Kai Fuentes is Founder and President of Ebony Marketing Systems, Inc. (EMS). She is a second-generation market researcher who conducted her first in-depth interview at age 12 and refers to herself as a ‘market research brat.’ Kai saw the need and opportunity to develop a multicultural, multi-lingual niche in the market research industry and founded EMS in 2011. She has over 20-years’ experience in qualitative and quantitative research that facilitate the identification of ethnic-bound perceptions and attitudes.

She began receiving professional recognition in 2013 with a Madam Noir award as a Black business owner under 30; followed in 2016 with the NY/NJ Purchasing Council small business of the year; 2022 Power Women of the Bronx; and the same year named an IPC Laureate by the Insights Association with a distinguished career marked by ‘meaningful contributions to advance the profession.’

Her insight and guidance are evidenced through leadership.  Kai serves on multiple boards: Insights Association; Camp Keith, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Brown and Black families; and AAPOR (American Association for Public Opinion Research) Inclusive Voices and Subcommittee Online Education.  Most recently she joined the Steering Committee of BAAPOR, continuing to expand her multicultural advocacy.

Kai is a seasoned, sought-after presenter at national conferences: AAPOR, Insights Association, Qualitative Researchers Consultants Association (QRCA) and other research industry events. She has been the headline guest on podcasts discussing “The Art and Science of Joy;” “Diversity Discourse: Money, Business and Enterprise;” and most recently on how diverse teams can transform market research on “The New Mainstream.”