Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with Christina Wren, acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and star of the hit series Will Trent. Christina shares how growing up in a nonprofit family shaped her commitment to community, how her creative choices center cultural authenticity, and why Georgia’s energy makes it a unique home for storytellers. The conversation explores collaboration, innovation, and the small daily practices that add up to lasting change.

Live from the 2024 Georgia State of the Industry Summit, Julie Ann sits down with Chiquita Banks, an attorney, educator, entrepreneur, and tax incentive expert. Chiquita shares her path from major studio boardrooms to running her own company, her mission to equip independent filmmakers with the tools to succeed, and why Georgia is primed to lead in global storytelling. The conversation explores community, collaboration, and the work required to build an ecosystem that drives lasting impact.

In the thrilling season one finale, visionary founder, investor, and cultural architect Bing Chen joins us to share his journey from growing up as a third-culture kid to leading a movement of impact. As the Executive Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Gold House—the foremost collective that unites, invests in, and champions Asia Pacific creators to shape a more inclusive future—Bing reflects on resilience, the necessity for systemic change, and the transformative power of community. He also reveals the timeless advice from his mother that fuels his drive and shares the story behind coining the term “creator economy.” Join us in celebrating the incomparable Bing Chen.

Kamala Avila-Salmon, Founder & CEO at Kas Kas Productions and former Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate, shares her journey as a disruptor in the film industry. She reflects on her early experiences, including running for senior class president, and how they influenced her approach to making an impact. Kamala discusses the challenges of introducing inclusive content and the significance of defining what inclusivity truly means. She also introduces StorySpark, a tool she developed to spark creativity and conversations about inclusion in storytelling.

Danielle Feinberg, Director of Photography for Lighting at Pixar Animation Studios, shares her inspiring journey through the intersection of art and technology. As one of the few women in computer science and engineering during her college years, she overcame challenges that propelled her to work with organizations like Girls Who Code. Danielle talks about her passion for promoting diversity in STEM fields, the importance of embracing opportunities, and how she finds ways to stay motivated through creativity and collaboration.

Franklin Leonard, the creator of The Black List, delves into the power of storytelling and the need to democratize access to the entertainment industry. He discusses breaking down barriers so that talent from diverse backgrounds can have equal opportunities. Franklin encourages solving small, manageable problems, building community, and embracing disagreement to drive better outcomes. He envisions a future where technology plays a crucial role in fostering a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Filmmaker and producer Carlos Lopez Estrada invites us into his world of storytelling, where the intersection of music and film sparked his passion for challenging narratives and amplifying diverse perspectives. He reflects on the key moments that shaped his journey, and how asking the right questions led him down alternative paths. Carlos offers thoughtful insights on creating impactful stories that push boundaries, while sharing how he recharges and stays inspired in the face of constant innovation.

Katherine Peiper, Program Director at the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, and Stacy Smith, Founder of the Initiative, explore the evolving landscape of representation in media. They dive into topics ranging from gender and race to LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion, sharing key moments that fueled their passion for change. Their conversation highlights the challenges and small steps needed to transform the industry while offering insights on how curiosity, resilience, and fresh perspectives can drive lasting impact.

Jeanell English joins host Julie Ann Crommett to talk about her journey in change-making and her approach to recharging amidst the challenges. Jeanell shares her personal story, highlighting moments that led to her work in systemic change, including her efforts to implement diversity standards for the Oscars. She discusses how curiosity and questioning the status quo are key drivers for progress while also focusing on the importance of self-care and finding joy in the process.

Leader, author, and workforce expert Daisy Auger-Dominguez shares her inspiring journey from the US to the Dominican Republic and back. She explores how this shaped her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and discusses her efforts to overcome systemic exclusion in the workplace. Daisy offers valuable lessons on setting boundaries, fostering joy, and sustaining leadership through self-awareness, all while creating long-lasting DEI strategies that drive real change.