Tracee Ellis Ross is an award-winning actress, producer, founder, and CEO.  

For eight seasons, Ross starred in ABC’s SAG and Critics Choice Award-nominated and Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, and Peabody-winning comedy series “black-ish.”  She also starred in the Emmy and GLAAD Award-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning series “Girlfriends” for eight seasons. Ross has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Golden Globe Award, nine NAACP Image Awards, and the 2020 People’s Choice Awards “Fashion Icon Award.” She was also named a Disney Legend for making an extraordinary contribution to The Walt Disney Company. 

Ross is the owner, founder, and co-CEO of PATTERN Beauty, the global multi-million dollar brand she created for the curly, coily & tight-textured community in 2019. PATTERN is the #1 BIPOC brand and #2 curl brand sold at ULTA Beauty. PATTERN is also sold at Sephora, Nordstrom, Target, Macy’s, and Amazon, in the US; Sephora in Canada; and Boots, Look Fantastic and Cult Beauty in the UK. With PATTERN, Ross is changing the paradigm of how the textured hair community is marketed to and supported. The company's content and messaging are a celebration of Black beauty & joy. PATTERN proudly supports organizations and programs that empower women and people of color. 

Ross will next be seen in season 7 of the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Black Mirror.” In addition to Ross, the new season also features Paul Giamatti, Jesse Plemons, Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd and Emma Corrin, among other returning cast favorites. The new season will stream on April 10th. 

Ross is currently in post-production on her Roku original series “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.” The series will chronicle Ross as she meticulously, laboriously, and sometimes ridiculously prepares for and travels solo to spectacular locations. Ross will serve as an Executive Producer on the docu-series under her banner Joy Mill Entertainment. Joy Mill Entertainment has a deal with 20^th and is dedicated to telling joyful, fun, and grounded stories exploring how we see ourselves and how we connect to one another. “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross” will premiere later this year. 

Ross recently wrapped production on “Blow The Horn,” an indie psychological drama from Nacho Arenas. The project is an adaptation of “Bajo Terapia,” the acclaimed Argentinian play by Matias del Federico, which has previously been adapted by Spanish filmmaker Gerado Herrero. Others in the cast include Lake Bell, Wrenn Schmidt, Dallas Roberts, Joshua Boone and Ken Leung. In addition to starring in the film, Ross also serves as an Executive Producer. 

Ross was last seen opposite Jeffrey Wright in the Oscar-winning drama “American Fiction,” directed by Cord Jefferson. It was nominated for Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards, and was named one of AFI’s movies of the year. Last December, Ross was seen starring opposite Eddie Murphy in Amazon’s holiday film, “Candy Cane Lane.” The film became the most-watched Amazon movie debut in the U.S. and among the top 10 worldwide film debuts ever on the service.  

Earlier this year, Ross starred in the thriller “Cold Copy” and is currently lending her voice to Amazon’s animated comedy “The Second Best Hospital in The Galaxy,” alongside Keke Palmer, Kieran Culkin, Maya Rudolph, and Natasha Lyonne. 

Ross advocates for joy, self-acceptance, inclusivity, and equity. In 2017, Ross gave a powerful speech about claiming your own life at Glamour’s Women of the Year Summit that went viral. In 2018, Ross opened the TED Conference, the first Black woman to do so, with a speech about the wisdom of women’s fury. 

In 2022, Ross was given the “Racial Justice Trailblazer” Award by The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law for her demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice and upholding values that promote an inclusive democracy. She has also moderated stops on both of Michelle Obama’s book tours. Ross recently received a 2023 Webby Special Achievement Award for her ingenious use of the Internet to share multidimensional stories of belonging, increasing Black representation in the beauty industry, and serving as a constant, positive force on the Internet, and was named a 2023 Cosmetic Executive Women Female Founder honoree. She was recently honored with the Trailblazer Award by 15 Percent Pledge, as a 2024 CNBC Changemaker, and was given the 2024 Achievement Award for Excellence in the Arts by the National Museum of Women in the Arts for being a leader in the entertainment industry and a passionate advocate for gender equity. 

Ross received honorary Doctorate degrees from Spelman College in 2023 and Brown University, her alma mater, in 2015. 

Contemporary family influencers Jett and Campbell (aka Pookie) Puckett have taken the social media world by storm with their authentic love story, infectious positivity, and "absolutely fire" style, engaging and inspiring a vast audience. Their viral TikTok catchphrase, "Pookie is looking absolutely fire," has resonated with millions, making their content a favorite on the internet. Love is the at the forefront of all the Puckett family’s content, organically weaving their shared love of fashion, beauty, food, travel, sports, and lifestyle into their modern-day love story.

The Puckett family’s in-person live Q&A with Rent The Runway sold out and had a line around the venue well after the session had ended. They have also worked with brands including Armani Beauty, Aritzia, Formula 1, Target, and Summer Fridays. Their instant popularity has been chronicled in People Magazine, Paper Magazine, The Cut, and more.

An iconic figure in entertainment, Selma Blair is known for her impact on screen, in fashion, and as an activist. Blair’s film career began with her comedic roles in pop culture classics Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde. Her film credits include Todd Solondz’s Storytelling, Roger Kumble’s The Sweetest Thing, Robert Benton’s Feast of Love, and John Water’s A Dirty Shame. Selma has reprised her role as “Liz Sherman” in Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army, after starring in the original Hellboy. On television, Blair played “Kris Jenner” in FX’s The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story. On stage, Blair starred in Gruesome Playground Injuries and was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Spoken Word Recording” for her reading of The Diary of Anne Frank. On Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars, Blair won the award for The Competition Contestant of 2022 at the People’s Choice Awards. She released her first memoir to critical acclaim, The New York Times bestseller, Mean Baby. Blair can also be seen on screen as the subject of the award-winning documentary feature Introducing, Selma Blair.  In 2024, Blair was celebrated as one of British Vogue's 40 “Megastars.” Beloved by audiences globally, Blair’s work across several high-profile projects has solidified her reputation in Hollywood.

Today, Blair is the Chief Creative Officer of Guide Beauty, a multi-award-winning cosmetics company, and a tireless advocate for the causes close to her heart such as disability justice and diversity in media. For her advocacy, Blair was honored with the Equity in Entertainment Award by The Hollywood Reporter, the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award, and the Media Access Visionary Award. She has also been honored with Glamour's esteemed Women of the Year award for her courageous commitment to challenging norms and shattering barriers. Blair has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s People of The Year, further solidifying her impact on social change. Blair has shared her vision for a better world with hosts including the Massachusetts Conference for Women, TBC United Nations, the University of Buffalo, and many more.

Grammy-Award winning R&B artist Ciara is a multi-platinum musician, songwriter, philanthropist, entrepreneur, mom of 4 children, and force of fashion. Over her two decades in music, she has sold over 23M records and 30M singles worldwide. Ciara was recently honored an NAACP Image award for her role as Nettie in 2023 adaptation film of The Color Purple. Ciara is an entrepreneurial female founder with brands launched both independently and with her husband Russell Wilson. She is the CEO of Beauty Marks Entertainment, Ten To One Rum, and OAM (On A Mission) skincare.

Ciara is also a philanthropist who co-founded the Why Not You Foundation with husband Russell Wilson, which is dedicated to fighting poverty through education and empowering today’s youth. This cause is close to her heart as a working mom and wife. Onstage, Ciara shares her perspectives on achievement, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.

Film producer, Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), and CEO of 1Community Scott Budnick is a pioneer of impact-first entertainment. Perhaps best known for producing the highest-grossing R-rated comedy trilogy in film history, The Hangover, as well as Old School and Due Date, Budnick became internationally renowned as the Executive Vice president of Todd Phillips’ Green Hat Films. Leveraging his platform for good, Scott has been a fierce advocate for social justice and a fairer judicial system by stepping continuously and gracefully between the entertainment industry and his community work. In 2003, he began volunteering with InsideOUT Writers (IOW), which brings creative writing into juvenile halls. In 2014, he founded ARC, whose mission is to reduce incarceration, improve the outcomes of formerly incarcerated individuals, and build healthier communities. Inspiring positive global change through a media co-financing model, 1Community created Just Mercy with Michael Jordan. Budnick’s work shows the ability of creatives and investors alike to make a positive impact on the world.

Budnick’s advocacy work has made a profound impact on social wellness. For his work with youth in the criminal justice system, Gov. Jerry Brown named Scott the 2012 California Governor’s Volunteer of the Year. He sits on the Board of State and Community Corrections and serves as a Board Member for President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Budnick has been invited to speak at the United Justice Coalition, the Impact Guild Global Forum on Democracy, and the nationwide Corrections Leaders Associations Conference, among many more.

Former NBCUniversal executive Imani Ellis is the CEO and Founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, a community dedicated to facilitating brave spaces for Black and Brown creatives. Founded in Ellis’s one-bedroom apartment, The Creative Collective has grown into the largest community devoted to creatives of color. In addition to community events, The Creative Collective provides countless resources and workshops. The Creative Collective’s marquee event, CultureCon, is the first-of-its-kind ideas conference that caters to all aspects of creative and young professional life. Past CultureCon speakers have included Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, Regina King, John Legend, Spike Lee, Lena Waithe, and more.  As a leader in talent development in media and creative industries, Ellis’s perspectives are crucial for organizations seeking a creative spark.

Ellis is regularly invited to speak at high-profile events and conferences, including Amazon, Jordan Brand, Pinterest, Advertising Week, Meta, the Women of Power Summit, Columbia Business School, and many more. Named a "Breakthrough Creative" by Ebony, a “Visionary” by Forbes, “One to Watch” by Black Enterprise, and a “Diversity Champion by AdWeek, Ellis shares invaluable insights on cultural competency and innovation.

Chris Appleton, celebrity hairstylist and visionary behind iconic looks for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande, is redefining beauty standards and inspiring creativity on a global scale. He is a regular contributor on The Today Show, a lifestyle contributor for The Drew Barrymore Show, and a correspondent for E! Red Carpet events including the Met Gala. He was recently invited by Anna Wintour to be a contributor for VOGUE across VOGUE social platforms and their digital app. Dubbed a “Hair Star” by Vogue UK, Appleton's work has been showcased on covers and major features for top-tier magazines across the globe, including VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. With a career marked by innovation, artistry, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, Appleton has become a trusted name in fashion and beauty. Appleton speaks on his self-made success, embracing opportunity, and the joys of following your passion. 

As an award-winning stylist and industry trailblazer, Appleton's unique approach to personal branding, resilience, and creative expression resonates far beyond the salon chair. Whether sharing the story of his success through perseverance, creativity, and risk-taking, inspiring audiences to turn perceived challenges into strengths, or offering transformative lessons in creativity and confidence, Chris inspires audiences to embrace their unique style and harness their full potential.

Founder, chief creative officer, best-selling author, and philanthropist, Kendra Scott, started her company in 2002, just three months after her first son was born. With only $500 and a tea box to carry her collection, she went store to store selling her designs. Her dedication to innovation, quality, customer service, and attention to detail has since transformed her small startup into a billion-dollar brand. Today, with over 2,600 employees and more than 140+ standalone stores, Kendra Scott is celebrated for its design and material innovation, vibrant use of color, and signature shapes. The lifestyle brand offers a diverse range of products, including fashion, demi-fine and fine jewelry, watches, engagement rings, home accessories, a men’s collection (Scott Bros. by Kendra Scott), and a western-inspired brand (Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott).

 As the brand continues to grow, Kendra and her company remain true to their founding philosophy of “Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy,” benefiting both customers and employees. Since 2010, Kendra Scott has donated over $70 million to local, national, and international causes supporting women and youth.

Driven by a deep-rooted passion for empowering the next generation of leaders, Kendra founded the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) at The University of Texas at Austin in 2019 to empower women and creatives looking to change the world through entrepreneurship. This interdisciplinary program, involving the College of Fine Arts, the McCombs School of Business, the College of Natural Sciences, the Cockrell School of Engineering and School of Undergraduate Studies, empowers, equips, and builds a community for creatives, founders and leaders.

 In 2023, Kendra furthered her commitment to philanthropy by launching the Kendra Scott Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to empowering women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. Notable programs supported by the foundation include initiatives around breast cancer research and awareness, pediatric hospitals, and early education literacy.

Kendra is a reoccurring investor/guest Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning show “Shark Tank”. Kendra also serves on the board of directors for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, while maintaining her role as Executive Chairwoman and Chief Creative Officer of Kendra Scott, LLC. Today, the company continues to operate out of Austin, Texas, where Kendra resides with her family.

Chelsea Handler is a powerhouse entertainer who brings her razor-sharp wit and fearless perspective to every stage she steps on. In her Las Vegas residency Chelsea at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, Handler delivers electrifying, laugh-out-loud stand-up that captivates audiences with her unfiltered humor and magnetic energy. But she’s not just a comedian—Handler shines as a dynamic speaker, leading bold, no-topic-is-off-limits town hall events that ignite meaningful conversations about social activism, politics, and modern culture. Known for breaking barriers as the first woman to dominate late-night TV with Chelsea Lately and crafting globally acclaimed Netflix shows, Handler’s ability to blend humor with hard-hitting truths makes her a standout choice for any event. As the three-time Critics Choice Award host, Handler is an adept host and moderator. Whether she’s making audiences roar with laughter or inspiring them to take action, Handler guarantees an unforgettable, high-impact experience that leaves people buzzing.

Handler is a writer, comedian, producer, TV host, activist, and the author of seven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. She hosted the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on the E! network from 2007 to 2014 and released a documentary series, Chelsea Does, on Netflix in January 2016. In 2016 and 2017, Handler hosted the talk show Chelsea on Netflix. Her Netflix comedy special, Revolution, was released in 2022 and is now streaming. Her beloved advice podcast, Dear Chelsea, is in its fifth season and her fourth stand-up special, The Feeling, was released by Netflix in 2025.

Handler’s best-selling books include My Horizontal Life (2005), Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea (2008), Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang (2010), Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me (2011), and 2014’s Uganda Be Killing Me, and Life Will Be the Death of Me: . . . and you too! Her latest, the instant #1 New York Times bestseller I'll Have What She's Having, is an earnest exploration of the antic-filled, exhilarating, and joyful life she’s built.

Handler has been honored by TIME magazine as one of its annual “TIME 100”; Glamour magazine as one of its 2011 Women of the Year; and the Human Rights Campaign, which gave her its Ally for Equality Award in 2009. Handler’s wide appeal and multiplatform success have been highlighted by publications all over the world. 

Emmy Award-winning journalist Jemele Hill is known for bringing a unique perspective to her analysis of sports and social issues. Hill’s 20-plus year journalism career has included stops at the biggest sports media network and several reputable newspapers. She is currently a contributing writer for The Atlantic, after rising to prominence through ESPN, where she provided undeniably fresh takes on sports content as a host of SportsCenter, First Take, Around the Horn, The Sports Reporters, and Outside the Lines. Her independent commentary took off with a weekly, late-night show on Vice Network called Cari & Jemele: Won’t Stick to Sports, co-hosted with Hill’s longtime friend, former ESPN anchor Cari Champion. As fans flocked to her personal brand, Hill’s podcast career launched with the two-time Webby award-winning podcast Jemele Hill is Unbothered, featuring in-depth, thought-provoking conversation with some of the biggest newsmakers across entertainment, culture, music, and politics. Previous guests include Vice President Kamala Harris, Ice Cube, Spike Lee, Chelsea Clinton, Stephen Colbert, Issa Rae, and more A-listers. Her memoir, UPHILL, one of Oprah Daily’s Best Nonfiction Books, reveals her tumultuous childhood, complicated family dynamics, and her life-saving journey into journalism. Hill explores topical and controversial issues with humorous, candid commentary.

Hill’s career emphasizes the power of dialogue and conversation in bridging divides, fostering understanding, and driving positive change within society. Hill founded a podcast network, Unbothered, and co-founded Lodge Freeway Media to empower other women of color in sports media production. She is a highly lauded journalist, honored with two NAACP Awards and the National Association of Black Journalists’ Journalist of the Year Award. Hill has been invited to speak at Harvard University, Stanford University, Google, and many more.

Multiple #1 New York Times bestselling author Angie Thomas is a beloved voice on both the page and the screen. Her award-winning, acclaimed debut novel, The Hate U Give, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture. Her second novel, On the Come Up, is a film on Paramount Plus. In 2021, Angie returned to Garden Heights with Concrete Rose, a prequel to The Hate U Give. Her latest bestselling work, Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, is Angie’s first foray into the fantasy genre. Thomas speaks on the importance of finding your voice, representation in media, and how communities unite through storytelling.

Thomas is the namesake behind the Angie Thomas Writer’s Scholarship, a fully-funded BFA in Creative Writing at Belhaven University. Thomas was the inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. She is a William C. Morris Award Winner, a National Book Award Longlist, a Printz Honor Book, and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She is also a former teen rapper with a profile feature in Right-On Magazine and can still rap if needed. Thomas has headlined the Mississippi Book Festival, FOLD Kids Book Fest, and many more.

Academy-Award winning writer, director, and renowned playwright Aaron Sorkin brings a wealth of creative insight and storytelling mastery to any speaking event. Sorkin made his Broadway playwriting debut at the age of 28 with the military courtroom drama A Few Good Men, for which he received the John Gassner Award as Outstanding New American Playwright. Sorkin made the jump to feature films with his 1993 adaptation of his play A Few Good Men, nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture followed by Malice, The American President, and Charlie Wilson’s War. In 2011, Sorkin won the Academy Award, Critics’ Choice Award, British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award, and Writers Guild Award in the Best Adapted Screenplay category as well as the USC Scripter Award for The Social Network. The following year, Sorkin adapted Moneyball for the big screen and won Critics’ Choice Award and New York Film Critics’ Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and went on to receive four Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. For television, Sorkin created and produced NBC’s renowned series The West Wing, which earned nine Emmy nominations in its first season. The series went on to win a total of 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive years. For his work on the series, Sorkin twice received the Peabody Award and Humanitas Prize, as well as three Television Critics Association Awards, three Producers Guild Awards, and a Writers Guild Award.

For his many other popular works, Sorkin has also received nominations for a Broadcast Film Critics’ Association (BFCA) Critics’ Choice Award, BAFTA Awards, Writers Guild Awards, and multiple regional critics’ association awards. As one of the most highly-lauded writers of our time, Sorkin’s conversations blend entertainment industry insights with broader lessons about leadership, integrity, and creative innovation.

Recording artist, actor, author, and Founder and CEO of Rock The Bells, LL COOL J is a two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, NAACP Image Award winner, and Kennedy Center Honoree. LL COOL J began in the nascent, burgeoning rap and Hip-Hop scene of the 80’s when he signed to Def Jam at age 16, quickly proving himself with outstanding musical talent and business acumen. He was the first rap artist to amass 10 consecutive platinum-plus selling albums. Over the past three decades, LL COOL J has created one of the most multifaceted careers and enduring brands in entertainment.

In 2018, LL launched Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM (Ch.43), garnering millions of daily listeners. LL personally curates and programs the timeless Hip-Hop channel with music, interviews, and in-depth retrospectives. Whether discussing the intersection of art and commerce or the keys to personal and professional success, LL COOL J captivates with his authenticity and wisdom. 

Dr. Jonathan Leary is the visionary Founder and CEO of Remedy Place, a revolutionary Social Wellness Club. At the intersection of design, holistic self-care, and human connection, Dr. Leary and Remedy Place are architecting a profound shift in the landscape of the $10+ trillion healthcare industry. Responding to a surge in demand from a market poised for exponential growth, Remedy Place has launched a global events division and introduced a collection of holistic technologies, ushering in a dynamic new era of self-care. Dr. Leary continues to innovate and inspire with an unwavering commitment to transforming lives and shaping industries. 

Beyond his leadership at Remedy Place, Dr. Leary is a sought-after speaker in the health and wellness arena. His expertise has been featured in top media outlets such as Vogue, The New York Times, The Times UK, and The Today Show, along with corporate keynotes for Delta Airlines, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, The Global Wellness Summit, and YPO. He also has consulted with leading companies such as Kohler and Soho House, helping to shape wellness innovation and strategy.

In addition to being a mild-mannered physics professor, Dr. James Kakalios is an award-winning, internationally recognized expert on Superhero Science. Dr. Kakalios is the Taylor Distinguished Professor in the University of Minnesota’s School of Physics and Astronomy and the author of three popular science books: The Physics of Superheroes, The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics, and The Physics of Everyday Things. He has given hundreds of fun and engaging public presentations to audiences whose age ranges from eight to eighty. Using humor and wit, he explains real science using superhero comic books as examples – focusing on those cases where the heroes get their science right!

Dr. Kakalios’ science communication efforts have been recognized by national awards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Physics, and the American Association of Physics Teachers (previous winners of these awards include Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Carl Sagan, and more). He served as the science consultant for the Warner Bros. superhero film Watchmen (his short video, “The Science of Watchmen,” won a Regional Emmy award) and the Sony film The Amazing Spider-Man. His YouTube videos, discussing the physics in superhero movies, have garnered millions of views.

Dr. Kakalios has been invited to inspire audiences at schools, commencement ceremonies, and STEM-related private industry meetings as the keynote or after-banquet speaker, including the 92^nd Street Y, Library of Congress, ComicCon International, and more. His talks are not just entertaining, but also educational! He has been reading comic books longer than he has been studying physics.

Curtis Stone is a Los Angeles-based Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, author and culinary entrepreneur. In addition to several Michelin-starred restaurants, Curtis operates Curtis Stone Events in Los Angeles and Australia, a full-service events and catering company that crafts personalized occasions for guests. Outside his restaurants, Curtis is widely known for his appearances on television programs such as the NBC Top Chef franchise, Field Trip with Curtis Stone on PBS, Crime Scene Kitchen on FOX, Netflix’s Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, and his show/podcast Getting Grilled with Curtis Stone. A New York Times bestselling author, Curtis has authored six cookbooks including his most recent, Good Food, Good Life. Curtis developed Kitchen Solutions, a sleek and functional cookware collection, which has become the best-reviewed brand and top-selling culinary line on the Home Shopping Network. Curtis was recognized with the Medal of the Order of Australia for his outstanding achievement and service in tourism and hospitality. As a beloved TV personality and successful restaurateur, Curtis’s engaging storytelling and infectious enthusiasm make him a standout speaker for culinary events, corporate gatherings, and any audience who loves to eat.

As a public figure, Curtis has dedicated himself to giving back. In 2016, Curtis began a new pledge to give back through his #Commit2One initiative. Each year he partners with a charity, devoting the majority of his time and resources to the cause. Through these efforts, he has raised funds and awareness for The National Young Farmer’s Coalition, Chrysalis, AdoptTogether, and Share Our Strength, which aims to end childhood hunger through their No Kid Hungry campaign. Curtis brings his passion for food to the world stage, captivating audiences with his culinary journey and impact work.

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.

Renowned conductor James Conlon has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire and is one of today’s most versatile and respected conductors and educators. Mr. Conlon has spoken internationally about the power of creativity, the enduring importance of classical music, and leadership insights that resonate across industries.

Since his 1974 debut with the New York Philharmonic, Mr. Conlon has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra. He is Music Director of LA Opera, with whom he has won four Grammy Awards and led more performances than any other conductor in the company’s history, and also serves as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Through worldwide touring, an extensive discography and videography, numerous writings, television appearances and guest speaking engagements, he is one of classical music’s most recognized and prolific figures.

Mr. Conlon is an enthusiastic advocate of the role music plays in our shared humanity and civic life. He has worked to call attention to the works of composers silenced by the Nazi regime – which led to the creation of The OREL Foundation, the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Recovered Voices, and his popular TEDx Talk “Resurrecting Forbidden Music.” Mr. Conlon has received numerous honorary doctorates and accolades including the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest honor – and was personally inducted by then-President Jacques Chirac.

Fashion model and Indigenous Land Protector Quannah Chasinghorse is the face of a new generation of models and a powerful advocate and activist for Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and representation. Chasinghorse is from the Han Gwich’in from Eagle Village, Alaska and Sicangu/Oglala Lakota tribes from the Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota. She grew up learning Indigenous ways of life and values and continues to uphold them. She is a fourth-generation land protector for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, growing up in the movement to protect those sacred lands from oil development, fighting for climate justice. With each new opportunity, Chasinghorse educates people about her culture and her journey.

Chasinghorse has walked the runway for Gucci and Chloé and starred in campaigns for Calvin Klein and Chanel, among other high-end brands. She has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Elle, Allure, and National Geographic, and was honored on Teen Vogue’s 2020 list of “Top 21 Under 21.” Quannah and her mother were recently featured on an episode of Hillary and Chelsea Clinton’s Apple+ TV series Gutsy, which celebrated environmental activists, and was the subject of the documentary Walking Two Worlds. Beyond her advocacy as a land protector, she champions Indigenous rights and sovereignty, and justice for the movement MMIWG2S, which stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. In all she does, Quannah celebrates indigenous practices and fashion and works to increase representation and break the trail for those following in her footsteps.

Actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner’s esteemed career has been critically recognized with two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. With past roles across comedy, action, and drama, most movie lovers have seen Costner’s work. He has appeared in box-office hits including Silverado, No Way Out, Bull Durham, JFK, The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, and Wyatt Earp, among many others. In addition, he starred in and executive produced the Paramount Network’s hit-drama, Yellowstone, a role for which he received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Drama. Costner’s exceptional filmmaking abilities were showcased in Dances with Wolves, which he produced, directed and starred in, and which won seven Academy Awards including “Best Picture” and “Best Director.” Costner also produced and co-authored the New York Times bestselling adventure novel The Explorers Guild. Costner captivates audiences not only as a legendary figure in the entertainment industry but as a remarkable storyteller. Whether discussing his experiences in film, the demands of creativity, or the enduring value of hard work, Costner leaves audiences entertained, inspired, and deeply connected to his story.

When Costner is not working on films, he sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar in his band, Modern West, and can be seen playing venues across the country. The band’s song "The Angels Came Down" was adopted by the Gold Star Moms and Gold Star Wives organizations, which support the mothers, wives, and families of fallen soldiers. Costner also fundraises for first responders through hosting appearances and charity concerts.

Composer Jeanine Tesori has had an undeniable impact on the culture of musical theatre, opera, and film. Her musicals include Kimberly Akimbo; Soft Power; Fun Home; Shrek The Musical; Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie; and Violet. She is a two-time recipient of the Tony Award for Best Score and a two-time Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and in 2015, she and Lisa Kron became the first all-woman team to win the Tony for Best Score of a Musical for Fun Home. Her operas include A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck; The Lion, The Unicorn and Me; and Blue, which received the MCANA Award for Best New Opera. For her opera, Grounded, she became one of the first two women to be commissioned by The Metropolitan Opera - and the first woman in the 139-year history of the Met to open a season. Tesori also served as Supervising Vocal Producer on Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Tesori brings a wealth of creative insight and industry expertise to any event.

Tesori is the Founding Artistic Director of New York City Center’s Encores! Off-Center series and a lecturer in music at Yale University. Jeanine has been the recipient of many honors, including the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, as well as Drama Desk and Obie awards, and was cited by ASCAP as being the first woman composer to have “two new musicals running concurrently on Broadway.” Tesori offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice, drawing from her experiences in composing, storytelling, and collaboration.