Ayesha Williams

Ayesha Williams is the executive director of The Laundromat Project (The LP), a Bed-Stuy, New York City community-based arts organization dedicated to making sustained investments in growing a community of multiracial, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary artists and neighbors committed to societal change. She is an arts professional with two decades of experience working with visual artists, presenting programs, and generating funding for commercial galleries and nonprofit institutions. Prior to The LP, she managed Visual Arts at Lincoln Center and served as the Director of Kent Gallery, New York. In addition to her professional experience, Ayesha is on the board of Rivers Institute for Contemporary Art & Thought and The Black School, and a member of Independent Curators International Independents. She completed the Stanford Impact Program for Arts Leaders (2018) and served as a Steering Committee member of the UN Women's Conference (2016). She received her Master’s degree in Visual Arts Administration from New York University and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Glynn Pogue and Nneka Julia

Glynn Pogue and Nneka Julia are the founders of Craft & Release, a community designed for creatives across mediums to help sharpen their skills, share their stories, and connect with fellow makers. Founded on the principle that our gifts are meant to be shared, Craft & Release offers specialized workshops, artist showcases, and a variety of live and digital events tailored to help artists release their work into the world.

Imani Ellis

Imani Ellis is an award-winning community builder and cultural architect. She is the Founder and CEO of CultureCon, the premiere cultural event celebrating creatives and creators. CultureCon is a first-of-its-kind ideas conference that explores all aspects of creative and professional life. With a passion for community building, Imani launched CultureCon to create a
space where diverse creatives—from entrepreneurs to artists to corporate leaders—could come together, share ideas, and inspire one another. The festival-style conference features master classes on entrepreneurship, marketing, mindfulness, leadership, and professional growth. Under her leadership, CultureCon has become a cultural movement at the intersection of creativity, culture, and business. Past speakers include Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Spike Lee, Regina King, John Legend, and Lena Waithe.

Imani is also the founder of The Creative Collective, a community dedicated to supporting Black and Brown creative professionals. TheCCnyc has become a leading destination for diverse creativity and connection, equipping thousands with the resources and community they need to thrive. Imani’s gift for connecting people and ideas has made her a sought-after speaker, mentor, and strategist known for championing innovative and inclusive initiatives. An inductee into the 2024 Advertising Hall of Fame, Imani was also named a ""2024 Closer of the Wealth Gap"" by Time, a ""Breakthrough Creative"" by Ebony, and a ""Diversity Champion"" by Adweek. She has been recognized by Forbes as a ""Visionary"" and ""One To Watch"" by Black Enterprise. Imani graduated from Vanderbilt University with a major in communications.