Meet the Pros

Aaron Mason is a talented young animation artist from College Park, Georgia, whose creative journey began in 2017. With a passion for bringing imagination to life through animation, Aaron has continued to develop his artistry and explore the power of visual storytelling.

As a workshop facilitator at the M3 Youth Film Festival, Aaron will share his creative talents with middle and high school students, introducing them to the exciting world of animation and inspiring the next generation of young artists to bring their own stories to life.

Amer-Marie Woods (she/her) is a dynamic force in independent film and theatre—a fearless storyteller who thrives both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Based in Atlanta, Amer-Marie uses her voice and vision to amplify untold stories and center marginalized perspectives through bold, emotionally resonant work.

As an actress, Amer-Marie has brought heart and grit to the stage in Other Paths to God (Horizon Theatre), Yanni Stone and the Honeypot Trap (SheATL, 7 Stages Theatre), Cry It Out (Stage Door Theatre) and Witch Cake (Fringe Festival 2025, 7 Stages Theatre). On screen, she’s portrayed layered, unforgettable characters in indie films and shorts such as Because, I Love You (Melinda), Soul Ties (Jessica), I Hate I Love You (Tina), and Affirmation (Gayle), as well as in TV projects including the upcoming TV movie Consider the Rainbow. She deepens her craft through ongoing training in movement, Suzuki, and devising with Vernal & Sere Theater, and was recently selected for the New Play Development Directing and Producing Intensive with Working Title Playwrights.

Her evolution behind the camera is just as compelling. Having worn nearly every hat on set—from Script Supervisor to 1st AD to Location Manager—Amer-Marie has built a reputation for precision, passion, and purpose. She’s produced a slate of boundary-pushing films, including By The Lake (a raw drama exploring addiction), Her Pretty Vagina (a biting dark comedy on women’s health), and Both Eyes Open (a psychological thriller about reclaiming power after abuse).

A 2025 Producer’s Lab fellow at Stowe Story Labs, Amer-Marie continues to evolve as a multi-hyphenate creative. She’s currently producing a new theatre production and preparing to direct an upcoming short play—always with a commitment to story as a vehicle for change, healing, and revelation.

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Angel Fabián Rivera is an actor, director, writer, producer, and podcast host reshaping the narrative for Latinos in entertainment. With a Drama degree from the University of Puerto Rico, his career spans film, theatre, television, and media production — always centered on authentic Latino storytelling. As a performer, Angel's breakout role came in Lionsgate's Plane alongside Gerard Butler and Mike Colter. He has since appeared in Border Baby, Written in Blood, and Noche de Talentos, with a standout television performance in NBC/Telemundo's Velvet. He served as Spanish dubbing artist for Steven Spielberg's West Side Story and became a household name in Puerto Rico as the face of Lottery Commercials. As a director and writer, Angel wrote and directed Love & Happiness at Georgia Ensemble Theatre, “Regresaremos” and is currently developing Fossil Fuel Café, an original bilingual multicam sitcom. He’s also developing his second TV Sitcom “Sleepy Shallow”. He was the Associate Director on Carmela Full of Wishes at the Alliance Theatre through the Kenny Leon Directing Fellowship. Off screen, Angel hosts Lights, Camera, Latino!, a podcast amplifying Latino voices in entertainment, and was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia. He represented Puerto Rico as one of ten delegates at the 2025 New York Day Parade. Angel is represented by Houghton Talent and managed by Daniel Gutiérrez.

Arlene Martin is an award-winning Hair Department Head, Executive Producer, writer, educator, and industry professional with more than 25 years of experience in film, television, beauty, and entertainment. With over 15 years as a Hair Department Head, Arlene has led hair teams across television, film, live events, and fashion, bringing creativity, leadership, and a deep understanding of storytelling through hair. Her work includes acclaimed productions such as P- Valley, The Bold Type, and That's Her, and she is an Emmy-nominated hairstylist and Black Reel Award winner. Arlene is also an experienced educator and public speaker, having worked internationally as a beauty brand ambassador and educator. Passionate about mentorship and the artistry behind the camera, Arlene continues to use her experience to educate, inspire, and create opportunities for emerging beauty and entertainment professionals.

A.R. Shaw is an award-winning journalist, editorial executive, author, and national on-air commentator whose work spans global news coverage, cultural storytelling, and digital media strategy.

With experience across leading media organizations, including ABC News, BBC, CBC, NPR, NBC, The Guardian, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Shaw has built a reputation for delivering insightful commentary and compelling narratives on politics, business, sports, and culture. As Executive Editor of Real Times Media, Shaw led a national newsroom of 30 journalists, transforming editorial operations. Shaw also spearheaded audience development, newsletter and podcast strategies, and revenue-generating content initiatives.

Beyond the newsroom, Shaw is a sought-after moderator and keynote speaker, appearing at universities, cultural institutions, and civic events.

Fulton County Government recognized his contributions to journalism and media with a proclamation establishing November 19 as A.R. Shaw Day in Atlanta. Shaw is also the author of Trap History, an investigative exploration of the cultural and economic forces behind a global music movement. He holds a journalism degree with a minor in business administration from Georgia State University.

Atlanta-based actor and emerging filmmaker Ashlyn Khan is a creative with big dreams, bold ambition, and a passion for bringing stories to life! Currently studying marketing at Georgia Gwinnett College, Ashlyn is carving out a path in acting, filmmaking, and digital content creation through YouTube. Driven by a love for storytelling, Ashlyn is determined to create work that doesn't just entertain but leaves a lasting impression. Whether it's making audiences laugh, cry, think, or see the world differently, Ashlyn believes in the power of storytelling to move people and spark emotion. With a commitment to growing as an actor and filmmaker, Ashlyn is focused on developing a creative voice, pushing boundaries, and building a body of work that audiences will one day recognize and remember. For Ashlyn, the goal isn't just to be seen on screen. It's to make people feel something long after the screen goes dark.

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 | 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 | 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 Atalia Lyrical is a 13-year-old actress, model, and content creator based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a passion for storytelling and entertainment, she has established herself as a rising young talent in the industry. Beginning her career in modeling, Atalia has worked with nationally recognized brands, including Carter's, OshKosh, Lowe's × MrBeast, PUMA, Foot Locker, and Belk, among others. She has also walked the runway for multiple designers during New York Fashion Week. Expanding into acting, Atalia secured a supporting lead role in the feature film MIRROR and appears in the feature film The Fashion Police. Her credits also include The Atonement Series, Girl Beneath the Floorboard, and Where Is Lil Man?, where she portrayed Leya Lee. She stars as Charlotte Monroe in Diary of a New Girl, an upcoming Skribble Vision Productions original series, and was recently cast in the lead title role of MAYA, portraying a young autistic child. Beyond acting and modeling, Atalia has built a combined audience of more than 280,000 followers and subscribers across Zigazoo, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, connecting with young audiences through entertainment, fashion, and creative storytelling. As a youth panelist at the M3 Youth Film Festival, Atalia hopes to inspire other young creatives by sharing her experiences navigating auditions, professional productions, and the entertainment industry while encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence, authenticity, and determination.

Auset S. Jones is an 11-year-old Atlanta-based performer whose remarkable vocal ability, stage presence, and love of storytelling have already taken her across North America. Auset completed a seven-month North American tour of TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, portraying Young Anna Mae (Tina Turner). The production spanned 69 cities, three countries, and 175 performances, giving her an extraordinary introduction to professional theatre at a young age. Continuing to build on that experience, Auset is currently portraying Raynell Maxson in August Wilson’s acclaimed classic Fences at Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, further expanding her range as a young actor. A gifted vocalist known for her remarkable whistle register, Auset has also captured attention beyond the stage, with a viral singing performance reaching more than 5.7 million views on TikTok. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Atlanta, Auset has been drawn to music and performance since early childhood. She continues to develop her craft through acting, vocal, and dance training while balancing her education and professional opportunities. With a growing body of professional work and a genuine passion for the arts, Auset represents a new generation of young performers discovering the power of their voices, both onstage and beyond.

Big Korey, born Korey Roberson, is a Platinum-selling, Billboard-charting producer, writer, and mixing engineer out of Atlanta. He came up inside the Oomp Camp Production Family and started making beats at eight years old. Featured in Apple Music’s The Producers his credits reach well past hip-hop: The Dream, Victoria Monét, Playboi Carti, Arin Ray, Future, NBA YoungBoy, Keke Palmer, Kylie Cantrell, Jamal Roberts, EarthGang, Flo Milli. He recently produced T.I.'s single "Dope Boy Academy" featuring T-Pain, Jeezy and 2 Chainz, and holds a production credit on GloRilla's "Hollon" from her debut album Glorious, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 5 and has moved 500k equivalent album units. Korey is a frequent collaborator of Tricky Stewart, recently co-producing The Dream's singles "24/7" and "No Hands" , Kylie Cantrell's "Girls Like U, H3rizon & Muni Long’s “Future Self (BKAI Remix) and Victoria Monet’s “I Want You" with D.Mile. A lot more from that partnership is in the pipeline. He has placed over 40 records in film and TV as well: Wix Patton's "Can't Believe It" in Spiderwick Chronicles (Ep. 104), and both Wix Patton's "WTH I Want" and his own "Live My Life" in All American: Homecoming.

Christopher “Deep” Henderson is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum songwriter and music producer whose career spans almost three decades. His credits include Jamie Foxx & T-Pain’s Grammy-winning smash “Blame It,” Case’s classic wedding anthem “Happily Ever After,” Vedo’s platinum hit “You Got It,” and most recently, multiple songs on rising R&B artist Eli Derby’s 2026 album LOVESHY. A four-time ASCAP Award recipient, Henderson has twice been named among Billboard’s Top 5 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Producers of the Year. Beyond creating music, he is passionate about developing and inspiring the next generation of artists and songwriters through mentorship, masterclasses, advocacy, and his SongBuildersTV platform.

Clemille “Cj” Peters, Jr. is a gaming entrepreneur, producer, and UX designer best known as the founder of Konsole Kingz and the creator of the culturally authentic mobile card game Black Spades.

Founded in 2004, Konsole Kingz helped establish a blueprint for an urban gaming lifestyle brand—spanning content, virtual goods, platform distribution, and influencer-led campaigns that connect Hip Hop culture and gaming.

Raised in Angie, Louisiana, Clemille “Cj” Peters, Jr. gravitated to computers early, taught himself web design and media production in college, and later fused technology, design, and community-building into the Konsole Kingz mission. He holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems (Louisiana State University), an Associate degree in Graphic Design (Art Institute of Atlanta), and a User Experience Design certificate (SMU). His early career includes roles with Turner Broadcasting, IBM, Motorola, and Silicon Graphics.

Across gaming and entertainment marketing, he has secured distribution and licensing deals, led Xbox urban affinity work, produced event/tournament programming (Microsoft, Sony, Capcom, 2K Sports, Allied Integrated Marketing, Universal Pictures), and executed studio campaigns generating 150M+ impressions; he also drove a company pivot that produced $1.2M+ in gross sales through gaming personalization.

On the product side, he negotiated the Kandi Burruss partnership for Kandi Koated Spades (peaking #4 in Top Paid iPhone Card Apps in 2011) and evolved those learnings into Black Spades. Black Spades launched in 2016 and grew from a simple MVP into a richer, player‑guided experience—kept free-to-play through an ad‑supported model powered by Google AdMob—supporting his mission to preserve and extend Spades’ history within African American culture and make the game accessible anywhere.

Recognized as an industry pioneer, Peters has been a featured speaker and panelist at major gaming and technology conferences (Google Indie Developer Workshop, PAX, SXSW, Pocket Gamer, Dream Con, etc.) and was a nominee for Black Enterprise Small Business of the Year. His career reflects a rare ability to bridge culture and technology—delivering commercially viable gaming products while authentically representing an underserved audience at scale.

Diallo Thompson is an Atlanta-based actor, filmmaker, host, and voice artist with over 15 years of professional experience in entertainment. He began his acting career as a child in Barbershop: The Next Cut and has since appeared in projects including The Hate U Give, Till, Freshman Year, Senior Year: Love Never Fails, and Christmas Swap. Alongside acting, Diallo works in hosting, filmmaking, and digital content, continuing to build a versatile career across film, television, voiceover, and entertainment.

Dr. Christopher Oakley is a professor at Spelman College, where they teach Physics, a Middle-Earth Course, and Ludology, the study of games. He studies how materials like human hair interact with light and stress, and he uses what makes games so compelling to help students learn. A published author of tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) modules, he brings the worlds of science and play together in the classroom. He supports educational projects in virtual reality, tabletop, and board game design, including a multiuser VR study space with 3D models and demonstrations, and a student-created deck of “deal-a-room” dungeon cards for TTRPGs.

Gem Marc Collins is an Atlanta-based actor whose work spans film, television, and independent productions. Also known professionally as Marc Collins, Gem has built a diverse body of work through performances that showcase his versatility, emotional range, and commitment to authentic storytelling. One of his most notable screen credits came in Chinonye Chukwu’s acclaimed feature film Till (2022), in which he portrayed Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till’s cousin, credited as Marc Collins. He has also appeared in the television series BMF and A Man in Full. His film and television credits include Along Came the Devil 2 as Jack, The Ones Who Survived as Luke, War-Angel: The Awakening as Jo-Jo, Saturday as Nate, Cherry as Sean, Mended as Aaron, Acceptance as Khalil Miller, and Consequencesas Nick. His more recent work includes his recurring guest-star role as Eddie in G.R.I.T.S., Echoes and Echoes 2: Curses of the Past as Demetri Thornton, Justice Room: Fullman County as Calab Kelly, and Lazarus: The Awakening as Alonzo Young. He can currently be seen in his recurring role as Kyle in the television series Cape Fear on Apple TV and as Sam in Damsel. Gem’s acting foundation is equally distinctive. He studied acting at Oxford University in the United Kingdom through Oglethorpe University’s Study Abroad Program and was admitted to both the Oxford School of Drama and the British American Drama Academy. He also attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta on a full-tuition theatre scholarship. Known for his infectious energy, authenticity, and dedication to his craft, Gem continues to establish himself as a versatile performer capable of bringing depth and humanity to a wide range of characters. From major studio productions to independent films and television, he continues to leave his MARC on every story he joins.

Artist, Entrepreneur & Film Industry Creative A Killeen, Texas native and former United States Marine, Truth is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, custom gold grillz artist, and entertainment industry creative. As the founder of Gold Tooth Truth, he has contributed his craftsmanship to major film and television productions, including P-Valley, On the Come Up, Respect (the Aretha Franklin biopic), and Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother. With experience spanning film, music, and entrepreneurship, Truth has built a career transforming artistic talent into opportunities in entertainment. His journey reflects the power of creativity, relationships, discipline, and turning an unconventional skill into a successful business.

CEO, Sports Marketing Executive, NIL Educator, National Speaker Ivory Tabb is a nationally recognized leader in sports marketing, athlete branding, and NIL education with over 25 years of experience shaping the careers of athletes, entertainers, and influencers. She has negotiated multimillion-dollar deals for stars including Patrick Mahomes, Anthony Davis, Cardi B, and Sha’Carri Richardson, while connecting global brands like AT&T and State Farm with top-tier talent. A proud LSU alum, Ivory’s career spans executive leadership roles at PlayersTV and Panini America, where she spearheaded athlete-driven content and endorsement opportunities in the NBA and NFL. Today, as CEO of IvoryTabb.com, she partners with sports, entertainment, and lifestyle companies while consulting with athletes, schools, and brands nationwide on the power of personal branding. Ivory is also a nationally requested speaker, delivering keynotes and workshops at colleges, high schools, and industry conferences across the country. She has taken the stage at premier events delivering #tipsbytabb helping to equip athletes, faculty, and industry professionals with strategies to succeed in the evolving NIL era. Beyond the stage, Ivory extends her impact through her thought leadership on LinkedIn, where she shares actionable insights on NIL, marketing, and personal branding—providing a resource that students, faculty, and staff turn to for education and empowerment. Known for her mantra of “making a way out of no way,” Ivory Tabb continues to bridge the gap between culture, contracts, and opportunity—cementing her place as one of the most influential voices in sports and athlete branding today.

Jamal "Bottom Line" Burke is the creator and host of The Expensive Truth, a show about the real costs of the choices people make with money, relationships, career, and identity. He brings the candor of someone who has competed at the highest level and lived to tell the story.

Coming out of high school, Burke received Division I offers in football, basketball, and track, a rare three-sport distinction. He chose Boston College, where he played wide receiver and ran track. He then signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. Today he stays connected to the game as a member of the NFLPA Atlanta Chapter.

Off the field, Burke is a former New York actor and SAG-AFTRA member whose credits include Guiding Light, Chunky Soup Commercial, and the film Hitch.

At the center of his mission is the Media Day Movement, a live training experience for high school and college athletes. The program prepares them to handle the media with confidence and trains athletes how to manage college recruiters and coaches’ questions, plus equips athletes with financial literacy education before NIL/NIL Collectives arrive.

Jona “Brazil” Young is an IATSE Local 479 journeyman working across props, set dressing, set construction, and production design. With experience in film, television, and other types of productions, Brazil specializes in bringing stories to life through the spaces, objects, and details that make a world feel real. Brazil is excited to share the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking and show the next generation of storytellers just how much creativity goes into building the worlds we see on screen.

Jordan Rose is an Atlanta-based Director of Photography specializing in commercial and music video work. His entry into filmmaking was unplanned. Raised without expectations of a creative career, Jordan discovered visual storytelling at sixteen after receiving his first camera, initially shooting photographs before moving into video work for his high school’s football team. What began as curiosity quickly became a visual language. Jordan later attended Morehouse College, where he studied Political Science on a pre-law track. During that time, a request to shoot a music video for a friend reignited his connection to cinematography, ultimately redirecting his path. In the years since, through persistence and refinement, he has built a career grounded in trust, craft, and visual intention. His work is defined by a sensitivity to tone, performance, and atmosphere — prioritizing emotional clarity over excess. While his journey has included periods of uncertainty and challenge, those experiences continue to inform a disciplined, resilient approach to both storytelling and collaboration. Outside of filmmaking, Jordan enjoys cooking, exploring local restaurants, and watching films — a practice that keeps him rooted as both a student and practitioner of cinema. Above all, he credits his growth to faith, family, and the support system that continues to shape both his work and perspective.

Founder of the luxury Group Author | Music Executive | Business Mogul In the realm of American music executives, few possess the level of accomplishment and impact as Kai Tyler, a figure known by his aliases "Cloth" or "Verse." With his birth on August 8, 1980, in Atlanta, GA, and upbringing in Newark, New Jersey, Kai's profound affinity for music was nurtured during his formative years. The rich soundscape of South Orange, New Jersey, where he spent his youth, exposed him to the mellifluous offerings of iconic groups like The Temptations, a testament to his mother's discerning musical palate. Kai's journey into the realm of music unfolded as a burgeoning saxophonist, immersing himself in the intricate harmonies of Kenny G's seminal album, "Duotones." As his passion matured, he ventured into uncharted territories, co- founding a DJ collective alongside DJ Naim during his formative years in the eighth grade. The fortuitous encounters with influential figures such as Sean "Puffy" Combs allowed Kai to immerse himself in the inner workings of the music industry, spending his summers in the hallowed halls of Bad Boy Records. In this transformative period, he crossed paths with the illustrious Diamond D, a guiding mentor whose tutelage sharpened Kai's understanding of song structure and honed his artistic prowess to its zenith. Kai Tyler pursued his education at Columbia High School, a bastion of artistic excellence nestled within the verdant suburbs of New Jersey. It was within this fertile environment that he fostered profound connections with like- minded visionaries, including notable luminaries such as Lauryn Hill and SZA. These formative relationships kindled the flames of inspiration within Kai, propelling his unwavering dedication to the industry.

Kalen is a software engineer based in Snellville, Georgia, who works where technology, gaming and community meet. As Technical & Fandom Director at Sole Play Gaming, Kalen leads technical operations and builds community programming that brings gaming together with fashion and lifestyle culture. From 2022 to 2025, Kalen was a software engineer at Microsoft. There, he developed educational STEM games for youth in underserved communities and supported coding workshops with the Ludacris Foundation, introducing young people to technology through play. Kalen also built Power BI dashboards tracking engagement across 50+ partner organizations in Microsoft Philanthropies’ Nonprofit Tech Acceleration Program. Kalen holds a B.S. in Information Technology from Florida A&M University. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Ann Cephus Family Fund.

Keana Ludin (26), a Jackson, Mississippi native, is what many would call a true jack of all trades—and a master of bringing ideas to life. A proud Georgia State University alumna, Ms. Ludin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Communication, bringing a well-rounded perspective to the worlds of entertainment, media, and strategic communication. As the CEO and host of Luv My Dirty South Podcast, Ludin blends storytelling, creativity, and cultural perspective to create engaging multimedia experiences. From original content and on-camera productions to red-carpet coverage and entertainment events, she brings a dynamic approach to every platform she touches. Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, Keana is passionate about creating meaningful connections, amplifying stories, and making her mark across the ever-evolving media landscape.

Khalid D.A. Green is an NBA experienced talent evaluator and basketball operations professional with over 9 years of scouting experience with the Brooklyn Nets. Specializing in identifying and projecting high-level talent across NCAA l,AAU, and grassroots ecosystems, he is deeply embedded in national player development pipelines. Currently Grassroots Program Manager at Klutch Sports Khalid contributes to draft, free agency, and roster evaluation while leading grassroots talent cultivation. He is a recognized leader in youth development through roles with Overtime Elite,New Heights Youth, Inc., and New York Knicks programming. Khalid holds an M.S. in Sports Management from Columbia University an M.A. in English from Long Island University, and a B.S. from Morehouse College. He has served as an adjunct professor and curriculum designer focused on player development and NBA scouting systems, and author of Free Game: A Parent's Guide to Navigating Black and Brown Youth Through Sports and Beyond.

Kiara McClendon is a multi-hyphenate, multi-passionate professional with over 12 years of experience in collegiate & professional sports, entertainment, & education. Foundational to her career, McClendon has worked with notable athletes, entertainers, and organizations like Ohio State, Florida State, the WNBA, Hot 97 FM, and Atlantic Records, across athlete relations/player engagement, event production, talent management, and strategic communications. Highlights of her work include producing large-scale events like Summer Jam and Rock the Bells, launching award winning student-athlete development programs like SHEROS at The Ohio State University, and breaking impactful stories as a writer for Forbes the Culture (now ForbesBLK) on The Crown Act and Taraji P Henson’s Facebook show on mental health.

True to her family’s legacy of entrepreneurship, McClendon is now the owner of multiple businesses grounded in empowerment, education, & client services. Exceptional Sports & Entertainment, her sports & entertainment consultancy, focuses on leading business and nonprofit operations for current & former athletes and sports adjacent executives. Since its inception in 2024, ESE continues to support current & former NFL, USL, WNBA, and women’s basketball clients by running their businesses empires and leading their philanthropic impact. In 2026, McClendon became the President of Black Sports Professional Atlanta Chapter, a professional membership based organization dedicated to fostering community & opportunity through sports.

McClendon extends her heart for service & education to her second business, AForEffort. Committed to financial literacy and entrepreneurship education, she published her book series The Adventures of the Money Mavens and she and her growing team have partnered to deliver workshops to over 4000 K-12 and collegiate students to date. With a mission to show athletes and creatives that they can build a legacy and financial freedom through entrepreneurship, ownership, and creative control, she bridges her passion for storytelling and mentorship with her drive to secure opportunities for others to succeed in and out of sports.

McClendon is a two time graduate of Rutgers University with her Bachelor & Master degrees in Communication and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University earning her second Master’s in Sports Leadership. McClendon continues to challenge the status quo & create meaningful, sustainable change in the sports and entertainment industries so we all win together.

Kourtney George is an Atlanta-born actress and creative professional whose work spans film, television, and digital media. A graduate of Spelman College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Drama, Kourtney has cultivated a career rooted in authentic storytelling, artistic versatility, and a passion for the performing arts. She recently starred in the leading role of Funny Thing About Love, a feature film released on ALLBLK, part of AMC Networks, and expanded her television credits with a role in a new pilot series. Her journey has taken her through the entertainment markets of Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, providing firsthand experience navigating auditions, developing characters, working on professional sets, and building a sustainable career in entertainment. Beyond acting, Kourtney has built a digital platform reaching more than 200,000 followers, blending her creative talents with an understanding of personal branding and audience engagement. As a workshop host, Kourtney is passionate about sharing practical industry knowledge, empowering emerging actors to approach their craft with confidence, preparation, and authenticity. Through her experiences both in front of the camera and behind the scenes of her own career, she brings a fresh, relatable perspective to the next generation of storytellers.

Kristofer Vilcapoma is a gaffer and lighting professional based in Atlanta. His journey in the film industry began in 2022 with an internship in the Lamp Dock at Blackhall Studios, where he learned the fundamentals of grip and lighting while gaining valuable experience on feature films and television productions. During this time, he discovered his passion for lighting and the creative role it plays in visual storytelling. Following his internship, Kristofer began working as a gaffer on independent films and student productions, building his skills and developing his approach to lighting. Over the past five years, he has continued to grow as a filmmaker, expanding his experience across commercials, music videos, and feature films. Today, Kristofer owns and operates his own three-ton grip and lighting package, allowing him to support a wide range of productions. Driven by a passion for collaboration, creative problem-solving, and visual storytelling, he continues to build his career by bringing stories to life through light.

A North Carolina native, Latonya has been performing on stages since the age of 10. She studied Architectural Design at Howard University, but life quickly detoured to her gifts and talents. She’s an Actress, Vocalist, Author, and Certified Nutritionist. She is a Producer of independent films, theatre and web content. She is the founder of the non-profit organization, Revelation Cultural Arts Center, which focuses on theatre and performance instruction and artistic expression. She is a vocalist and song stylist whose recordings can be found with the European group, Threestyle Jazz. She performed on many stages, mostly musicals with the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. In California, she was a part of the musical group Duets, a Cabaret-style group with sold-out performances every month.

She is the drama instructor for How Big Is Your Dream, the performing arts program for youth, started by JFly. She also teaches drama at the Cocoa Brown Actors Studio in Fayetteville, GA. She is the Founder of the Sistars Workshop Party, where she helps transform mindsets and encourages women to Speak, Heal, and Shine. Her current book, I APOLOGIZE TO MY THYROID, is an insightful look into living with the consequences of medical treatment, and her book, WHAT YOUR MOMMA NEVER KNEW ABOUT MEN; A Guide to Creating Real-ationships, is a clever, commonsense guide that helps women master their feminine power.

Leslie M. Greene, CSA, is an award-winning Casting Director, producer, entrepreneur, and founder of RtSE Casting Company, with 20 years of experience in film, television, animation, commercials, and live entertainment. Her casting credits include Netflix and Sony Pictures, Lifetime features, Disney Live Entertainment, and independent films recognized at the Sundance Film Festival. She’s a member of the Casting Society of America and the Television Academy, Leslie is passionate about creating opportunities for emerging talent and expanding access within the entertainment industry. Through casting, producing, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, she continues to champion the next generation of actors and filmmakers while reminding young creatives that where they begin does not determine how far they can go.

Monique Younger is a creative producer, director, and arts & cultural leader with over two decades of experience in film, television, and live event production. The founder of Nadiri Creative Media develops and produces documentary, scripted and unscripted programming, branded content, and live events. Her producing credits include the AspireTV reality series The Level Up Experiment; the award-winning documentary, Finally Sayin' What I Really Mean..., which she also directed; and the narrative shorts Yasodhara (award-winning), Keep the Change, White Tears, and Four Sons, now headed to the festival circuit. She is currently line producing the feature film, Cry of the Mountain. In fifteen years as a Costume Supervisor on feature films and episodic television, Monique gained intimate knowledge of the inner workings of successful crews. She brings that production expertise to projects that create opportunities for artists and strengthen creative communities. She serves on the National Board of the Alliance of Women Directors and the leadership board of AWD South, as well as the Television Academy's Costume Design & Supervision Peer Group Executive Committee and East Coast Committee.

Nadia Moore is a former collegiate volleyball player at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. She later earned her Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law in 2023 and became a licensed attorney in Georgia in 2024. Currently, Nadia is a sports and entertainment attorney at Carter + Woodard, LLC, a boutique law firm in metro Atlanta, where she represents athletes, entertainers, and other industry professionals in a variety of legal and business matters, including notable clients such as Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. Combining her passion for volleyball with her professional expertise, Nadia also serves as the Director of Business Affairs and Strategic Partnerships for the Atlanta Flames, a semi-professional volleyball team competing in the Volleyball League of America (VLA).

Olympia Kent is an Atlanta native professional makeup artist, Department Head, and entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in film, television, commercial, and editorial makeup artistry. As the founder of Makeup Goddess Studio LLC and a member of IATSE Local 798, she specializes in camera-ready makeup, character development, and visual storytelling.

Throughout her career, Olympia has led makeup departments on numerous film and television productions, collaborating with directors, actors, and creative teams to bring characters to life. Her work has been recognized in publications including SHEEN Magazine, VoyageATL, and Iconic Magazine.

Passionate about education, mentorship, and empowering the next generation of creatives, Olympia believes makeup artistry extends far beyond beauty. Through her work, she strives to inspire young artists to explore the creativity, discipline, and professional opportunities available behind the camera.

Queen Norris is an award winning Writer|Director|Producer, whose dreams of becoming a filmmaker started when she was just nine years old. Her story telling talents started at just four years old when she would create books from construction and notebook paper, and force her brother and cousins to read them. As a proud Howard University alumna and U.S. Army veteran, Queen spent twelve years serving her country before pursuing her passion for filmmaking full-time. She began honing her craft by shooting music videos for some of Atlanta’s most prominent recording artists, eventually transitioning into writing, producing, and directing her own short films, which have garnered more than one million views on YouTube. Today, she has produced eight feature films, five in which she also wrote and directed. As an independent filmmaker, Queen continues to bring original stories to life through compelling characters, engaging narratives, and a creative vision that reflects her passion for storytelling, while she continues to make her mark in the film industry.

Reign Buie is a vibrant eight-year-old bursting with creativity, curiosity, and energy. Currently in second grade, Reign is known for her love of reading, art, and all things girly. Exceptionally inquisitive, she has a natural desire to understand the world around her, constantly asking thoughtful questions, exploring new ideas, and discovering how things work. Reign is a natural leader among her friends and adores singing, dancing, performing, and bringing her imagination to life. Whether dreaming up stories, creating something new, or helping plan a themed celebration, she is always ready to make the ordinary a little more magical. Reign also serves in her church as a mini missionary, performs in competitive cheer, and recently made her stage debut in the adaptation of The Wiz with the Broadway on Bankhead theater group. With a heart full of wonder, a lively imagination, and a bright future ahead, Reign lights up every room she enters.

Ripton “Rip” Powell is a Jamaican-born founder, technologist, and catalog strategist. He co-founded Art Never Dies, the music management and production company whose work includes credits with Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Usher, and The Dream, and co-founded Mossor Music, which runs international songwriting retreats.

He is the software architect behind the Cadence CI platform and its vision: a multi-tenant system for catalog management, royalty processing, and rights intelligence. Rip also serves as Director of the Songbirds Foundation’s Atlanta chapter.

Seven Ilayna, is a costume coordinator, fashion creative, and designer with over seven years of experience in film and television production and more than a decade of experience in fashion, sewing, and garment design. Her passion for fashion began at an early age, when she discovered her love for sketching and bringing creative ideas to life. What started as a childhood interest eventually evolved into a multifaceted career at the intersection of fashion and entertainment. Seven began her career in film and television as a Production Assistant before advancing into Costume Coordination. Throughout her career, she has played an integral role in supporting the creative and operational demands of costume departments, overseeing departmental budgets, managing inventory and wardrobe records, documenting costumes worn by talent, and monitoring production expenses. Her production credits include Mea Culpa, Joe's College Road Trip, Divorce in the Black, Sistas, Zatima, Beauty in Black,and Why Did I Get Married Again?, among others. These experiences have allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the creative, logistical, and collaborative aspects of costume and production design. Beyond film and television, Seven has expanded her fashion experience through designer showrooms, working alongside established brands including La Femme, Ashley Lauren, and Jaz's Couture. These opportunities provided valuable insight into designer fashion, garment construction, styling, and the retail side of the industry. In 2018, she founded The Perfected Co., a boutique inspired by her belief that personal style and self-expression should be accessible without compromising creativity or breaking the bank. Through her entrepreneurial journey, she has curated pop-up shops, developed original designs, and showcased her work through fashion shows. With a background spanning fashion design, showroom experience, entrepreneurship, and film production, Seven brings a distinctive perspective to costume design. Her work is driven by a passion for storytelling, individuality, and the transformative role clothing plays in bringing characters and creative visions to life. She continues to explore new opportunities at the intersection of fashion, creativity, and entertainment.

With over fifteen years of dedicated experience in the film and television industry, Stevie Martin is a seasoned MUA department head known for transforming visions into reality through the power of makeup artistry. Having played a pivotal role in acclaimed projects such as "Creed III," "Safety," "Fantasy Football," and the poignant "Respect," Stevie combines technical expertise with an artistic flair that brings characters to life on screen. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams, Stevie has successfully contributed to the visual storytelling of high-profile productions, including "Beyond the Gates," "Dear Evan Hansen," "P- Valley" Season 1, and "Raising Dion." Stevie’s innovative approach to makeup design not only enhances character development but also ensures continuity and cohesion throughout the production process. With a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the latest trends in beauty and special effects, Stevie stays ahead of the curve, continually honing skills to adapt to the evolving landscape of film and television. Known for fostering a positive and collaborative environment, Stevie is a trusted team leader who empowers fellow artists to excel.

Summer Tinch is an Atlanta-based Costume Designer, Key Costumer, Fashion Stylist, Creative Director, and Costume Educator with over 15 years of experience in the fashion, film, television, and entertainment industries. Known for her creative vision, attention to detail, and ability to tell compelling stories through wardrobe, Summer has built a diverse career spanning major studio productions, independent films, theatrical productions, commercial campaigns, and fashion editorial projects.

Her film and television experience includes working on productions associated with leading entertainment companies and platforms, including Warner Bros., Netflix, Peacock, and Nickelodeon. Her notable production credits include The Color Purple (Warner Bros.), The Piano Lesson (Netflix), Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock), and A Loud House Christmas (Nickelodeon).

As a Costume Designer, Summer has demonstrated her versatility across multiple genres, historical periods, and storytelling formats. Her latest costume design credit is Moonlight Wind (2026), a period film set in the rural American South during the late 1920s and early 1930s. As Costume Designer, she led the visual development and execution of historically inspired costumes, utilizing extensive period research, character analysis, fabric selection, and wardrobe detailing to communicate the film’s historical and social context.

Her additional costume design credits include the stage production Love Won’t Let Me Wait; the short film What Happens Now, featuring Eric Roberts and Rotimi Paul; Short Term; the animated production Sol Sistah; Scandalous Blood Ties; and Wings, produced through the TPS Dream Collective.

Beyond film and television, Summer has contributed her styling and creative direction expertise to commercial campaigns, celebrity projects, fashion editorials, and branded productions. Her experience includes projects associated with Chevrolet, Cracker Barrel, AT&T, and entertainment personality David Banner, including styling for his viral 2026 performance. Her editorial and creative work has also included styling actress Sydney Mitchell and developing fashion and beauty imagery for publications and brands.

Passionate about education and professional development, Summer has served as a Costume Instructor with IATSE Local 479 and has shared her industry knowledge through educational programs and workshops associated with the Atlanta Film Society and Fresh Films Academy. Her instruction focuses on costume department operations, set etiquette, continuity, wardrobe preparation, and the practical skills necessary to succeed in film and television production.

Summer is also the author of The Set Costumer’s Handbook, an educational resource designed to help aspiring costume professionals understand the responsibilities, procedures, and expectations of working within a professional costume department.

With a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing, she combines creative artistry with business strategy, production management, and professional leadership. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence, collaboration, visual storytelling, and creating opportunities for the next generation of costume professionals.

Guided by her personal styling philosophy, “It’s not about the brand, but it’s about the style,” she continues to use fashion and costume design as powerful forms of visual expression.

Tabari Sturdivant grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, raised by his mother Linda, a microbiologist and single mom. While attending Rider University on a track and field scholarship, he connected with Jermaine Dupri through a childhood friend and began doing promotions for SoSo Def, getting his first taste of the entertainment industry. That spark led him to Jive Records in 1998 as Manager of A&R, where he worked with UGK, Too Short, and E-40, and signed Petey Pablo, whose debut went Platinum and earned a Grammy nomination. His roster also included Britney Spears, R. Kelly, NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys. A new chapter opened in 2008 at Tyler Perry Studios, where he rose from Production Assistant to Executive Assistant and eventually launched the Behind the Scenes Department, producing content for the web, DVD, and future programming. He went on to found Blue Lion Club Productions, executive producing and directing two award-winning features: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do and Probable Cause. In 2015, Tabari became Sr. Director and Producer for the State of Georgia, earning a State Merit Award for his documentation of the Highway 85 Bridge Collapse and Rebuild. In 2019, he was inducted into East Orange's Hall of Fame. He has since received Rider University's Lawson R. McElroy Award for Engaged Learning, and his film Love Karma earned Best Content Creator at the Peachtree International Film Festival. He also serves as director of A Stands for Art, a documentary series exploring the lives and cultural impact of Atlanta-based artists. With a career spanning records, film, television, and government media, Tabari is one of the most versatile storytellers working today.