Sonya Denyse is a Speaker Business Strategist and founder of DreamDevelopment. Formerly Head of Speaker Marketing at UTA Speakers, a division of United Talent Agency, she helps professional speakers increase visibility, get booked, and build sustainable speaking businesses.
Dr. Samantha Harte has an uncommon specialty – turning trauma into triumph. Samantha Harte is a multifaceted individual whose journey from chaos to clarity has fueled her professional and personal endeavors. A Doctor of Physical Therapy operating a fitness and wellness studio in Santa Monica, Samantha has reshaped the concept of physical therapy to embrace … Read more
Super Bowl Champion Brandon Mebane transformed his championship mindset from the football field into entrepreneurial success, founding Football IQ to develop the next generation of athletes while building a legacy that extends far beyond his Top 50 Seahawks recognition. Mebane says “At Football IQ, we redefine football education by combining advanced film analysis, real-time feedback, … Read more
Durmerrick (pronounced: duh-mAIR-rick) is a nationally recognized, award-winning speaker and performance poet whose work confronts the intersections of Blackness, queerness, faith, mental health, and institutional injustice with urgency and care. In 2023, he reached a landmark mental health settlement with Howard University without an attorney—an action that helped spark an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice … Read more
Sadat Slade is a forward-thinking writer and business analyst who explores the intersection of emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, and the global economy. Through his Substack newsletter, he delves into the transformative potential of decentralized technologies, the compute economy, and financial innovations, offering deep insights into the future of connectivity, commerce, and artificial intelligence. His writing is … Read more
Success has always been the driving force behind Jacqueline’s journey—both personally and professionally. A visionary project manager with a relentless commitment to execution, she transforms ideas into reality through strategic insight and flawless implementation. Her trajectory at Chanel exemplifies this dedication. Starting as a temporary employee, Jacqueline’s performance and leadership propelled her upward, earning her … Read more
In the 1900s, canary birds were placed in coal mines to protect the lives of miners. If the atmosphere became foul, the canary stopped singing and began to show unmistakable signs of distress. Then the miners knew that the atmosphere must be changed quickly, or they must get out. Founder and visionary Elizabeth Hobbs sees … Read more
Integrity and Discretion are the pillars of the HOH experience. Hollywood on the Hill (HOH) is a full-service celebrity talent procurement and management agency that connects the biggest names in Hollywood with the hottest moments and events on Capitol Hill. Founded by entertainment industry veteran Nikki Webber Allen in early 2023 and based in … Read more
Maieka Saint-Alban is a respected storyteller, producer, writer, and visionary known for blending passion with production in all of her creative projects. She brings extraordinary elements of the human spirit to her works- the grit of documentary film meets the finesse of masterpiece theatre. This approach not only transforms but also deeply connects with audiences, making … Read more
Edwina Findley is an award-winning film, television, and theater actress, celebrated for her magnetic performances and praised by critics as “a marvel to watch.” Known for her versatility and depth, Edwina has built a remarkable career portraying everything from rogues to royalty across stage and screen—and now, she’s adding bestselling author and international speaker to … Read more
From storytelling to custom content development, Aiesha Francis is an award-winning producer and marketing executive. Leading teams for some of the most recognized media brands including SiriusXM, NBCUniversal’s Bravo & Oxygen, Nickelodeon, CBS, and Turner Entertainment (TBS, TNT, truTV) Aiesha’s work spans across multiple disciplines including TV, Radio, Print, Brand Placement, Digital Marketing for TV … Read more
Follow Zora And Me in the award-winning Trilogy. The series concludes with the release of The Summoner (Fall 2020). The trilogy is the fictionalization of the early years of literary giant, Zora Neale Hurston. This is the first project ever to be endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust that was not authored by Hurston … Read more
Actress, Writer, and Relationship Coach, Dahn Dior has a passion for all things yummy. The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur balances motherhood, marriage, and her passion for helping women rediscover the Yummy Factor of life – the soft, sweet, chewy goodness of life. Dahn’s retreats, workshops, and life coaching revitalize, renew and help women remember who they are! Dahn Dior … Read more
Jane Fonda, India.Arie and Kenny Leon know Hilda Willis, but do you? Stop by Hilda’s Place (Pilot Mountain, NC) where you can discover this dynamic performer and the artistic community she has helped to live their art. Although based in NC, Hilda, the Producing Artistic Director and Lead Coach of Living Your Art, an artistic … Read more
Meet Mia Hall, the founder Brown Girls Glow and Parables From The Projects Productions. With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, she has influenced crowds in China, the Dominican Republic, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Hampton, and Harvard. Her reputation for excellence, drive, and passion precedes her, and she’s used her influence to break down … Read more
Dr. Nadia Lopez stands as a beacon of innovation in education, celebrated globally for her transformative impact. Her journey to prominence began with a viral sensation when Humans of New York spotlighted her groundbreaking initiative to establish a school aimed at breaking the cycle of incarceration in Brownsville, Brooklyn—an area long plagued by neglect and … Read more
Mercy, justice, and community are the ties that bind every endeavor Amelia Thompson establishes. If visions were trees, Amelia would have a forest. The root organization is Renew Today which undergirds global initiatives including menstrual equity (WeDeliverPeriod), juvenile justice (WeWriteLife), and entrepreneurship (BrooklynByFaith). Amelia’s company Two Five Consulting offers strategic planning, evaluation support, and fundraising consultation … Read more
Meet the Emmy-winning makeup artist and beauty visionary Elena George, who has mastered transforming her passion for hairstyling into a celebrated career in fashion and beauty. With an impressive collection of 8 Emmy Awards, Elena stands out as a top celebrity makeup artist with over 25 years of experience in enhancing the beauty of some … Read more
Focused Fire is a lifestyle brand dedicated to the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness of its clients. From physical to financial fitness, the Focused Fire founder Marie Toms helps her clients kindle the fire that illuminates pathways forward in their lives. Marie kicked-off the 2011 Princeton TEDx event with her speech “Becoming a FireStarter”. A multi-hyphenate, Marie is … Read more
Actress, Writer, Performance Artist and Visionary Shonnese “CL” Coleman brings storytelling to life through her internet radio show Radio Theatre For Your Soul, Where Storytellers Gather…Around the Mic. Her upcoming project, Radio Theatre For Your Soul, A Docu-Story will highlight “the making of” the radio show and the importance of wellness through shared stories. The docu-story … Read more
Mo Beasley’s LoveStorm Group has been at the forefront of using eroticism as activism promoting sex-positivity. Reaching beyond tolerance, the LoveStorm Group brings acceptance and inclusion into the consciousness of its audiences, through live performance, workshops, participation in conferences, and strategic partnerships. The work has been featured at The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club/Universal Studios in Hollywood, CatalystCon, Harlem Stage, The … Read more
Beautiful Ventures is a creative social enterprise that influences popular culture. By disrupting anti-blackness, and elevating perceptions of Black humanity; Beautiful Ventures envisions a world where the humanity of all Black people is presumed, affirmed and unchallenged. Through programs and services, they are building community, skill, power and wealth of Black story-driven creatives and their communities. … Read more
They went because of the earthquake. They stayed because of the people. On January 12, 2010, an earthquake (7.0. magnitude) struck and devastated the island nation of Haiti. In 35 seconds, over 300,000 people lost their lives and more than 1.5 million lost their homes. Community2Community (C2C), a non-profit service organization, was born not just … Read more
Zurena Caribbean Drink Mixers are a blend of fresh citrus juices, sweetness, and love. This simple and versatile mixer transforms most rums, vodkas, tequilas, gins, cognacs, and liquors into smooth, mellow, no-bite cocktails. Zurena even makes non-alcoholic spritzer with ginger ale or club soda, accompanies herbal teas as an alternative to sugar, and adds a … Read more
Elizabeth Hobbs is a Cartoon Creator, Composer, and Voice Over Artist. Her new series, Penelope and Simon is a modern musical adventure for children of all ages. Like all artists, Elizabeth’s creations mimic life. The Julliard graduate discovered her love of both orchestration and cartoons at the tender age of six. A trip to the … Read more
It was backstage at B.B. King’s. We were relaxing in Odetta’s dressing room after her performance. The door flew open. The producer announced that we should clear the room. Mr. Harry Belafonte wanted to greet his dear friend and sister-in-arms, Odetta. With steady and pointed words, Odetta replied “Let him come in. I am not ashamed … Read more
…lost on the journey of my life… Hedge Fund Manager SJ Lee moved to New Jersey with his family after working in investment banking for 10 years. At the time SJ connected with DreamDevelopment, he was burned out. Of the experience he says: I felt like I got lost on the journey of my life. … Read more
Andrea Navedo is an award-winning actress best known for her role as Xiomara Villanueva on the critically acclaimed CW series Jane the Virgin. Her dynamic portrayal of Jane’s mother is a key highlight of the show, making Navedo a household name. Expanding her talents beyond acting, Andrea Navedo steps into the literary world with her … Read more
Thalia Pericles is a culinary genius and a pastry chef extraordinaire! Known for conjuring up confectionary wonders, after winning the Cupcake Wars NYC twice in a row, she was kindly asked not to compete and instead invited to judge the competition. That is classic Thalia. She outdoes even her own best. The serial entrepreneur and … Read more
“The opportunity of a lifetime. . .” Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a celebrated civil rights activist and recent recipient of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, has an inspiring story of working alongside Dr. Martin … Read more
Teri is an equity actress, teacher, director, writer, and producer. She is a wife and mother of two hilarious children. Teri has also created and performed many original theatre pieces for local businesses and charities. As a teacher, she is currently the Head of Theatre Performance at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, SC, where … Read more
Jakki Taylor Richardson is an Emmy award-winning producer whose TV career began with “The View”…
Dream Development’s client ‘I Live For’’s mission is to end the cultural stigma of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders in young adults of color.
Alimi Ballard – Sonya, I want to personally thank you for your Brilliance and all that you bring to the Creative and Development process.
