Jazzma Crofton is a dynamic actress and painter whose creativity knows no bounds. From an early age, she displayed a natural talent for storytelling, seamlessly blending intellect and artistry.
In 2015, Jazzma relocated to Los Angeles from Chicago to fully immerse herself in the world of acting. Her breakout speaking role came in 2018 as Sage in the family sitcom *Family Time*, marking the beginning of a growing and diverse portfolio. She has since brought compelling characters to life in guest appearances on hit shows like *Station 19, South Side*, and *Sherman’s Showcase*, along with co-starring roles in films such as *Wineville* and *Angie’s Cure*.
Beyond the screen, Jazzma’s artistic vision extends to painting, where she explores themes of identity, emotion, and the human experience. Her work—whether performed or painted—reflects her deep commitment to creative storytelling, making her a force in both the entertainment and art worlds. With an ever-evolving artistic voice, Jazzma continues to push boundaries, leaving an indelible mark wherever her creativity takes her.
Thomas E. Moore III is an art collector and the Executive Director of the American Friends of the Louvre. In this capacity he serves as an American Ambassador for the Louvre working closely with the senior leadership team, Thomas is dedicated to enhancing the cross-cultural connection between American patrons of art and France. His primary focus is providing crucial support to the museum's collections, exhibitions, and programs.
A proud native New Yorker, Thomas combines his philanthropic expertise with a passion for helping institutions and nonprofits achieve their strategic goals, exceed fundraising targets, and rally around common missions. He and his wife divide their time between New York and Paris.
Morgan Roberts is a dynamic multidisciplinary creative whose work spans the realms of set decorating, production design, event production, interior design, florals, and even modeling and acting. With an eye for detail and an innate understanding of how aesthetics shape emotion, Morgan brings an unparalleled versatility to every project.
As a set decorator and production designer, Morgan is known for crafting visually striking and immersive environments that bring stories to life. Whether designing for film, TV, or live events, they fuse creativity with functionality, ensuring each design resonates with both the narrative and the audience. Their interior design work reflects the same precision, transforming spaces into stylish, functional, and personalized sanctuaries.
In the world of event production, Morgan's talents extend beyond design. They have successfully produced high-profile events, blending artistic vision with logistical precision to create unforgettable experiences. Their floral arrangements are equally admired for their elegance and innovation, transforming spaces into lush, vibrant settings.
With a background in modeling and acting, Morgan also brings a unique perspective to the creative process, understanding the importance of visual storytelling both on-screen and in real-world settings. Their multi-faceted skill set makes them a sought-after collaborator in the creative industry, capable of turning any project into a visual masterpiece.
Lex Marie (b. 1992) is a Washington, DC-based multidisciplinary artist whose work explores personal and collective experiences within the African diaspora. Through paintings, sculptures, and installations, she addresses themes like adultification, food insecurity, and systemic inequities. Using reclaimed materials, Marie creates vibrant, imaginative works that challenge societal norms, foster dialogue, and empower marginalized communities, inspiring empathy and change.
Born and raised in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Jorge Meza is a photographer who thrives on capturing electrifying moments. What started as a simple college course in 2010 quickly became an unstoppable passion—one that has taken him from underground nightclubs to massive music festivals, red carpet premieres, award shows, and high-profile private events.
Jorge first made his mark in the nightlife scene, shooting at the legendary Low End Theory in Lincoln Heights. That’s where he found his rhythm—documenting raw energy, late-night culture, and unforgettable experiences. From there, he became a go-to photographer for Hollywood’s most influential nightlife teams, including Supreme Team (LA Function), TAO Group, MADE (Saadiq), Penthouse Sundays, Monday Night Vibe (Karaoke), and Sound Nightclub. His work caught the attention of top-tier spirits brands like Ciroc, Deleon, Zacapa, Courvoisier, Remy Martin, and Moet Hennessy, bringing his signature style to high-profile marketing campaigns.
But Jorge’s vision didn’t stop at nightlife—he set his sights on the world’s biggest stages. Over the past decade, he’s captured the energy, chaos, and magic of live music, working with Goldenvoice, AEG Presents, and Loud Live LLC to document legendary concerts and music festivals. His ability to blend into the crowd while capturing the soul of a performance has made him a sought-after name in the industry.
Beyond the music, Jorge brings his storytelling skills to the luxury event space, collaborating with creative agencies and event production companies such as WOTP (Wife Of The Party), MVD Inc, The Brandgroup LA, Issa Rae Productions, BOTHO Art Collective, AMPR Group, Culture Creators, The Pave Group, and All Worthy People. Whether it’s an exclusive gala, a private dinner, or a star-studded award show, Jorge ensures every shot tells a story.
His lens also extends into fashion and branding, working with Gentry Garb, Born To Roam, and Fashion Nova. He’s even photographed for Viola, the largest Black-owned cannabis brand, bringing his bold visual style to a new frontier.
Jorge’s passion for visual storytelling has also led him to work with Southern Guild LA, a prestigious gallery representing contemporary artists from Africa. His work in the art space continues to expand his creative vision and cultural impact.
Lastly, he photographs for us Ibest Wines, a premier South African wine brand that expertly blends wine, art, and culture.
Through it all, Jorge stays grounded in what matters most—capturing real moments with passion, precision, and purpose. When he’s not behind the camera, he’s spending time with his daughter, his greatest inspiration. With every event, every moment, and every frame, Jorge is here to document the culture, celebrate the moment, and bring visions to life.
Hope is a self-taught visual artist with a passion for creating unique and inspiring pieces. His love for art began at a young age and has grown into a lifelong pursuit. Now as a multifaceted Director of Photography, Video Editor, Videographer, licensed drone FPV pilot and Photographer, he brings a wealth of experience to all creative settings. Operating as a one-man band, he is equipped with an extensive arsenal of professional gear, effectively functioning as a Swiss Army knife in the industry. Beyond this, Hope seamlessly integrates into top-tier teams, serving as a dynamic and essential team player. His portfolio includes impressive work for renowned brands such as Ciroc, Deleon, Nike, Revolt TV, Adidas, CalPak, Rolling Loud, Coachella and also countless amount of A-list artist and celebrities.
Chaise Dennis is a dynamic fashion publicist and brand strategist known for his work in celebrity styling and luxury fashion partnerships. With a keen eye for emerging talent and a deep understanding of the industry, he has collaborated with top designers and high-profile clients, securing placements at major events at global fashion weeks and award season red carpets. Chaise is known for amplifying his clients' presence, seamlessly blending fashion, entertainment, and media to create impactful moments that leave a lasting impression across industries.
Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow (b.1990 in Stockholm, Sweden), currently residing in Los Angeles, is a Swedish- Gambian visual artist known primarily for her work with acrylic, oil paint and her use of threads.
Her bold self-portraits ensnare emotivity as each layer resonates the artist's internal and outward struggle with feeling distanced from the world around her as she tries to reconcile the dichotomies of bridging multiple cultures as a mixed woman.
Rugiyatou was raised by her Gambian father and step mother who imparted West African values and culture while residing her whole life in Sweden. The artist credits her Swedish mother and grandmother as being early artistic influences in her life, inspiring her to start painting at an early age. Her upbringing became her inspiration to portray black subjectivity and explore her half-Swedish and half-Gambian identity, and the complexity of belonging.
Jallow’s use of color to portray black, white, and mixed skin, as well as applying threads, is acting as a visual representation of equality and connection across races. The floating hands are the womans ancestors protecting and embracing them. And the bright colors specifically are a further representation of the artist’s connection to nature and feeling of belonging on this Earth.
Diamond Mahone is a renowned US fashion stylist who has made her mark in creative direction and celebrity styling. With an eye for eclectic style and a passion for cultural fusion, she brings a unique flair to her work. Diamond’s innovative approach to fashion has earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the industry, making her a sought-after stylist for celebrities and influencers alike.
Grace Bukunmi is a renowned multi-dimensional artist with expertise in photography, art direction, and styling. Her work has been recognized by over one hundred publications and she has contributed to over twenty editorial outlets as a photographer and writer. Having launched her career with Elle Magazine South Africa, her photography has since been commissioned by a myriad of publications, including VOGUE, Complex, and Refinery29.
Her portfolio includes clients such as Selena Gomez, Paris Hilton, and Alicia Keys, as well as Fortune 500 brands such as American Express, Maserati, Target and Delta
Playing between reality and imagination, artist Megan Gabrielle Harris creates sublime escapes that surround black and brown female figures having pleasurable, peaceful and contemplative moments. Making this work is not only a cathartic process for the artist; she aims to inspire viewers to take time to nourish their own bodies and minds and to recognize the transformative power that our dreams hold. Harris currently works between Sacramento and New York City.
Michele McQueen, born in East Orange, New Jersey but raised in Oakland, California is an African American self trained chef, restaurateur, event producer and content creator best known for her outstanding soul food creations and her ability to put a spin on the traditional. She first garnered attention as one of the few Black female restaurant owners in the Bay Area after graduating from Howard University with a degree in business. Michele has been featured on ABC, KRON4, Food Network and more. Her food has been enjoyed by thousands including many celebrities, athletes and major corporations. Michele’s versatility is evident in the multiple talents she brings to the field.
Misa Chien is an authentic leader who is known for inspiring others, and helps people feel less alone and more connected through positivity and transparency.
Misa’s engaging and charismatic communication style stems from her experience through multiple forms of communication through being on TV, speaking at renowned institutions (Harvard Business School and The Harvard Club), and gracing the runway for brands such as Neutrogena and Target.
Misa’s exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial style have propelled her into high demand as a speaker, podcast host, television personality, and has even earned her the distinction of being ranked as the 23rd most viewed woman on LinkedIn worldwide and #1 most viewed Asian American woman nationwide with 16 million+ views per month.
In terms of her background as an entrepreneur, over the years Misa has founded several companies from food trucks to software that have reached 7 figures in revenue, a milestone that less than 2% of female entrepreneurs are able to achieve.
Based on her experience as an Asian American female founder for 18+ years, Misa launched The Authentic Asian in August 2023, an Asian American Female Leadership Community to help Asian American Female Founders and C-Levels feel less alone and more connected.
Cinthia Sifa Mulanga (b. 1997, Lubumbashi, DRC) was initially trained as a printmaker but soon gravitated towards painting and collage – the mediums that have come to define her practice. The core focus of Mulanga’s art is to challenge the representation of Black female subjects by investigating the individual’s relationship with space. Mulanga developed a fascination with the radical self-acceptance and self-confidence that Black women exude despite the systems of white patriarchy that bear down heavily on the conditions set for Black women in accruing visibility, success and confidence. The visual references and influences in Mulanga’s oeuvre are largely rooted in her adopted home of South Africa, where she grew up and trained as an artist. At times, Mulanga references well-known artworks produced by her South African contemporaries; they are intended as tributes to their work, playful acts of recontextualisation.
Chicago native Kendall Hurns is a multi-hyphenate culture converter who has his finger on the pulse of various arenas within entrepreneurship, fashion, sports, and the art/design space. From his early career in sports management working with top NBA players to founding Robotic Minds, he has now established his presence as a curator and visual artist manager with The Arte Haus.
The Arte Haus collective embodies the core mission—to make the once-inaccessible realms of art accessible to all. At the heart of those efforts lies the belief that what makes a ‘haus’ a ‘home’ is the vibrant and inclusive community it fosters. Kendall has forged an exceptional path in fields that often lack diversity and representation—embodying the essence of a cultural shifter, constantly pushing boundaries, and embracing collaboration to pursue progressive endeavors.
Miatta Johnson is a globally recognized entertainment strategist. As founder of the award-winning creative agency, MVD Inc. Johnson’s work and contributions to popular culture have earned her the title of “the culture-shifting architect”. Well known for developing campaigns and innovative experiential marketing initiatives that have inspired songs, global viral movements, and that redefine how record labels approach new music and global marketing.
A first-generation Liberian immigrant, Johnson has built a leading minority-own and women-led agency with an impressive roster of the entertainment industry and tech greats including; Netflix, The Recording Academy, Universal Pictures, and Essence Magazine. It’s not surprising that Miatta has been honored by Billboard Women in Music, Okay 100 Women and Biz Bash Innovator of the Year and recently awarded The Vanguard Award for her contributions in the entertainment space. She is also co-founder of Dope Africans. When asked how she does it all, she replies, “It’s in my DNA”.
Miatta is a proud graduate of NYU, a devoted wife and social justice activist.
Massah David is a cultural visionary, recognized for perfecting the art of trend forecasting and storytelling. As Co-founder and creative director of the award-winning agency, MVD Inc, Massah’s innovative campaigns have garnered her global recognition. Hailed for her ground-breaking work and collaboration with creative icons including Kanye West, Timbaland and others, Massah skillfully conceptualizes experiences that influence culture as a whole.
Known for bringing her instinctual talents rooted in vision, creativity and expertise, Massah formulates campaigns for prominent clients such as Universal Pictures, Netflix, Essence Magazine and The Recording Academy. Successfully leading MVD’s trendsetting ideation did not go unnoticed as Ms. David has been honored by Billboard Women In Music, Okay Africa Power 100 Women and BizBash 500 and recently awarded The Vanguard Award for her contributions in the entertainment space.
As a proud Liberian American, Massah’s commitment to civic and social engagement is felt and seen in her dedication to service-driven work with Teach For America, Color Of Change, and as a co-founder of Dope Africans.
She dances at the line of cutting edge and making the impossible possible, which is reflected in her transformative work.
John Bailey is a dynamic professional, seamlessly blending the worlds of interior design and art curation. With an innate sense of style and a keen eye for aesthetics, he has established himself as a leading figure in the creative industry. As an accomplished interior designer, John Bailey transforms spaces into captivating works of art. With a portfolio that spans 8 years, he has curated stunning interiors for both residential and commercial clients, infusing each project with a unique blend of functionality and artistic flair.
In addition to his prowess in interior design, John Bailey also serves as an esteemed art advisor. His expertise in the world of art allows clients to build exceptional collections that reflect their personal taste and vision. He has a knack for identifying emerging talents and curating pieces that resonate on a profound level.
Nelson Makamo is a Johannesburg-based artist born in Limpopo, South Africa, where he dedicates his art to amplifying the voices of African children. Over a career spanning sixteen years, Makamo has risen as one of the world’s most sought-after, young visual artists. His diverse portfolio includes, but is not limited to acrylic, print, watercolor, and charcoal drawings, with a keen focus on storytelling through candid portraits of children, capturing the resilience and beauty inherent in the human spirit.
Trained at the Artist Proof Studios in Johannesburg, Makamo’s artistic journey began with three years of studying printmaking, providing a solid foundation. Continuing to evolve, he experimented with various materials, eventually finding his signature medium in charcoal. Makamo’s unconventional work ethic embraces creative spontaneity, steering clear of detailed plans in his artistic process.
Influenced by artists like Dumile Feni, Picasso, and Van Gogh, Makamo’s globally acclaimed collections have graced exhibitions in South Africa, the USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands, England, and Scotland. His artwork challenges stereotypes in depicting African children, finding a place in prestigious collections worldwide.
Beyond the canvas, Makamo’s impact extends to mainstream recognition, including an appearance on ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah’ and gracing the cover of Time magazine. Celebrated for creating a platform for young African artists to communicate through their art, Makamo’s portraits exude strong emotions, reflecting the conviction, prowess, and determination of young Africans. His mixed-media style and unique mark-making technique distinguish him as a trailblazer in contemporary visual art, reshaping global perceptions of what it means to be an African child.
After a decade in the marketing and design industries, Brandon Alford’s expertise has been reflected by a colorful client catalog. His multidisciplinary experience, pragmatic approaches, and specialty in developing both brand strategy and identity, continue to prove effective and profitable. Along with large names, Alford has joined forces with spirits companies and apparel brands, and has crushed milestones within the hospitality, sports, and entertainment industries. With dexterity and dedication to not only meeting, but exceeding expectations, Brandon Alford continues to cultivate his skills across all platforms.
Nicole Sweet is a sports and lifestyle photographer who splits her time between Dakar, Senegal, Southern California, and Brooklyn, NY. Raised with a camera in hand, she initially fell in love with capturing the power and beauty of the ocean through surf photography. Her talent soon took her around the world, documenting basketball and working with the NBA, where she became known for her ability to freeze dynamic moments on the court.
Despite her global success in basketball photography, Nicole’s passion for the ocean called her back to her roots. She now dedicates much of her time to surf photography in Senegal, focusing on showcasing the country’s emerging athletes and helping them gain recognition on the world stage.
Her work can be seen in books such as Afrosurf, Afrosport and Women Making Waves and has worked with massive brands such as Nike, NBA, New York Knicks, Red Bull and more. Whether she's shooting on the court or in the water, Nicole brings a unique and powerful perspective that resonates with both athletes and fans around the world. Through her work, Nicole blends her love of sport with a deep commitment to storytelling, capturing the essence of the athletes and the vibrant sports culture that surrounds them.
Danielle J. Summons, a multi-hyphenated artist, hails from North Carolina, with roots in the DMV region. With talents extending across various artistic domains, she is known as a singer-songwriter, Broadway performer, and actress. Her music, marked by soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, captivates audiences on all platforms under the moniker ‘Danielle J’.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Danielle is a dedicated activist for the arts, particularly advocating for the visibility and empowerment of performers of color. She fervently believes in cultivating opportunities where their voices are not just heard but celebrated.
Danielle’s journey in the arts is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and vibrant creative landscape.
