Sara Denby

Sara spent 18 years working around the world for leading advertising agencies including BBDO and Saatchi & Saatchi, with clients such as Visa, Emirates, Danone, Lexus and P&G. Her passion for gender equality and a determination to change the narrative around women led to post-graduate study in human rights, and a role as Campaigns Officer on CARE International’s gender-based violence projects in Cambodia. Then, as Head of Campaigns and Communications at CARE Australia, Sara designed advocacy campaigns that changed the Australian Government’s position on global policy issues.

Since January 2020, Sara has led the Unstereotype Alliance Secretariat at UN Women in New York.

The Unstereotype Alliance seeks to eradicate harmful stereotypes from advertising and media content to help create a more equal world. Convened by UN Women, the Alliance is comprised of global members and 12 national chapters across five continents that collectively act to empower people in all their diversity (including gender, race, class, age, ability, ethnicity, religion, and sexuality), using advertising as a force for good to drive positive norms and equality for all.

Trudy Hardy

Trudy Hardy assumed the position of Head of Region Americas for the BMW Motorcycle Business in July of 2019. In this position she is responsible for managing all aspects of business operations, including sales, service, marketing, product strategy and dealer development for the United States, Canada and Latin America. Prior to moving to BMW Motorrad, Hardy was the Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy for BMW of North America from 2013 – 2019. Hardy joined the BMW Group in 2001 to re-launch the MINI brand in the United States. She was responsible for brand strategy and marketing communications for one of the most iconic brand launches of all time. Over the course of her 20+ year career in automotive, Hardy has received a number of distinguished honors ranging from Gold Lions and Gold Effie awards, to being named one of AdWeek Magazine’s Brand Geniuses. Hardy earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Ramapo College and is an active member of the Board of Governors for the college and is a member of the alumni advisory board for the Anisfield School of Business. Hardy is a proud mom of two children, and enjoys scuba diving and riding motorcycles in her free time.

Madeline Di Nonno

Madeline Di Nonno is the President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the only global research driven advocacy organization working within the entertainment and media industry to create gender balance, foster inclusion and impede bias and stereotyping in family entertainment media.

Di Nonno leads the Institute’s strategic direction, fundraising, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, research, financial and operational activities. Di Nonno brings a track record of successful executive leadership in the entertainment, non-profit, digital and consumer packaged goods industries.

Di Nonno is an Executive Producer on the Emmy nominated, People’s Choice and Gracie award winning television series “Mission Unstoppable” and the Gracie award winning feature film documentary “This Changes Everything.” The Institute was recently awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award Emmy from the Television Academy for its profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and science of television.

Previously, Di Nonno served as President and CEO of On The Scene Productions, a leader in streaming content creation and distribution. Di Nonno lead the company’s new business development and streaming platforms for clients such as Nike, Gatorade, Iconix, and PepsiCo.

Prior to On The Scene, Di Nonno served in executive positions for Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz Media and Echo Bridge Home Entertainment where she led global brand marketing, franchise development, acquisitions, and digital media initiatives in North America, United Kingdom and Australia.

As Executive Vice President and GM for formerly Nielsen EDI a leading research provider of theatrical distribution measurement and information, Di Nonno developed new digital product offerings, generatednew business revenue and supervised client management for studio theatrical distribution and exhibition.

Previously, Di Nonno served as Senior Vice President, Marketing Alliances and Digital media at the Hallmark Channel. Di Nonno launched the cable channel and established marketing, digital media, e-commerce, and corporate alliance initiatives. Di Nonno drove revenue-generating, integrated marketing programs with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Fuji, Universal Pictures, Target, Sony Pictures, Chrysler, and Baskin Robbins. Di Nonno pioneered the Channel’s digital media platforms.

Di Nonno served as a senior executive at Universal Studios Home Entertainment as Vice President, Strategic Marketing and launched the division’s DVD and digital media platforms. Di Nonno supervised marketing campaigns for theatrical, direct-to-video and library releases such as the “Jurassic Park” franchise, “The Land Before Time” franchise, and Universal Classic Monsters franchise.

Di Nonno’s career started at ABC Television Network in corporate publicity working on communications campaigns for mini-series, sports and daytime, including “The Winds of War,” “The Thorn Birds,” and the 1984 Olympics.

Di Nonno is a U.S. State Department Speaker Specialist and a public speaker and moderator at global conferences, corporations, governmental organizations such as AdWeek, Cannes Lion, Chatham House, CES, Kidscreen, London Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, The White House, UNESCO, and the United Nations. Di Nonno has been featured in global media outlets such as Adweek, Ad Age, Cosmo, Fast Company, Forbes, Glamour, Good Morning America, The Guardian, Huffington Post, Spectrum TV, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and Variety.

Christina Francis

Christina Francis became the first female President of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) where she is responsible for managing and directing the corporation’s day-to-day operations including strategy and business development, while overseeing the organizations ownership properties and prestigious partnerships including JLC Infrastructure, SodexoMagic, Capital One, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Football Club, and the Los Angeles Sparks. Most recently, she added the distinguished title of Executive Producer to her resume for, “They Call Me Magic,” the highest grossing docuseries per episode that was released in April 2022 on AppleTV+. Francis joined the company in 2014 as the senior vice president of marketing and communications.
Prior to Magic Johnson Enterprises, Ms. Francis was the vice president of marketing & events for NFL PLAYERS INC., where she led the group’s extensive brand and event marketing initiatives, including innovative player promotions, special events, advertising, digital and broadcast media, and public relations. In this role Ms. Francis created the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which showcases collegiate talent to NFL scouts and has continued successfully since its inception.
Before joining NFL PLAYERS, INC. Ms. Francis served as chief marketing officer for the Orange Bowl Committee overseeing the Fedex Orange Bowl and BCS National Championship game. During her four-year tenure, the Orange Bowl brand experienced record growth and visibility while the affiliated events attracted tens of thousands of visitors who fueled South Florida with millions of dollars in economic impact. Her reputation as one of the top minds in sports and entertainment was forged on both the client and agency side including strategic marketing roles with Fortune 500 companies such as Burger King Corporation, Walt Disney World, Nissan Motor Corporation and IBM.
Ms. Francis’ board and committee memberships have included her alma mater Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees, Greater Miami Tennis Foundation, Impact Circle of Big Brother/Big Sister of Miami, National Black MBA, and Links Incorporated. She currently serves on the board of Winners Alliance which is a for profit that serves the interest of professional tennis players and a growing specialty value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends called Citi Trends. In 2022 Ms. Francis was highlighted by Sports Illustrated on SI.com as one of the “Top 100 Influential Women in Sports”. In 2019 she received the “Visionary Award” from C-Suite Quarterly and was named one of 500 most influential people in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Business Journal. She was honored at Ebony’s 2017 “Women Up” event and was named one of the “25 Most Influential and Prominent Black Women” of 2009 in Success Magazine South Florida.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Ms. Francis was valedictorian of her graduating class and received her BA from Xavier University, an MBA from the University of New Orleans, and was a Fellow for the Consortium in Graduate Study and Management at the University of Texas.

Shanique Bonelli-Moore

Shanique Bonelli-Moore Vice President and Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer Shanique Bonelli-Moore is chief diversity and social impact officer of The Clorox Company. In this role, which she assumed in July 2022, Bonelli-Moore leads all inclusion, diversity, equity and allyship initiatives. She also guides the strategy and execution of The Clorox Company Foundation’s charitable giving and employee community engagement programs. Bonelli-Moore joined Clorox from United Talent Agency (UTA), where she served as executive director of inclusion. In this role she spearheaded the company’s efforts to model inclusion across the entertainment industry. She joined UTA in 2018 to lead internal communications before she was tapped to spearhead their inclusion efforts. In her role, she helped guide UTA’s early efforts to build a thriving diversity and inclusion program and helped advance the creation of the department she went on to lead. Before UTA, Bonelli-Moore held positions at BuzzFeed, Anheuser-Busch InBev, NBCUniversal and GE, where she focused on corporate communications, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Bonelli-Moore holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University, where she currently serves as an adjunct professor of diversity, inclusion and leadership in communications.

Elizabeth A. Morrison

Erika Bennett

Heather Lowery

Heather Lowery is a champion for women as president and CEO of Femme It Forward, she uplifts women in music and entertainment. Femme It Forward does everything from presenting concert experiences to honoring accomplishments in music with events like their pre-Grammy high tea.

Alisha Gaddis

ALISHA GADDIS is an Emmy Award-winning actress and producer, multi-
Grammy Award winner, writer, humorist, and filmmaker.
As an executive producer and co-creator of a hit PBS show, Alisha garnered
multiple Emmy wins. She works with major networks, such as CBS, Freeform,
HGTV, NBC Universal and Netflix to develop content on multi-platforms, often
starring in them.
She is in development with Four Leaf Productions for her delightful wedding
romcom written with partner, Meg Swertlow. Alisha sold an animated series
for Latin America, Pequeña Araña, about a tiny bow-wearing spider.
She is a National Endowment for the Arts and Indiana Endowment for the Arts
grant recipient for her filmmaking shining a light on women’s mental health.
She is a best-selling author, publishing multiple books to critical acclaim
covering topics from acting to weaning, menstruation to parenting.
As an actress, she has appeared on Broadway, at the Sydney Opera House,
on numerous television shows, films and voices many national commercials.
With her band (and husband), Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Alisha
has received numerous Grammy and Latin Grammy wins, while touring
internationally performing shows for families. The couple also stars in a live-
action television showed, based on the band, in Asia.
Alisha has a deep passion for using her art for activism, social justice, and
equality.
She lives in a house on a hill in Los Angeles with her family and many random
fruit trees.  She also has appeared on numerous Best Dressed Lists for the
Grammys – ask her about Vogue Magazine!

Brooke deRosa

Brooke deRosa is an award-winning composer, conductor, vocalist, and filmmaker, living in Los Angeles, California.

Brooke is equally at home composing for film, theatre, and the concert stage.

Brooke’s first opera, “The Monkey’s Paw” premiered in 2017 in Los Angeles with Pacific Opera Project.

In 2018 Brooke orchestrated and conducted Rossini’s opera “La Gazzetta” for Pacific Opera Project. This included re-creating the famous “missing quintet”, absent from the opera.

Her 2019 operetta “Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon”, a musical comedy set in the old Wild West, premiered to sold out audiences as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. “Gunfight” garnered three awards: “Pick of the Fringe”, “The Encore Producer’s Award” and  “The John Raitt Award for Best Music and Lyrics.”

In 2020 she was commissioned by LA Opera to write “Songs of Orpheus”; art songs based on poetry from veterans in conjunction with the Mindful Veteran Project. This song cycle premiered in 2020 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and in 2021 and 2022, Brooke created additional song cycles for LA Opera. These songs were prominently featured on soprano Renee Fleming’s show “Music and the Mind.” She recently finished writing music for an opera, “An Elephant Never Forgets”, also for LA Opera.

Her opera “Does Not Compute: a Love Story”, about the future of AI and humanity premiered in May of 2023 with MC Arts, and her opera “Alice in Wonderland”, written with librettist Paige Lehnert will see it’s world premiere at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in April of 2024.

She conducted the premiere of her concert work “Public Enemy” in the 2017 concert, “The Future is Female.” She later conducted and recorded this work with an 67-piece orchestra as part of the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive. In 2022, she conducted a concert at the Redlands Bowl in honor of her late mentor, Frank Fetta, with repertoire including the works of Mozart, Haydn, Elgar, Bizet, Verdi and Puccini.

Brooke has conducted on TV’s “Scandal”, the scores for “Luke Cage” ,“Queens”, “Run This Town”, “Maggie Simpson’s Playdate With Destiny”, and albums for Amazon Music, Linear Labs, and Snoop Dogg. She had a small role as the ballet pianist in the film “Don’t Worry Darling”, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. Brooke has also conducted orchestral tracks for numerous artists including Cee-Lo Green, Estelle, Raphael Saadiq and the estate of Luther Vandross.

As an internationally accomplished opera performer, she has been featured on Jimmy Fallon, the Jimmy Kimmel stage, the score for Netflix/Marvel’s “Luke Cage”, and “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”, also for Netflix. She has performed in Los Angeles with LA Opera, Pacific Opera Project, The Pacific Symphony, The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, The Redlands Symphony and Long Beach Opera.

During the pandemic, Brooke became interested in filmmaking, and won multiple awards for her films including: “Sole Mates”, and her horror shorts “The Sandman”, “Pyxis” (also Best Director),  “The Theatre Ghost”, and awards for her screenplays “Walter”, a sci-fi horror short, and “Burial”, a full-length horror feature.

Brooke is currently working on several film scores and new operas.

BONNIE MCKEE

Bonnie McKee doesn’t just write and sing pop songs. She creates bright, bold, and bombastic bops meant to be turned to eleven on the way to the best night of your life. A rush of energy surges through her colorful anthems about the crush you can’t have, the ex you don’t miss, and the dream you’re just about to make real. Igniting her career, she made a stiletto-deep imprint on pop as one of the game’s most sought-after songwriters. She’s co-written ten number one songs, including the RIAA Diamond-certified smashes “California Gurls” and “Roar,” with Katy Perry, garnering a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Song of the Year.” Simultaneously, her discography grew to include the likes of the double-platinum “Hold It Against Me” by Britney Spears and platinum “C’Mon” by Ke$ha in addition to songs for Cher, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Bebe Rexha, Jason Derulo, Kygo, and Adam Lambert, to name a few. Along the way, she amplified her solo artistry. She packed houses on tour coast-to-coast, graced the stages of hallowed venues like the Hollywood Bowl, and lit up festivals a la Coachella. Her 2015 Bombastic EP emerged as a cult favorite highlighted by the title track, which garnered over 20 major film and TV placements. Plus, she notably established herself as an auteur, writing, producing, directing, and starring in the 2020 award-winning short film April Kills The Vibe. Now, she finally invites everyone into her world with her 2024 full-length offering, Hot City. It’s more than a record; it’s a place you can go to be the best version of yourself as a scorching soundtrack sets the mood.

Krystina Fisher

Chandler Bondan

As BuzzFeed, Inc.’s Chief People Officer, Chandler manages a diverse People Team
As BuzzFeed, Inc.’s Chief People Officer, Chandler manages a diverse People Team across the organization, and oversees all strategic initiatives related to organizational planning, talent acquisition, learning and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, labor relations, information technology, facilities, security and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Chandler has an extensive background in people development, working at Advantage Solutions for ten years prior to BuzzFeed where she led programs aligned with business strategy for an employee population of over 100,000. She holds a unique ability to cultivate and deepen company values and establish successful company-wide HR-based solutions. across the organization, and oversees all strategic initiatives related to organizational planning, talent acquisition, learning and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, labor relations, information technology, facilities, security and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Chandler has an extensive background in people development, working at Advantage Solutions for ten years prior to BuzzFeed where she led programs aligned with business strategy for an employee population of over 100,000. She holds a unique ability to cultivate and deepen company values and establish successful company-wide HR-based solutions.

CINDY COWAN

Cindy Cowan is an award-winning film producer, who co-founded Initial Entertainment Group (IEG) in 1995. From its conception to its sale in 2000, IEG became a leading film production and foreign sales company. IEG had many successes including an Emmy nom for Rent-A-Kid; Emmy, Golden Globe, and People’s Choice noms for If These Walls Could Talk; the coveted United Nations Award for Savior; and four Oscar wins for Traffic.

Since forming Cindy Cowan Entertainment (CCE), Cowan has produced films with various A-list talent including Woody Harrelson, Robert DeNiro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy, as well as go on to win an Emmy for Miracle on 42nd Street, a documentary featuring Alicia Keys, Terrence Howard, Larry David, and Samuel L. Jackson, to name a few.

Upcoming projects include True Haunting, a supernatural thriller with Screen Gems; a music-based project with TriStar loosely based on a true story involving ‘NSync; Eye in the Sky, an action thriller with Millennium films; Line of Control, a political thriller with the Exchange; and a female-empowerment story about the girl who struck out Babe Ruth starring Abigail Breslin. Additionally, Cowan is producing a faith-based film entitled Iron Will, as well as various TV shows including Ellis Island, a scripted series about immigration during the 1910s. Cowan is also venturing into unscripted television with Seekers, a reality format showing the various modalities people are using to stay in the light in a world going dark, as well as a show documenting the rebranding of Maxim Magazine to promote women’s empowerment, confidence, and self-acceptance.

When she isn’t hard at work, Cowan sits on the boards of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization that provides free instruments and lessons to underserved public schools, and Children Mending Hearts, a dynamic arts-based enrichment education program that helps empower disadvantaged youth, building empathy and global citizenry. She also regularly contributes to Music for Relief, a non-profit organization comprised of musicians, music industry professionals, and fans, that are dedicated to providing aid to natural disaster survivors; We Care Solar, a revolutionary solar system that fits in a briefcase, designed to promote safe childbirth in developing regions by providing health workers with reliable lighting and power; and, Grassroots Soccer, a health organization that uses soccer to elevate at-risk youths in developing countries.

All of her contributions lead to her receiving the 2018 Woman of The Year Award presented by Women’s Image Network, and in 2019, Cowan was the Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient from the Hollywood Women’s Film Institute.

Zuri Hall

Zuri Hall is an Emmy award winning television personality and actress. The rising star, and Ohio-native, has made numerous guest appearances on scripted shows — including her appearance opposite Jen Aniston in Apple TV’s “The Morning Show”; multiple appearances on “The Arrangement” on E!; TV Land’s “Nobodies” (executive produced by Melissa McCarthy); and the digital comedic series “Hashtaggers”.

Zuri is the Sideline Reporter for NBC’s hit summer competition show “American Ninja Warrior”; a correspondent for Access Hollywood; and the co-host of Access’ newest companion show “All Access” – which focuses on entertainment news, human interest & true crime stories.

With a passion for music, and a singing/songwriting background — Zuri’s first loves were singing & acting, and she began pursuing both from a very early age. In addition to her past recording artistry, Zuri also studied Theatre at her alma mater, The Ohio State University, and eventually went on to study Improvisation at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade in New York City.

Before leaving for Access Hollywood, Zuri was a daily correspondent, and frequent fill-in co-anchor on E! News from 2015 to 2019. She is also the former host of MTV’s after-shows and reunions for the popular reality game show The Challenge. Hall has been a recurring guest on VH1’s Big Morning Buzz Live and has appeared on E!’s Fashion Police with Joan Rivers.

Zuri also has a self-run YouTube channel titled, “Hey Zuri Hall” where she talks about, “love life, and style for girls who hustle.” Her channel has more than 100,000 subscribers, and 5MIL+ views. Her career and fashion style have been featured in numerous high profile publications – including Vogue, Essence Magazine, ELLE, and more.

RUPA DASH

Rupa Dash is a media entrepreneur and futurist driven to solve the world’s biggest challenges through innovation, education, and creativity. Dash is the Partner of Dash Global Media. This consulting company explores the complexity of the emergent future and the shifting dichotomy between innovation and evolution to prepare start-up companies for the global reset in Asia and Central Africa. Dash has a passion for philanthropy; she is also the Co-Founder and CEO of the World Woman Foundation. Dash is leading the global initiative of mentoring one million women by 2030.

Recently, Dash launched World Woman Hour, the largest digital micro-storytelling platform, in partnership with WPP and Facebook Watch. With a massive reach of 42.7 million digital footprints, the platform was featured on the NYSE Opening Bell Ceremony and UN Women.

Dash is the first Indian American managing director of the world’s largest women’s entrepreneurship network recognized by the White House. Dash has worked with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s prominent investor meeting, the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development to bring useful resources to the most underdeveloped states in India. Dash was the first woman to receive the UN’s International Telecom Union Award for her work to bring mobile entertainment content to Indian farmers across 40,000 villages.

Dash received the Women Making Difference Award from the Los Angeles Business Journal 2018. She is actively involved with UN Women, Harvard Business School, the Davos Forum, and the Hollywood Film Festival, advocating for gender equality in film and entertainment. Dash has worked with leading media companies like Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Dash studied entrepreneurship at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

Dash is also a Clinton Global Initiative Fellow, dedicating her time mentoring emerging social entrepreneurs through initiatives like IBM Call to Code. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She serves on the International Indian Film Market and the Board of Trustees of the Russian Women’s Federation in Moscow.

Cheryl Fox

Cheryl Fox photographer + artist, found her love for photography at University in a dark room class and
later polished her creative skills at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. From there she went on to shoot
lifestyle images of family and friends. Many of those friends, now music’s biggest icons.
As a black woman, her career has unfolded solely by word of mouth and with no agency representation
to date. Her professional art career started with Fine Art. Through personal relationships she’s been
commissioned for HBO and Showtime Key Art, magazine covers, album packaging and ad campaigns.

Summers in East Hampton and holiday in St. Barts with iconic beings, like Sean Combs, Naomi Campbell,
Beyonce and Mary J Blige to name a few created an ideal kick start for Fox’s career in photography. It
was famed photographer Steven Klein that told her on one of the trips, to take as many pictures as she
could, for he as a professional photographer could not take his camera out and point it at anyone. So she
did.
Fox captures the vulnerability rarely seen of her subjects. Unsure who to trust and how to present these
authentic images, the Fine Art world opened up to her work. Her work was not featured on the actual
walls of the galleries representing her work until exhibition time. Recently, introduced to NFTS as fine art
meets cryptocurrency. In this bright new progressive world artists and their work are celebrated way
beyond the gallery. Fox dropped her Genesis Collection SMOKE in December 2021.
Her NFTs were featured at the 1st Decentral Art Pavilion @ the Venice Biennale in Italy this year. In July &
August, NFT Gallery ARTCADE @ Fred Segal on Sunset has exhibited Fox’s current work and released her
latest NFT Collection, entitled ‘Spirit Of An Athlete’. These SPORTS NFTs, feature never seen before NFTs
of athletes like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Terrell Owens and Floyd Mayweather to name
a few. Fox is born in Jersey and lives in Los Angeles. When it comes to the arts, she is definitely one to
watch!

Heidi Rojas 

Heidi Rojas is a powerhouse songwriter, artist,  proud first-gen Latina, and Millennial mama of two toddlers based in Los Angeles. For a decade, Heidi lent her songwriting prowess to co-write hits with renowned artists like Little Mix, Cheryl Cole, Dove Cameron, Pitbull, and New Kids on the Block to name a few. And in a beautiful twist of fate, she recently decided to channel her creativity into crafting her own empowerment anthems and soothing lullabies. Heidi has seamlessly blended her rich cultural heritage, musical talents, and the beauty and challenges of motherhood into a vibrant tapestry that resonates with women, moms, and Latinas worldwide.  With over 25 million views on Instagram and a quarter of a million streams on Spotify in the past 6 months, Heidi’s music has become a beacon of strength and relatability for her growing audience. Beyond her music career, Heidi wears many hats. As a songwriting and artist development coach, she guides aspiring singer/songwriters worldwide, helping them discover their voices and refine their crafts. In the coming year, Heidi has exciting ventures on the horizon. She’s set to drop new music as well as an exclusive merch/apparel, marrying her love for fashion with her advocacy for empowerment. Additionally, she will release her first bilingual children’s book with Con Todo Press.

Aayati Dash Kar

Aayati Dash Kar is a fearless sixth-grade student and a self-taught artist. Aayati uses her creativity and imagination to challenge traditional norms and expectations of young girls in STEAM fields. Aayati is currently the Assistant Creative Director of the Book LEADhER of the World Woman Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to empower and uplift women worldwide. Additionally, she co-founded Queendom Metaverse, an online platform that allows users to explore virtual worlds and create their own communities. Recently, Aayati collaborated with award-winning visual artist Karen Bysedt to launch the #Crownyourself collection to use the power of fashion and creativity for girls to embrace their true selves. Aayati has showcased her artwork at the Grammy Museum, META, Racial Justice Forum,  Art Director Festival, and Christie’s Beverly Hills in collaboration with UNICEF. Recently, Aayati announced the first Queendom music scholarship at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles for the first all-girls concert in Metaverse.Aayati loves writing poetry and learning fun facts about everything. She credits her grandmother, who lives in India, for shaping who she is today.

Dayren Santamaria

Born in Matanzas, Cuba to a professional musician father and an actress mother, she opted for a musical life and chose to study violin at age 8. Her passion for music has taken her on a journey around the world and across musical styles.

Dayren earned a Master of Music and Performance from the University of South Florida in Tampa. While in Tampa, she recorded and performed with respected artists, performing at a variety of venues, always leaving a bit of herself within the audience’s hearts.

Most recently she formed her band ‘Dayren Santamaria & Made in Cuba’ in 2015 with some of the best musicians in Los Angeles. They perform nationally as well as internationally. Dayren is the visionary founder and CEO of Santamaria Music LLC, a dynamic new company poised to make waves in the film industry. With a passion for storytelling and a drive for innovation, Dayren brings a fresh perspective to the entertainment landscape. As she enters the film industry with full speed, Dayren is dedicated to enhancing and transforming the cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. With Santamaria Music LLC, she aims to create compelling narratives that captivate hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Storm DeBarge

Storm DeBarge is a 27 year old dancer, choreographer, director,  and producer from Los Angeles, CA. Storm has been dancing since she was a baby and has always aspired to be a leader in the dance industry. This bilingual, outspoken, creative, and extremely talented young Black woman is a force to be reckoned with! Over the past two years Storm worked with some of the largest brands in the world including Nike, Pandora, Snapchat, Red Bull, BET, NFL, Def Jam, Death Row, and Liquid IV. Storm has also worked with award winning artists including Ciara, Blxst, Busta Rhymes, and Megan Thee Stallion. She enjoys directing music videos, movement direction, and artist development.  In 2021, Storm curated a filmed event series called ‘Storm’s Family Function,’ a one- of- a- kind merger between dance, music, and comedy. She has worked alongside/with  Fatima Robinson, Luther Brown, Calmatic, and more.  Storm’s Family Function was created to promote cultural awareness, family values, and an active lifestyle. Over the past year, she has successfully united and excited West Coast music and dance enthusiasts across America. As we all know, Angelinos have always been key contributors to the hip hop world, entertainment sector, and social culture around the world. LA needs events like this to strengthen a world- wide community that is deeply rooted in this new movement that is inspired through dance. All ages, races, nationalities, and genders are welcome at Storm DeBarge’s Family Functions!

Nilla Allin

Nilla Allin is an artist who embodies confidence and ambition. With her relatable, empowering lyrics accompanied by phenomenal vocal delivery, the upcoming MC from Los Angeles is on her way to take over the rap scene. Nilla previously generated a large fan base through her top-tier comedy skits on Tik Tok with over 1 million followers and lifestyle content on her YouTube channel. The rising star decided to hone her natural writing and storytelling talent as a child and initiate those skills into her rap career. By accumulating over 1 million streams in her first year of creating music with singles “Gotta Run,” “Don’t Do Me Wrong,” “TMS (Freestyle),” “Bullshyt,” and “On N Off,” it is no question that Nilla Allin is a multifaceted artist who excels at anything she puts her mind to. Nilla is also amassing performances and appearances throughout Southern California including; San Diego, Glendale Galleria autograph signing, Corner Store LA, The Roxy, The LA Invite, Dash Radio, with more to come! Nilla Allin plans to transcend her music into a realm of transparency and deep emotion. Nilla currently writes music and creates social media content. Wearing multiple hats while pursuing a music career proves that Nilla sees no limits in her plans to accomplish her goals. Not only is the artist’s hustle inspiring, but the tunnel vision Nilla has for her growth is also the fuel that will result in longevity in her music career.

Caroline Teti

Stacey Lankford Pennington

Jessica Ross

Jessica Ross is an award-winning actress and reporter, appearing on television and in films; she has also written for several fashion blogs, and been on reality TV.

She was one of the lead cast members of the Fashion One Network’s reality series, Fashion Dolls which aired across 175 countries in over 400 million households. Her role in 15 Seconds Fame which premiered at Cannes drew praise and was short-listed for the Oscars.

Other projects entail highlighting businesses as a host for Big Review TV, presenting at the Hollywood Now Film Festival, reporting for Backstage Weekly, and being the LA Correspondent for Waves & Runways. Outside of acting, she was a keynote speaker for iTalk Philadelphia and hosted the red carpet at iTalk Los Angeles.

Since August 2022, Jessica has been a reporter at Heart of Hollywood Magazine. Her TV show, “Hollywood Unexpected” is now airing on the XOTV Network digitally and broadcast. The show features Penn and Teller’s Wes Iseli, former supermodel Ronnie Carol, as well as red carpet flashbacks from Bai Ling, Patty Stranger, and MTV’s Farrah Abraham, and a starring role in the upcoming suspense thriller, Mr. Smith. Recently, she was a lead and co-producer in “Chasing Stars”, a comedic-drama tv show pilot with an all female cast and crew.

Center Stage, Vegas Unlimited, Indie Activity, Action Magazine, Voyage LA, Cinderella of New York, Juwai, Bizbooast, Heart of Hollywood, JAMO Magazine, Entertainment Network Live, It Can By You, Livein Style Magazine, Buzzfeed, and CBS are just a few of the media outlets she has been featured on.

Laura Kreiss

Entrepenur, inventor, real estate developer and philanthropist with a passion for international relations, community leadership and children. A current member of Scripps Foundation. A dedicated advocate to research in search of the cure for Cancer. Laura also has a passion for film, theater and television production. Partner to James B. Harris film producer and director, former partner to icon Stanley Kubrick. Current member of the board of directors to Film for Posterity and a former professional tennis player.

Amanda Henry

Amanda Henry is a dynamic and results-driven leader serving as the Vice President of Business Development and Women’s Wellness at Therabody. In this role and in several others she’s held at the wellness tech leading company, Amanda spearheads the exploration of new revenue streams, cultivating strategic partnerships to elevates brand awareness while actively representing Therabody in the ongoing dialogue surrounding women’s wellness. Prior to her impactful tenure at Therabody, Amanda co-established Brooklyn PR, a black female-owned PR agency, and co-founded B.Y.O.U., a groundbreaking platform connecting female-owned businesses with essential support. Committed to supporting female founders, Amanda actively engages as an angel investor, focusing on empowering and nurturing early-stage consumer startups led by women.

Recognized globally for her achievements, Amanda has spoken at prestigious events like the International Communication Congress “RED2: Transmedia” and served as a jury member for the 2023 Young Lions PR Competition. Amanda solidified her status as a trailblazer in her field when she was recently awarded the Marcomms Most Influential accolade by The PR Net.

Tamara Trione

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Obsession

Remi Sira

Aspen Jacobsen