event production agency specializing in hospitality-forward partnerships and cultural engagement. Her client portfolio spans major brands including DoorDash, Thrillist, Diageo, Target, and McNeil Nutritionals. She has served as a sought-after speaker for TAO Group, Spectrum, A&E, and the NBA, establishing herself as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and global tastemakers.

Her strategic expertise extends to her two-decade tenure as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Sylvia’s Restaurant and Sylvia’s Soul Food Products, the legendary establishment founded by her grandmother, Sylvia Woods, the “Queen of Soul Food.” In this role, she built a comprehensive Meetings & Events department, scaled group bookings operations, and substantially grew special event revenue while positioning Sylvia’s as a global tourism anchor and NYC cultural landmark through national retail placements and strategic culinary collaborations.

Her early career demonstrates diverse strategic leadership, including founding shareholder and communications director roles at Webbe, an early-stage dotcom serving U.S. government agencies and top financial institutions, where she developed media strategies that secured features in The New York Times and major tech outlets. She also served as a Public Relations Specialist at J. Walter Thompson, supporting luxury campaigns for De Beers, Shiseido, and Roberto Coin, including the successful Hush Puppies brand revival.

Culinary Expertise & Cultural Impact

Known for creating culturally driven experiences that resonate globally, Tren’ness has executive produced high-profile events for A-list talent including Chris Rock, Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bruno Mars. She created and scaled the trademarked salon series Cornbread and Conversations™, establishing a unique platform for civic and brand engagement that bridges culture, cuisine, and meaningful dialogue.

Her culinary expertise is showcased through collaborations with renowned chefs Daniel Boulud, Marcus Samuelsson, Carla Hall, and Michael White, while her expertise in wine and spirits pairings has enhanced partnerships with premium beverage makers and diverse artists. She has directed high-profile press and event activations, including experiences for VP Kamala Harris and President Barack Obama, and partnered with Thrillist on a Block Party Harlem featuring business accelerators and grant programs. Her cultural activations span prestigious brands and institutions including Gucci, CBS, and The Apollo Theater.

Recognition & Media Presence

Tren’ness’ influence has been recognized through prestigious honors including the Whole Health Hero Award from Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and recognition at City Meals on Wheels Power Lunch. Her accolades include features in Conde Nast Traveler, Total Food Service, Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 List, NV Magazine’s Movers and Shakers List, Paper Magazine’s Beautiful People List, and appearances on the Times Square Jumbotron.

Her expertise has made her a sought-after voice in major media, with features in The New York Times (A1), Time Magazine, Good Morning America, The View, Thrillist, Eater, Crain’s, MSNBC, The Early Show, BBC, and Good Day New York. Her deep knowledge of New York has earned several official New York City promotional features both nationally and internationally, and she has been invited to Qatar Creates, an international summit on luxury, design, and cultural influence.

Her contributions to culinary and cultural storytelling include appearances in documentaries such as Harlem on My Plate and HEIRLOOM: Upholding a Family Legacy, Netflix’s Worn Stories, DoorDash’s Tribeca Film Festival short Soul of the City, and features in books including Gucci Dapper Dan’s Harlem, Worn Stories New York, and Assouline’s New York Chic. She has also appeared on television programs including The View, Master Chef, The Profit, The Food Network Special Savoring Harlem, Food Paradise, and Project Runway.

Community Leadership & Board Service

A dedicated advocate for community development and economic growth, Tren’ness serves in key leadership roles including Culinary Co-Chair and Executive Board Member of NYC Tourism and Conventions, Founding Executive Board Member of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, and member of the NY Forward Economic Recovery Board appointed by the NY Governor. She also serves on the NYC Health Department Food Service Advisory Board and The Studio Museum in Harlem Community Advisory Board.

Her founding leadership includes serving as Founding Executive Board Member of the Harlem Parade, SHE CAN Foundation, and Sundae Sermon for the People as well as her role on the New York Forward Covid-19 Advisory Board. Through these positions, she has been instrumental in developing strategic initiatives that drive economic recovery, promote cultural tourism, and create lasting community impact, raising significant funds for charities and developing multiple non-profit organizations and business alliances.