Speakers
Courtland Bragg
Producer
NFL Films
Joe Aiken
Partner
CAA Search
Courtland Bragg
Producer
NFL Films
Courtland Bragg is a 4x Emmy Award-winning storyteller whose background includes producing documentary films, all-access shows, and features. In his 9-year career at NFL Films, Bragg has served as a Director and Editor for shows such as Hard Knocks, All or Nothing, Hey Rookie, A Football Life, NFL 100 Greatest, and NFL Films Presents. His ability to turn relationships into content was most notably on display during the past three seasons of Hard Knocks In-Season. In his most recent project, 30 for 30: The Minister of Defense, Bragg served as Director and liaison to the family of the late Reggie White - key stakeholders to the film being made.
Currently, he is serving as Director for his first Netflix project on NFL Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders. The three-episode documentary will air in 2026.
Joe Aiken
Partner
CAA Search
Joe Aiken is CAA Sports Executive and Partner within the CAA Search department, where he leads executive recruitment and strategic advisory efforts across the sports, media, music, and entertainment industries. He specializes in helping teams, leagues, and companies build businesses from the ground up, advising on leadership structuring, talent strategy, and organizational growth. Joe also brings expertise in private equity portfolio value creation, working closely with investors to build and scale leadership teams that drive enterprise value. Additionally, he serves as Co-Head of the group’s Global Music Practice, representing major labels, independent labels, DSPs, and investor-backed music technology companies.
Joe began his executive search and human capital advisory career at Heidrick & Struggles, where he was a member of the firm’s global CEO & Board Services and Social Impact Practices. There, he placed C-level executives and board members across bulge bracket banks, mega funds, associations, and Fortune 100 companies, and played a key role in building the firm’s DEI Services Practice.
Joe earned his B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science with an interdisciplinary concentration in Writing & Rhetoric from Colgate University, where he was a member of the Konosioni Senior Honor Society. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy and a 2022 SBJ New Voices Under 30 honoree.
Lieto Addis
Recruiter
STARZ
Deborah Pierre
Recruiter
Warner Bros. Discovery
Lieto Addis
Recruiter
STARZ
Lieto started her recruiting career at staffing firms, working with various clients and recruiting for positions across tech, HR, creative, marketing, and fashion. Driven by a desire to move in-house, she secured a contract recruiter role at Lionsgate before transitioning into a full-time position at STARZ. She has now been at STARZ for a little over 3 years recruiting for all roles outside of technology ranging from assistant level to VP level, managing the internship program, as well as the contingent labor process. Outside of recruiting, Lieto enjoys playing soccer, boxing, volunteering, going to the beach, and annoying friends and family by frequently responding with, “I’ve already seen that movie/show.”
Deborah Pierre
Recruiter
Warner Bros. Discovery
Deborah Pierre is a Talent Acquisition Recruiter with a strong foundation in strategic hiring and candidate experience across the media industry. She began her career in 2018 as an HR Assistant at NBC News, where she supported core human resources functions including employee onboarding, HR systems and built her expertise in people-first processes.
In 2019, she joined Warner Bros. Discovery as an HR Coordinator for CNN, later transitioning into her current role where she partners with teams across News and Sports to identify and connect top talent with impactful opportunities. Deborah brings a thoughtful, agile approach to recruitment, shaped by her experience in fast-paced editorial environments and her deep understanding of the evolving needs of media organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Georgia State University and a Professional Certificate in Human Resources Management from Cornell University.
Ke'Andra Levingston
Business Affairs Executive
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Ke'Andra Levingston
Business Affairs Executive
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Ke’Andra Levingston is a Business Affairs Executive and Attorney. At WME, she negotiates deals for on-camera talent, writers, producers, directors, and production companies. Prior to WME, she worked as a Director at leading non-scripted production company Bunim-Murray Productions and at Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine. She started her career as an attorney in Mergers & Acquisitions and Global Finance at Sidley Austin LLP.
Ke'Andra is also a lifelong writer, entrepreneur, and creative. She is a former Ms. Black California USA and was a featured screenwriter for the 2023 Essence Film Festival. Ke’Andra is deeply passionate about service and founded the Marilyn C. Stephens Memorial Scholarship Foundation in 2021, which has now provided 16 scholarships to college and graduate school students in memory of her grandmother.
A native of Huntsville, Texas, Ke’Andra is a proud alumna of both Spelman College and Harvard Law School. She spends most of her spare time at the gym, reading, or listening to and making music.
Anya Johnson
Vice President, Sports Marketing
TNT Sports
Anya Johnson
Vice President, Sports Marketing
TNT Sports
Anya Johnson is the Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy for TNT Sports at Warner Bros. Discovery. In this role, Anya is responsible for leading award-winning marketing strategies, creative, and execution efforts for Unrivaled, College Football Playoff, Big 12 College Football, and TNT Sports on truTV, including live game coverage and surrounding studio and long-form programming. Additionally, Anya leads the Commercial Strategy team that is responsible for developing revenue-focused initiatives and tentpole packages across key sports calendar and cultural moments, as well as leading Fusion priorities across WBD’s US Nets, Max, Warner Bros. Theatrical, and other verticals to ensure cross-promotion of prioritized IP across TNT Sports’ league properties and app/social inventory.
Justin Rufen-Blanchette (Moderator)
Advisory Executive
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Justin Rufen-Blanchette
Advisory Executive
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Justin Rufen-Blanchette doesn’t just navigate culture, he architects the spaces where it’s created, scaled, and owned.
He’s always been drawn to what drives the game behind the game: how ideas get momentum, how brands stay relevant, and who really makes things move. That lens led to his first shot at Kennesaw State University, where he served as Director of Basketball Operations after earning his B.S. in Sports Management.
After Kennesaw, Justin cut his teeth in digital advertising, learning how brands tap into culture to build relevance that actually sticks. He later joined Overtime, developing strategic partnerships to help scale one of the most disruptive names in Gen Z sports media. At Nike, he worked on future-forward efforts that shaped the company’s investment in community-driven innovation.
With an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, he went on to McKinsey & Company, where he advised Fortune 500’s and growth-stage startups on how to lead through culture, tech, and strategy.
Today, Justin is an Advisory Executive at CAA, helping digital-first companies grow through entertainment, narrative, and cultural capital. He’s also the founder of Breaking Bread, a curated community initiative that brings underrepresented leaders together to build real relationships, exchange ideas, and shape what’s next.
Justin’s throughline is simple: he builds bridges between talent, technology, and culture—so the next generation doesn’t just get a seat at the table, they redesign the whole room.
Breanna Washington (Moderator)
Director - Multicultural Publicity and Marketing
Allied Global Marketing
Breanna Washington
Director - Multicultural Publicity and Marketing
Allied Global Marketing
As the Director of National Multicultural Publicity & Marketing at Allied Global Marketing, Breanna develops and manages strategic, engaging, and attention-grabbing multi-platform PR & Marketing campaigns for a range of entertainment and brand clients targeting the African-American audience. With over 10 years of experience in film/tv production including a brief stint in film school, Breanna works directly with top streaming giants like Hulu, Amazon Prime, MGM+ and Disney+, and renowned studios such as Lionsgate, 20th Century Studios, MGM Studios and MORE. Her previous clients range across industries such as crypto/blockchain, spirits/beverage, restaurants & hospitality, and music artists. She’s secured top thought leadership opportunities for high-profile executives at SXSW, ForbesBLK, Axios Summit and supported red carpet premieres for major studio films, award/gala ceremonies, and musical premieres.
She is also a Founding Member at MINO, a membership that provides emerging Black women leaders with professional development and a supportive network on their journey to becoming world-changers. Breanna holds a Master's degree in Communication Management/Public Relations from the University of Denver and a Bachelor's degree in English & Spanish from Spelman College.
Martin Nance
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Minnesota Vikings
Martin Nance
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Minnesota Vikings
Martin Nance serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the club, where he’s responsible for developing fan engagement strategy through marketing, content and brand initiatives. Nance manages multiple departments, including marketing, sponsorship activation, events, premium services, creative, sales analytics & engagement and Vikings Entertainment Network.
Nance joined the organization in 2020 with over 10 years of leadership experience in strategic marketing programs, advertising, branding, fan engagement and customer relations for PepsiCo/Gatorade, previously serving as the Senior Director of Marketing and Sports Intelligence. Prior to his move to Senior Director, Nance served in a number of roles for PepsiCo/Gatorade from 2011-20, including Director of Marketing and Head of Gatorade Athlete Activation (2018-20), Senior Marketing Manager of Gatorade Brand Strategy (2015-18), Marketing Innovation Manager (2013-15) and Marketing Associate Manager (2011-13). As an NFL wide receiver,
As an NFL wide receiver, Nance spent time with Buffalo, Minnesota and Pittsburgh from 2006-09, seeing game action with the Vikings as a rookie in 2006 and finishing the 2009 season as a Super Bowl XLIII Champion with the Steelers. He began his post-playing business pursuits with the NFL office in 2011, working on corporate development activities for both team organizations and league revenue generation.
Nance graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Miami University of Ohio in 2005, and later earned his MBA at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a certificate in executive education from the Harvard Business School. Nance currently serves on the University of Minnesota Health Fairview Philanthropic Board and Miami University’s athletic department board. He and his wife, Minya, have two daughters, Alina and Ava.
Anita Adjei-Wiafe
Senior Director, People & Culture
Minnesota Vikings
Anita Adjei-Wiafe
Senior Director, People & Culture
Minnesota Vikings
Anita Adjei-Wiafe joined the Minnesota Vikings in September 2021 where she oversees HR processes within the organization, including recruiting, talent and culture engagement, performance & compensation management and policy formulation and compliance. Anita's HR career began in the Minnesota Army Nation Guard where she served in the guard for 10 years. She feels fortunate to have had the ability to work in various HR roles in different industries such as banking, retail, senior living, and health care services.
Anita earned her master’s degree in HR from St Mary’s University in Minneapolis and her HR undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is also involved as a member of the African American Leadership Council and Vice President of Black Sports Professionals (BSP), Twin Cities Chapter.
Imani McCormick
DEI & Culture Strategist
Minnesota Vikings
Imani McCormick
DEI & Culture Strategist
Minnesota Vikings
Imani McCormick is a culture strategist and brand architect reimagining the future of sports through storytelling, innovation, and impact.
At the Minnesota Vikings, Imani drives culture-forward initiatives that enhance brand equity through authentic engagement with multicultural and underrepresented audiences. Her work centers around building with communities through programs that expand access, strengthen representation, and spark generational impact. From inclusive fan experiences to talent development pipelines, Imani is shaping a culture that's as resonant as it is measurable.
In parallel to her role, Imani serves as a speaker, mentor, and advisor, partnering with athletes, creatives, and brands to unlock identity-driven storytelling and culturally fluent brand strategy. She is passionate about helping the next generation lead with purpose, confidence, and clarity.
Named to Sports Business Journal’s 2025 Rising Leaders, Imani is crafting the new blueprint of leadership: socially fluent and unafraid to redefine what and who the future of sports will serve.
Naomi Evans
Community Relations Coordinator
Minnesota Vikings
Naomi Evans
Community Relations Coordinator
Minnesota Vikings
Naomi, a proud Detroit native, learned early on from her parents the importance of using one’s platform to uplift others—a principle that continues to guide her career. With a Bachelor’s in Community Governance and Advocacy from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon, she has dedicated her work to building connections and creating meaningful impact.
Naomi began her career as a Social Responsibility Graduate Associate with the Orlando Magic (2023–2024) before stepping into her current role as Community Relations Coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings. In this role, she manages the Vikings Volunteer Program, fosters intentional community partnerships, and leads player-focused engagement opportunities.
At her core, Naomi is driven by a mission to ensure communities have access to the resources they need to thrive. Through her work in nonprofits and professional sports, she feels grateful to live out her purpose each day by championing equity, service, and lasting impact.
Eric Reid
Partner
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Eric Reid
Partner
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Eric Reid is a Partner at WME in the agency’s Motion Picture Department. Renowned for his expertise in identifying and developing intellectual property (IP) for adaptation across various media platforms, Reid has a distinguished track record of transforming books, comic books, graphic novels, estates, life rights, and news articles into compelling film and television projects.
His client roster includes the Estates of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Michael McDowell, Hearst Magazines, Joshua Fialkov, Kyle Starks, Michael Uslan, Oni Press, Sean Lewis, and Thomas Perry, among others.
Sharon holds a BA in Psychology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Reid began his career at ICM in 2005 before moving to Endeavor in 2008. He transitioned to WME following the agency’s merger with Endeavor in 2009. In recognition of his contributions and leadership, Reid was promoted to Partner in 2022—an acknowledgment of his pivotal role in shaping WME’s literary packaging division and his influence in bringing diverse and dynamic stories to screen.
He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
A graduate of Morehouse College, Reid currently resides in Pasadena with his daughter. Outside the office, he is an active supporter of community initiatives and regularly volunteers with organizations such as the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and The Salvation Army.
Woodrow-Sterling Scypion
Impact, Inclusion & Advocacy
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Woodrow-Sterling Scypion
Impact, Inclusion & Advocacy
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Woodrow-Sterling Scypion (Sterling) is a DEI and community engagement leader at leading talent agency WME on the Impact, Inclusion & Advocacy team. Sterling advances employee engagement strategy by driving employee-led Affinity Group programming, mentorship, and culture-building events across WME’s global offices. A cross-functional collaborator, they standardize toolkits and processes, advise leaders on inclusive practices, and translate strategy into everyday employee experience. In addition to internal work, Sterling helps produce external events that connect employees with industry partners, coalitions, and community organizations, especially those elevating marginalized creatives. Previously supporting the SVP, Head of IIA, Sterling blends program management, facilitation, and crisp communications to strengthen belonging and engagement in the corporate world.
Chandler Atterberry
Agent, Non-Scripted Television
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Chandler Atterberry
Agent, Non-Scripted Television
William Morris Endeavor (WME)
Chandler is a Los Angeles native with a passion for storytelling and a background in television development and production. Over the past several years, he’s worked alongside production companies, talent, independent producers, and directors to bring fresh, culturally relevant stories to screen. A graduate of UC Riverside, Chandler combines creative vision with a deep understanding of media and pop culture. Whether shaping new formats or supporting bold voices, he’s committed to creating television that resonates with audiences and reflects the world in dynamic, entertaining ways.
Sharon Higgins
Manager, People
Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Sharon Higgins
Manager, People
Brillstein Entertainment Partners
As an accomplished HR professional, Sharon Higgins brings a wealth of experience from a 25-year career in the entertainment industry. Specializing in talent representation, she has honed her skills at some of Los Angeles’s most prestigious talent agencies and management companies, including Brillstein Entertainment Partners (now a division of Wasserman), Paradigm Talent Agency, and Writers and Artists Agency, where she’s helped shape the careers of countless professionals.
Sharon works to create positive and productive work environments. She has a handle on the unique challenges in the entertainment industry, which helps her manage employee relations and develop strategies to recruit and retain talent. She values collaboration and makes it a priority to build strong relationships with everyone she works with.
Sharon holds a BA in Psychology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Missy Malkin
Lit Manager, Partner
Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Missy Malkin
Lit Manager, Partner
Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Missy Malkin is a talent manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, with over 25 years of experience representing acclaimed artists, filmmakers, and writers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, she plays a key role in guiding the careers of award-winning talent across film and television.
Founded in 1986, Brillstein is a premier management company known for its world-class roster and influential presence across the entertainment landscape. Missy works collaboratively across Brillstein’s client ecosystem, with a particular focus and expertise in scripted television and feature films.
Donnelle Branche
Founder/CEO
Treehouse Media
Donnelle Branchee
Founder/CEO
Treehouse Media
Donnelle Branche is a trailblazing African American Talent Manager and the founder of Treehouse Media, a boutique management company dedicated to amplifying BIPOC creators, marginalized voices, and globally recognized music artists. With a mission to redefine representation in the digital and entertainment industries, Treehouse Media fosters meaningful opportunities for underrepresented talent.
Previously, Branche was a key figure at Bowie, a boutique talent management firm under the Great Bowery umbrella, and prior to that, she managed a portfolio of 14 social media personalities with a collective reach of over 20 million at Digital Brand Architects (DBA). Her extensive experience spans athlete representation and influencer management, with roles at Octagon, Roc Nation, and Twenty-Six Entertainment.
Recognized as a leader in the industry, Branche was named to Diverse Representation’s “Ten to Watch” list and has been featured twice in Business Insider as one of the top TikTok managers. Over the course of her career, she has negotiated millions in revenue across brand partnerships, licensing, and podcast deals, working with powerhouse companies like American Express, Amazon, Sephora, Ulta, Prada, Gymshark, and more.
Shanica Richardson (Moderator)
Sports & Entertainment Publicist
Shanica Richardson
Sports & Entertainment Publicist
Moderator
Shanica Richardson is a sports and entertainment publicist who helps athletes amplify their visibility through press and brand partnerships. She’s led media campaigns and secured brand collaborations for clients across the NBA, NFL, and NCAA. Her work spans everything from exclusive media placements to partnership strategy for athlete-led product launches, including one campaign that drove six-figure revenue within 24 hours of going live.
Shanica began her career in television news, producing political and national coverage for CBS News before transitioning into PR. That newsroom foundation informs the way she positions clients in today’s fast-moving media landscape—always with a focus on credibility, timing, and cultural relevance.
Based in Washington, D.C., Shanica works with athletes to elevate their presence through smart media strategy and meaningful brand alignment.
Baron Ojogho
Senior Associate, Entertainment Transactions
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Baron Ojogho
Senior Associate, Entertainment Transactions
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Baron Ojogho (pronounced “Oh-Joe”) is an accomplished entertainment and sports attorney with a particular focus on live productions across sports, television, and unscripted media. He provides end-to-end legal support throughout the production lifecycle, including development, licensing, rights clearance, and distribution, and is known for offering real-time legal counsel on set during fast-moving, high-stakes productions.
Baron has advised on projects involving major sports and entertainment brands such as the NFL, Netflix, Amazon, Fox, ITV, and ESPN. His work spans live broadcasts and multiplatform content strategies, giving him deep insight into the legal complexities at the intersection of media, technology, and live performance.
In addition to his production work, Baron draws on a strong foundation in corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, finance, and restructuring. This dual lens allows him to advise clients on both creative and commercial matters. He is also a frequent speaker on emerging trends in sports and entertainment, particularly around the evolving legal demands of live content in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
Brittani Ojogho-Fields
Corporate Counsel
Amazon MGM Studios
Brittani Ojogho-Fields
Corporate Counsel
Amazon MGM Studios
Brittani Ojogho-Fields currently serves as Corporate Counsel for Amazon MGM Studios, where she supports the development of US television series, overseeing the drafting and negotiation of talent and rights agreements and conducting of chain-of-title analyses.
Prior to joining Amazon MGM Studios, Brittani served as Corporate Counsel for Prime Video, where she assisted in the structuring, negotiation, and drafting of content licensing agreements for Prime Video and Kids+ and oversaw legal support for Prime Video’s licensing and distribution of content in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa, including multi-slate productions and co-productions. She also advised Prime Video with respect to international expansion, and its legal and regulatory compliance in the areas of Data Privacy and Accessibility.Prior to joining Amazon MGM Studios, Brittani served as Corporate Counsel for Prime Video, where she assisted in the structuring, negotiation, and drafting of content licensing agreements for Prime Video and Kids+ and oversaw legal support for Prime Video’s licensing and distribution of content in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa, including multi-slate productions and co-productions. She also advised Prime Video with respect to international expansion, and its legal and regulatory compliance in the areas of Data Privacy and Accessibility.
Before beginning her career in the entertainment industry, Brittani was a law firm associate in the Seattle office of K&L Gates LLP and the San Francisco office of Morrison & Foerster LLP, where she supported companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 multi-national companies in IP/technology transactions and data privacy compliance.
Brittani holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University and a J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
Jennifer Thomas
Recruiter
Live Nation
Jennifer Thomas
Recruiter
Live Nation
Jennifer Thomas is a recruiter at Live Nation Entertainment. Recognized three years in a row by Great Place to Work® and named one of People Magazine’s Top 50 Companies that Care, Live Nation Entertainment is the global leader in live events and ticketing. With business operations and corporate functions across major divisions including Ticketmaster, Concerts, Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation, Live Nation Entertainment offers exciting opportunities across every discipline. Live Nation produces more concerts, sells more tickets and connects more brands to music than anyone else in the world.
With over ten years of experience, Jennifer loves the detective work of sourcing and screening top talent, partnering closely with hiring managers to define exactly who they need and making sure every single candidate feels respected and valued throughout the process.
