Zarna Garg
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Achieving the impossible is just a normal day’s work for Zarna Garg, whether it’s escaping an arranged marriage at 14, or most recently, selling out theaters across the country as a stand-up comedian while building a lucrative social media empire–after raising her kids as a stay-at-home mom for 16 years!
Zarna is here to tell you that whatever your dream is, the time to achieve it is now, and she can share some of the strategies she’s developed to get there.
Zarna Garg is “One in a Billion,” and that's not the just name of her first comedy special. She’s also the only Indian mom comedian taking on her mother-in-law. Her memoir, This American Woman, is a laugh-out-loud, deeply honest exploration of identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to finally become who you were always meant to be. She was recently profiled as one of the gutsiest women in comedy on Apple TV’s new “Gutsy Women” series, and featured on “This American Life” with Ira Glass. When she’s not doing 15 shows a week at Comedy Cellar in New York City, she is touring the world with her show. She is the winner of Kevin Hart's Lyft Comics, the winner of the 2021 Ladies of Laughter Award, and has over a million followers across social media platforms. Her debut feature screenplay, Rearranged won Top Comedy Feature award at Austin Film Festival in 2019 and was a 2019 Nicholl Fellowships Semi-Finalist. Zarna proudly performs clean family-friendly comedy while wearing her kurta and bindi on stage and draws you into her authentic Indian world full of ironies, merciless maternal advice, and fresh observations on American life. Visit zarnagarg.com for more details.
Damaris Phillips
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A celebrated Food Network Star, chef, and entrepreneur, Damaris Phillips brings an irresistible blend of warmth, humor, and culinary expertise to the stage. Phillips is a speaker who inspires others to live their best, most fulfilling lives. Known for her modern takes on Southern comfort food, Damaris has become a Food Network favorite, hosting shows like Outrageous Pumpkins and Summer Baking Championship, and appearing as a judge on Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped. She’s passionate about health, wellness, and the power of food to bring people together. With a passion for innovation, diversity, and mentorship in the culinary world, she offers inspiring insights on breaking barriers, building a personal brand, and reimagining food as a storytelling tool.
A champion for female entrepreneurship, Phillips co-founded Bluegrass Supper Club, a catering company that celebrates Kentucky’s local farmers, and Pixilation Productions, a media company specializing in social media marketing. Through Pixilation, Phillips helps brands build their digital presence and engage with audiences in creative ways, empowering women in the media and marketing space.
Damaris also co-hosts the podcast That’s Fun with Nikki Dinki, where they explore how to embrace more joy and adventure in your 40s. Her message is simple: live with intention, cultivate meaningful connections, and make room for fun.
As a guest speaker, Phillips brings a refreshing perspective on health, business, and personal growth, offering actionable advice on entrepreneurship, building strong relationships, and living a vibrant, purposeful life.