PTAFF'S 2025 PANELISTS   

Greg Akili is a veteran labor, community, and political organizer with over 55 years of experience in advancing racial, social, and economic justice. He is one of the few people of color in the U.S. to co-found a labor union—the United Domestic Workers Union, alongside Ken Msemaji and Fahari Jeffers.

Akili’s work has always been rooted in three core beliefs:
- People make a difference when you go to them and actively engage them.
- The essence of democracy is inclusion and participation.
- We live in the richest country in the world—justice, fairness, and equity are achievable.

He has worked at the local, state, and national levels, organizing with frontline communities, elected officials, and major institutions. From the Civil Rights and Labor movements to Black Power and Black Lives Matter, Akili has been at the center of historic efforts for social, racial and worker justice.

​Carol Ann Shine is a producer of films, TV movies, and series for Showtime, Lifetime, BET, CBS, Sony, NHK, LOGO, and TV One. A USC Cinema graduate, her work has premiered at over 50 festivals worldwide, including Venice (House of Cardin, Al Garib) and Sundance (Punks), and includes credits such as Blackbird, Noah’s Arc, and Jumping the Broom. Recent projects include Mr. Avaros (Sony), One Night, Good Fortune, The Chicago 50, Memphis Blues (Sony), and a Lifetime MOW. She also produced the award-winning short Superman Doesn’t Steal, a semi-finalist for the Oscars. Shine is co-founder of The Blackhouse Foundation and is a member of the DGA, PGA, and Film Independent.

Sasheen R. Artis Three-time Emmy award-winning producer and Founder & CEO of Plenty of Pie, a talent incubator and production accelerator dedicated to helping emerging and mid-career creatives advance their film, TV and documentary projects into the marketplace. 

For over 25 years, Sasheen has produced film, television and live events, working with newsmakers such as President Barack Obama, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Prince. In 2024, she won an LA Area Emmy Award for the documentary Bonnie Boswell Presents: Saving Moms on Black maternal health.

For four years, Sasheen was Chair of the Producers Guild of America Diversity Workshop and was invited by HRH Princess Rym Ali and the Royal Film Commission to create and lead a week-long seminar for creatives in Amman, Jordan. 

Sasheen is a member of the Television Academy, Producers Guild, and the PBS SoCal Community Advisory Board. She serves as Table Partner Lead for the California Jobs First Initiative and authored the Video Production & Distribution Section of the LA County Regional Report, Part 2, a federally recognized Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Originally from Harlem, New York, Sasheen earned her BA in Psychology from Stanford University.

Manny Jackson is a visionary sustainable fashion designer and social innovator whose work bridges design, technology, and humanity. As the creator of the StreetSleeper, a multifunctional jacket that transforms into a sleeping bag, Manny merges compassion with creativity to address one of Los Angeles’ most urgent challenges—homelessness. His designs embody purpose-driven innovation, blending utility, sustainability, and dignity for those most in need.

Through his company, StreetSleeper Relief, Manny uses fashion as a force for change, reimagining how design can serve both people and the planet. Each garment is crafted from ethically sourced, recycled materials, reflecting his commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact.

Guided by the belief that style and service can coexist, Manny continues to push the boundaries of sustainable design, inspiring a new generation of creators to see fashion as a vehicle for equity, empathy, and transformation.

Soulful Steps premiered at the 16th Annual MVAAFF.

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Victor Brew is an award-winning producer, actor, and content creator whose global experiences across 30+ countries shape his mission to foster unity, love, and respect through storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in Data Science from American University and is certified in AI Filmmaking, blending creativity with cutting-edge technology to redefine entertainment.

As the founder of Gold Coast Productions, Victor has produced multiple TV series with three-time Emmy Award–winning director Dr. Louis Jones, including the NoHo series on Amazon Prime. He also produced North of Hollywood, which screened at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

A member of the Producers Guild of America, Television Academy, and SAG-AFTRA, Victor has appeared in projects on Netflix, Hulu, and BET alongside talents such as Rachel McAdams, Michael Jai White, Ernie Hudson, Drake, and Brad Pitt. His mission is to inspire and empower the next generation through authentic, impactful storytelling.

Bruce Nahin is a prolific Business Affairs consultant and Executive Producer with over 300 IMDB  credit to his name.  Nahin is involved in approximately 30 projects per year and will provide the project with stellar advice pertaining to the business of film making.  Nahin is the co-founder  of Chippendales for which he was the CEO for almost 14 years. He was a music lawyer throughout the eighties and nineties providing business affairs to recording stars and record labels.

In 1987 he was appointed the first co commissioner of the Film Commission in the northern portion of Los Angeles County an area thanks to Nahiin's  leadership grew to be the largest motion picture and television production area outside of Hollywood in the entire world.  Nahin loves mentoring and teaching young film makers which is why he now works almost exclusively with Indie productions. Nahin is a member of the Producer’s Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts andScience.

Christopher Dion Johnson is a technologist and founder of Indie Me, an AI-powered tech company building tools for consent-first IP, likeness licensing, and credit integrity. With over 20 years of experience, he has led generative-AI, 3D, and interactive pipelines across VFX, games, and digital media with Paramount, Disney, Meta, and more. His work centers on protecting talent, ensuring human authorship is logged, compensated, and respected, while using automation to scale production without erasing the craft.

Re’shaun Frear Re’Shaun Frear is an award-winning independent film and television producer with credits spanning studio partnerships, prestige festival titles, and top-rated cable premieres. A U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran, Frear began his career at Disney and Warner Bros. before transitioning to independent production with the critically acclaimed Dirty Laundry (ABFF Audience Award; NAACP & GLAAD nominee). His work includes Pastor Brown (Lifetime #1 cable movie premiere), Black Poker Stars (#1 on BET), Christmas in Compton, PAWN starring Forest Whitaker, Home, and Knuckleheadstarring Alfre Woodard. Known for delivering socially resonant stories with commercial success, Frear continues to produce film and television projects while splitting his time between California and New York.

Grace Amaku

Comedian, Digital Creator

Grace Amaku, known online as Grace Africa, is a Nigerian-American content creator, nurse, and comedian whose relatable humor and storytelling have garnered millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. She uses her platform to highlight mental health, culture, and the human side of digital fame.

Instagram: @grace_africa

Demetre Durham

Content Creator, Digital Storyteller

Demetre Durham is a multidisciplinary creator: cartoonist, dancer, designer, actor, and social-media influencer. Founder of “Pin Magic” handmade art-pins, Demetre blends animation, performance, and culture while addressing community issues like inequality and creative sustainability.

Instagram: @your.royal.freshness

Paris Nicole

Performer, Media Personality

Paris Nicole is an LA-native performer, comedian, dancer, filmmaker, and media personality celebrated for her sharp insight and dynamic interviews with top talent across music, film, and culture. She bridges humor, movement, storytelling, and digital media to engage audiences in dynamic ways.

Instagram: @theparis_nicole

Lauren McCay is a 5-time Emmy Award and National Gracie Award–winning content creator, producer, reporter, and television host with a decade of storytelling experience across NPR, PBS, ABC, and major unscripted television platforms. After years as an Investigative Reporter and Fill-In Anchor at ABC-Cleveland (WEWS), and as a Producer/Host for long-form storytelling at NPR and PBS including a lifestyle food series that earned three Emmy Awards Lauren transitioned to Hollywood, serving as a Senior Producer and on-camera talent for multiple unscripted series.

She is now the founder of Satis Media Group, a creative company named for the Latin word meaning “enough,” rooted in her belief that every person’s story is worthy and complete on its own terms. Her work spans news, documentaries, print and digital media, lifestyle content, automotive, sports, and reality television—making her one of the industry’s most versatile cross-format storytellers.

A naturally inquisitive and self-driven creative, Lauren brings a rare combination of journalistic rigor, cultural empathy, and on-camera presence to everything she produces, hosts, or develops.

 Dylan Huey is the Founder and CEO of REACH, the largest collegiate creator organization in the United States. What began at USC has now expanded into REACH Nationals across 100+ universities, activating thousands of Gen Z creators and shaping culture on and off campus. Under Dylan’s leadership, REACH has evolved into a multi division creator ecosystem including REACH Talent, representing over 250 creators supported by 15+ talent managers, REACH Marketing, supporting over 100 major brands, and REACH Ventures, which holds equity in more than 25 startups across AI, consumer, and creator technology.

As a creator himself under the name Rodin’ Flash, Dylan has built an audience of over 6 million followers across platforms and has previously helped scale other major creators, including being Huddy’s first manager. Dylan has been featured on TEDx, CES, and

Desiree (Desikole) Dizard is a two-time Emmy-nominated hairstylist and creative force in the  television and film industry. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she began her career in local  salons before moving to Los Angeles, where her talent quickly drew celebrity clients and  opportunities in film and television. Her first film, Lockdown, earned her eligibility with IATSE  Local 706, and she went on to lead hair departments for productions including How High, Jimmy  Kimmel Live!, and Grey’s Anatomy. 

Renowned for her artistry, versatility, and ability to bring directors’ visions to life, Desiree has  worked with top-tier talent across Hollywood, earning recognition for her mastery with all hair  types and textures. Beyond her on-set success, she is a dedicated mentor and educator,  empowering aspiring stylists through workshops and masterclasses. Expanding her storytelling  craft, Desiree now develops genre screenplays, merging her creative vision behind the camera  with her artistry in front of it. 

Asia Medley is a teacher at FREE LA High school, housed in the Youth Justice Coalition Facility. Asia is an aunt of 8, and a community organizer with the all african peoples revolutionary party, vencermeos brigade 4 cuba. Asia spends most of her time politically educating the community and organizing our colonized selves to liberation.

Stela Bella is a Guatemalan-born designer, creative entrepreneur, and healing arts facilitator based in Los Angeles. She immigrated to the United States at the age of nine and proudly became the first in her family to graduate from college and to own a business. As the founder of Stela Moon Healing Art (studio) Stela has created a unique space in downtown Los Angeles that bridges fashion, art, and holistic healing. Her studio serves as both a USA- made clothing manufacturing hub and a healing arts sanctuary, dedicated to empowering women through sustainable, intentional design and community-centered events.

Her brand integrates eco-conscious materials, aloe-infused organic fabrics, color therapy, and crystal energy to support emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Through her collections and workshops, she honors her Mayan roots while inspiring others to reconnect with creativity, purpose, and self-love. Guided by her personal motto - "Live because you have Life to Live, Love because you have Love to give" - Stela continues to lead with heart, craftsmanship, and vision, uplifting others through both her artistry and her commitment to ethical, domestic

production.

 Cierra Boyd in 2017, Friskmegood a one-of-a-kind, upcycled streetwear brand built on innovation, sustainability, and bold self-expression. The brand transforms unconventional materials like sneakers, bags, and discarded textiles into high-fashion statement pieces—from corsets and dresses to accessories and custom gowns.

Driven by a passion for circularity, Friskmegood creates wearable art that challenges fast fashion and proves that style and sustainability can coexist. Each piece is handmade in small batches or as one-of-one designs, ensuring exclusivity and authenticity at every stitch.

Friskmegood has been worn by icons including Cardi B, Ciara, Doja Cat, and Sha’Carri Richardson, and has appeared in Vogue Mexico, Nylon, WWD, and HBO Max’s The Hype. What started as a bedroom brand in Cleveland has evolved into a Los Angeles–based creative force shaping the future of sustainable fashion—one reinvented sneaker at a time.

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Dr. Shawna Charles is a renowned communications executive and founder of Charles  Communication Group (CCG). With advanced degrees in International Business Administration  and Clinical Psychology, she brings a distinctive blend of strategic expertise and innovative  methodologies to redefining communication and community engagement. Dr. Charles  specializes in holistic approaches spanning print, digital, and multimedia platforms, focusing on  strategic advising, content development, and crisis management.  

Throughout her career, Dr. Charles has led campaigns that amplify community voices, deepen  audience connections, and expand client impact. Recognized for her disruptive influence in the  communications field, she integrates traditional media with creative storytelling and content  production to drive meaningful results. Her contributions have been acknowledged by entities  such as the City of Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. Dr. Charles continues  to set herself apart by pioneering solutions that deliver transformative impact and sustainable  growth.