work with me

Culture shapes everything. Let’s explore it together.

Powered by Anuli Intelligence (a real human brain), Anuli Was Here (awh) is a research and storytelling consultancy where culture meets clarity, and where research meets real life.

As a cultural anthropologist, researcher, writer, and storyteller, I bring an interdisciplinary lens to projects across media, culture, and public life. I collaborate with creators, institutions, organizations, and brands in Atlanta and remotely to surface overlooked narratives, connect communities through story, and bridge the gap between scholarly insights and practical applications.

Below are the services I currently offer. I also welcome custom engagements and collaborations. Please connect with me through the contact page to inquire about my availability, rates, or to explore opportunities for custom work.

  • I have a background in marketing where I specialized in consumer research, trend-spotting, analytics, and strategic planning. That, paired with my scholarship in sociocultural anthropology makes me well-positioned to speak on topics ranging from the cultural and social impacts of technology to the dynamics of creative work and cultural identity, particularly in the American South. I take an interdisciplinary approach to speaking engagements, offering both academic insights and practical, real-world perspectives.

    Offerings include:

    • Guest teaching and classroom visits

    • Keynote talks, panels, and lectures

    • Program moderation

  • As an experienced workshop facilitator, I bring energy, perspective, and hands-on learning to every session, having worked with companies, conferences, and clubs.

    I currently offer the following workshops and I am happy to tailor sessions to meet your unique needs whether you’re looking to build new skills or diver deeper into a topic.

    • Podcasting 101: Ready to launch your own podcast? From developing a concept to marketing your independent podcast project, this workshop walks you through the entire process so you can leave with the tools and knowledge to get started.

    • Doing the Work - The Method and Craft of Ethnographic Research: Eager to go beyond theory and into the heart of ethnographic research? In this interactive workshop, we’ll bring theory to life with real-world examples, exploring how Black feminist ways of knowing can transform abstract concepts into actionable practices. You’ll gain a fresh perspective that you can immediately apply to your own work – whether you are a researcher, creator, practitioner, or simply just curious.

    I am also available to design and lead community-centered workshops on creative research methods and ethnographic storytelling as well as public-facing programs on labor, race, and technology.

  • As an independent researcher, I provide tailored mixed-methods research services, specializing in survey design, focus group facilitation, and anthropological methodologies. My work will deliver the cultural insights you need to make more informed and impactful decisions that resonate with diverse audiences.

  • I offer research support for documentary films, scripted television, podcasts, and cultural media projects. Services include:

    • Ethnographic and archival research

    • Story and concept development

    • Historical and cultural context framing

    • Narrative analysis rooted in identity, labor, and place

    • Sensitivity and representation consulting

  • With a background in brand strategy and audience research, I help clients craft clear, culturally resonant narratives and engagement strategies. Services include:

    • Narrative development and messaging

    • Audience insights and content planning

    • Creative concepting for campaigns, launches, and digital platforms.

  • I offer editorial support and story consultation for researchers, writers, and interdisciplinary creators. Services include:

    • Developmental editing for research-driven nonfiction

    • Script review for narrative audio and multimedia projects

    • Consulting on adapting academic work for general audiences.


watch me work


Cultural Anthropologist and BLK IRL Creator, Dr. Anuli Akanegbu, presents a speech titled “One for the money, yes, sir, two for the show”: The ‘Elevators’ of Caste in Atlanta at the 12th Annual Atlanta Studies Symposium.

Presentation Date: Friday, May 2, 2025

Location: Shirley Massey Executive Conference Center at Morehouse College