SpecialityCommunity Advocate and Media Veteran

Dr. Ray Cunningham, III is a distinguished community advocate and media veteran with over 17 years of experience in television, radio, and corporate communications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a master’s degree in Media Management from Virginia State University, as well as an honorary doctorate in Humanitarianism. Dr. Cunningham began his career as a Junior Marketing Associate at Ebony Magazine, gaining early exposure to the intersection of media and culture. He further honed his expertise while working in the Corporate Communications department at BET Network in Los Angeles, where he played a key role in managing the network’s public relations and communications efforts. Throughout his career, Dr. Cunningham has successfully executed national media campaigns for major brands such as BET, Vh1, TVOne, WEtv, Walmart, Global Grind and Honda. His extensive work in casting, production, and corporate communications demonstrates his deep understanding of the media industry. As a committed advocate for HBCUs and the LGBTQ community, Dr. Cunningham is actively involved with the NCRF’s Black College Expo as their national celebrity ambassador, UNCF, and NAACP. He continues to use his platform to support diversity and education. In his role as a community outreach and marketing consultant for UNCF, he works to increase educational access and opportunity for underserved populations. A proud HBCU graduate and public figure, Dr. Cunningham seeks to inspire future leaders through his work. His dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment is evident in all aspects of his career.