Arts

Talented creative individuals working in the field of visual, auditory and performance arts

Richard Essangabasi

Richard Essangabasi

Richard Essangabasi Israel, also known as The Content Chef, is a 23 year old Entrepreneur, Investor, Speaker, and Business developer from Nigeria. He works at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and business growth, and his work is driven by a simple belief: if it can be told, it can be sold. At 23, he has founded or co-founded nine ventures, each born from real problems he experienced himself like bad campus food, unreliable internet, lack of access and lack of funding for student founders. He is the Founder and CEO of The Shard Group LTD, a conglomerate that houses other subsidiary companies including Shard Network, a satellite powered campus ISP for African campuses, Shard Media Production, and Shard Builders Residency. His other ventures include Offar, a DeFi toolkit for African businesses and developers, The Messangs, a silent luxury menswear brand, Orex Prime, an Content/Media production company, and Campus Pitch Africa, a pan-African Shark Tank style pitch competition that funds student entrepreneurs. He serves as the lead investor for Campus Pitch Africa and is currently building MAI Fund, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed and seed investments in African SMEs. He is also developing Stable Pesa, a fintech company that aims to help people across Africa achieve financial peace of mind, though it is still in development.

As a creative director and filmmaker, Richard has spent over five years mastering visual storytelling. He is the co-founder of Orex Prime, where he uses blockchain technology to help African filmmakers create and fund high quality movies. He has successfully raised over $10,000 for film projects from global partners including The Sandbox DAO, Uglycash and Base. His work has earned international awards and has been screened at major film festivals in the United Kingdom, New York, and Nigeria. He also hosts The Founders Archive, an ambitious project to film and document the stories of one million business owners around the world. He travels to different cities to record the struggles and wins of entrepreneurs, saving their lessons in a digital library for others to learn from.

As a public speaker, Richard does not deliver motivational fluff. He shares practical and honest insights drawn from five years of experience across media, Web3, entrepreneurship, and African innovation. He has spoken on global stages hosted by Google, Solana, Figma, SheFi and Ethereum at events including Figma Config, Eth Enugu, Web3 Lagos Conference, Solana Allstars Meetup, GDG EKET, ENB Onchain Summer Lagos, Devconnect Base Demo Day in Argentina, SheFi Nigeria,, Borderless 2.0/3.0 and NACOS Week 25. His speaking style is straightforward and focused on what actually works rather than what sounds good.

In business development, marketing, and sales, Richard brings over three years of hands on experience. He currently serves as the Marketing Lead and Growth Strategist at Bitsave Protocol, a decentralized savings platform focused on providing secure financial solutions and advancing DeFi adoption for global users. He helps small and medium sized businesses grow by building partnerships, revenue systems, and operational structures that actually scale. Before Bitsave, he led marketing for iLabs Nigeria, an AI Engineering Startup advancing AI chatbot adoption for SMEs founded by Alumni’s of the AI Class of 2023 at the European Business University of Luxembourg. He also served as Director of Socials for the Nigeria Association of Computing Students at Akwa Ibom State University, where he managed student engagement and organized high profile events including the NACOS Week 25 Conference. He was the campus lead for Cowrywise in 2024 and also served as a co-campus lead for Solana Allstars. He served as Regional Lead and Visual Creative Director for For The Love of DeFi, leading community growth, regional expansion, and Web3 adoption while helping organize the Innovate 25 Conference as Visual/Creative Director.

Richard studied filmmaking under a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the Kunle Afolayan Film and Television Academy. He has also worked as a festival curator for the Uyo International Theatre and Film Festival and as co-lead for GDGoc Aksu. His mission is simple and consistent: to support the people who take real risks to build meaningful businesses, and to help young Africans share their stories and succeed on a global stage.

Richard Essangabasi Israel, also known as The Content Chef, is a 23 year old Entrepreneur, Investor, Speaker, and Business developer from Nigeria. He works at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and business growth, and his work is driven b... Show more

Juliana Castro Varon

Juliana Castro Varon

A designer, writer and technologist, Juliana Castro Varón is the senior design editor of AI Initiatives at The New York Times, and a cartoonist for The New Yorker. She’s the founder and now board member of Cita Press, a publisher of dozens of books by women, currently sponsored by Educopia and funded by Mellon. Juliana has received fellowships from Fulbright and Harvard, where she’s an affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.

A designer, writer and technologist, Juliana Castro Varón is the senior design editor of AI Initiatives at The New York Times, and a cartoonist for The New Yorker. She’s the founder and now board member of Cita Press, a publisher of dozens of books b... Show more

Abiodun Adedire

Abiodun Adedire

Adedire Abiodun Christopher, widely known as @oacthecreator, is a visual storyteller and global changemaker using the power of storytelling to inspire action and amplify unheard voices.

Via his storytelling abilities, he’s made unknown people celebrated across the world, he’s made some who had nothing, millionaires overnight.

With a digital footprint that has reached over 100 million people across social media, his work blends creativity with purpose, reminding people that storytelling can be more than just entertainment. Through powerful visual stories, he challenges people to look beyond virality and views, and instead, to create with intention.

His storytelling continues to motivate thousands to create not just for clout or money, but to create for something greater: change, impact, and legacy.

Adedire Abiodun Christopher, widely known as @oacthecreator, is a visual storyteller and global changemaker using the power of storytelling to inspire action and amplify unheard voices. Via his storytelling abilities, he’s made unknown people cele... Show more

Sebastian Lang

Sebastian Lang

Sebastian Lang arbeitet als interdisziplinärer Researcher mit Künstler:innen, Wissenschaftler:innen und Philosoph:innen an den Beziehungen zwischen zeitgenössischen Gesellschaften, dem Individuum und digitalen Räumen. Er ist Absolvent des Studiengangs Cross-Disciplinary Strategies (BA) an der Universität für Angewandte Kunst Wien, und studiert aktuell Theorie und Geschichte der Wissenschaft und Technik (MA) an der TU Berlin. Sein besonderes Forschungsinteresse gilt der Frage, wie digitale Technologien unseren Alltag prägen und wie Individuen und Gemeinschaften mit den Anforderungen einer postdigitalen Welt umgehen.

Sebastian Lang arbeitet als interdisziplinärer Researcher mit Künstler:innen, Wissenschaftler:innen und Philosoph:innen an den Beziehungen zwischen zeitgenössischen Gesellschaften, dem Individuum und digitalen Räumen. Er ist Absolvent des Studiengang... Show more

Scott Sholder

Scott Sholder

Scott J. Sholder is a partner with Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP. The Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation group, he focuses his practice on litigation, counseling, and dispute resolution in connection with entertainment, media, and intellectual property matters. Scott represents and advises clients across various industries in copyright, trademark, right-of-publicity, unfair competition, domain name, and commercial and business disputes, as well as defamation defense. He has appeared in federal and state courts around the country as well as administrative and arbitral tribunals and has handled cases from pre-suit negotiations through trial and post-trial procedures. His clients range from major media and entertainment companies and A-list talent to closely held and startup businesses and individuals in need of advice on intellectual property or guidance concerning brewing or existing legal conflicts. Scott is a skilled advocate and understands the risks, benefits, and practical considerations inherent in these cases and knows how to make use of available leverage and industry knowledge to reach a favorable conclusion. He utilizes a principled yet practical approach to litigation with an eye toward efficient resolution in line with the client’s business needs and financial realities. A frequent writer and speaker on issues related to copyright and trademark in the entertainment and digital media space, with a recent focus on NFTs and generative AI, Scott is a regular contributor to the CDAS legal blog as well as other major legal publications and has published several law review articles.

In his spare time, Scott plays bass guitar in the CDAS house band REDACTED, writes short fiction in the dark fantasy/horror genre, and creates NFT on-chain art under the pseudonym MetalheaD. His works are listed on Makersplace, Objkt, and Exchange, and he was selected to be part of the first cohort of the Makersplace Artist Launchpad Program. His glitch work was selected to be displayed at a recent NYC glitch art event, and he enjoys creating and sharing new works on his social media channels as often as possible.

Scott J. Sholder is a partner with Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP. The Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation group, he focuses his practice on litigation, counseling, and dispute resolution in connection with entertainment, media, and intellectu... Show more

Flora Damiano

Flora Damiano

I'm part of the Imaginary Institute team and co-facilitate the learning experience of the Apple Developer Academy in Naples as Design Mentor.

I graduated in Communication Design and after that, I have been creating interactive experiences and working with Product Design for different Apple Platforms and websites, for almost 5 years.


I am passionate about pixel perfection and iterative processes, and in the last year I have been deeply exploring the domain of App Icons for Apple Platforms, in particular visionOS and vector-based App Icons.

I'm part of the Imaginary Institute team and co-facilitate the learning experience of the Apple Developer Academy in Naples as Design Mentor. I graduated in Communication Design and after that, I have been creating interactive experiences and wor... Show more

Zelia Silverio

Zelia Silverio

Bringing Dyslexic Design Thinking to the world.

Bringing Dyslexic Design Thinking to the world. Show more

Diana Pelenur

Diana Pelenur

Diana Pelenur is a photographer and digital artist who is based in Toronto having grown up in Brazil and Uruguay. Diana has always been fascinated with technology and Web3 has provided
the perfect platform to explore her curiosity of what is possible on the blockchain. Her art is based on digital photographs that are then manipulated in photoshop to tell a story beyond the
photographic image. Diana likes to imagine what life would look like if we lived on the blockchain and her latest collection is a reflection of this imaginary world. Recently Diana has begun exploring art created with AI.

Diana is co-founder of XenosProject.io, an NFT pfp collection whose mission is to support schools in underrepresented regions. It is a project that is using Web3 to create a positive social impact.

Diana Pelenur is a photographer and digital artist who is based in Toronto having grown up in Brazil and Uruguay. Diana has always been fascinated with technology and Web3 has provided the perfect platform to explore her curiosity of what is possibl... Show more

Menoosha Muziki

Menoosha Muziki

Menoosha Susungi is a TEDx speaker, internationally experienced singer, and vocal coach specializing in the transformative power of the human voice. Having toured with André Rieu and earned UK Soul Chart recognition, she combines artistic mastery with neuroscience-informed coaching through her CVM VoiceCircle workshops. She is currently a presenter for the Sweet Soul Music Touring show across Europe.

Her work helps singers, leaders, and professionals unlock vocal freedom, emotional regulation, and authentic presence.

Menoosha’s topics include voice and nervous system regulation, performance psychology, intercultural communication, and the link between voice, identity, leadership abd women's empowerment. Through her unique blend of storytelling, and performance, she empowers audiences to reclaim their voice as a tool for confidence, connection, and transformation.

Menoosha Susungi is a TEDx speaker, internationally experienced singer, and vocal coach specializing in the transformative power of the human voice. Having toured with André Rieu and earned UK Soul Chart recognition, she combines artistic mastery wit... Show more

Ivana Jamnicki

Ivana Jamnicki

Ivana is a Zagreb-based, Prague-trained makeup artist and educator bringing imaginative, inclusive, and eco-friendly workshops to Isle of Wonders. With a background in education, film, and festivals, she guides participants of all ages and genders to explore makeup as a form of creative self-expression—using skin-safe, vegan or natural products and materials. Inspired by mythology, nature, and color, her workshops offer a playful, low-waste journey into fantasy, transformation, and connection. The looks designed by her bridge the reality and fantasy.

Ivana is a Zagreb-based, Prague-trained makeup artist and educator bringing imaginative, inclusive, and eco-friendly workshops to Isle of Wonders. With a background in education, film, and festivals, she guides participants of all ages and genders to... Show more

Mark Christopher Lawrence

Mark Christopher Lawrence

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to captivate a room.

A longtime Comedian, Film & Television Actor, Writer, and Producer: Mark has honed his craft across multiple entertainment mediums, bringing an unparalleled depth of experience to the stage. A Two-Time Emmy Award Nominee, his talent has been recognized at the highest levels,

Mark is an International Headliner, sharing stages with comedy legends such as Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy, entertaining audiences around the globe.

When you Book Mark For Your Next Event, You Get:

A Skilled Speaker and Natural Storyteller: Armed with a BFA in Theater from USC, earned through a Public Speaking Scholarship, Mark combines academic rigor with his inherent flair for storytelling.

An Experienced Event Emcee: Mark is adept at keeping audiences engaged and events running smoothly, ensuring your occasion is both memorable and timely.

Engaging, Inspiring, and Funny Presentations: His presentations are a perfect blend of humor, inspiration, and audience engagement, leaving lasting impressions on all who attend.

An Expert at Event Alignment: Mark excels at tailoring his presentations to meet your event goals, ensuring your audience receives a message that’s as aligned as it is impactful.

Whether you seek a hilarious anecdote or a moving inspirational story, Mark’s ability to align his presentations with your event’s needs makes him an invaluable addition to any lineup. Book him now to guarantee your event's success!

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to capti... Show more

Jess Janz

Jess Janz

Jess Janz is an author, community facilitator, and the creator of Dinner With Strangers, which brings people from different walks of life to share their stories over a meal - all while omitting what anyone does for work. Her work examines identity, connection, and what binds us all together. Jess has hosted events for Wealthsimple, lululemon, Altea Active Club, OpenTable, The W Hotel, Staub, and Writers Collective of Canada, and runs monthly writing workshops and Poetry Club for her writing community of over 70k people. Her forthcoming book, 'The Table Where We Meet,' will be published by Source Books in July 2026. 

Jess Janz is an author, community facilitator, and the creator of Dinner With Strangers, which brings people from different walks of life to share their stories over a meal - all while omitting what anyone does for work. Her work examines identity, c... Show more

Maggie Ivanova

Maggie Ivanova

Maggie Ivanova is pursuing a Ph.D. in Theatre, Hawaiian and Indigenous Performance, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative and World Literature (Drama) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.F.A. in Directing - Asian Performance, from UHM. Maggie is a multi-lingual teaching artist: a dramaturg, theatre director, and researcher, working with the performance traditions of Ireland, Britain, Sweden, Norway, Japan, and Russia. Since 2020, Maggie has been affiliated with the East-West Center as Student Affiliate and Foundation Scholar. Currently, Maggie is serving as a co-dramaturg and stage manager for "Panji and the Last Princess," a Balinese wayang listrik show which opens in April 2026 at Kennedy Theatre, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Maggie Ivanova is pursuing a Ph.D. in Theatre, Hawaiian and Indigenous Performance, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative and World Literature (Drama) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an ... Show more

Manuel Palenque

Manuel Palenque

Creative Technologist and Visual Artist with over 15 years of experience specializing in immersive audiovisual experiences
and interactive installations. Recognized for bridging the gap between art and advanced technology. Extensive
international experience leading projects and teaching in major hubs including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Berlin, and the
United States. Dedicated educator with a strong track record of conducting workshops on interactive technology for
universities and cultural institutions worldwide.

Creative Technologist and Visual Artist with over 15 years of experience specializing in immersive audiovisual experiences and interactive installations. Recognized for bridging the gap between art and advanced technology. Extensive international e... Show more

Jack Sheehan

Jack Sheehan

Jack Sheehan is a journalist, author, and storyteller who has spent decades documenting the people and moments that shaped Las Vegas and American culture. Rather than focusing on headlines alone, Jack is known for uncovering the stories behind the city, the personalities, power dynamics, and turning points that helped define an iconic place.

Over his career, Jack has written more than 30 books, authored over 2,000 magazine articles, and contributed countless newspaper columns exploring culture, community development, entertainment, and notable crime stories across the country. His reporting has included interviews with serial killers, conversations with men on death row, and work that has helped bring attention to unresolved and emerging murder cases.

His work draws on extensive interviews with casino owners, performers, producers, law enforcement officials, and influential figures who helped shape Las Vegas and, at times, the darker chapters of American history from the inside.

Jack is a sought-after speaker for conferences and corporate events, known for blending firsthand insight with compelling, accessible storytelling. He is also currently developing a multi part presentation series with The Mob Museum, drawing from his long history of documenting the city’s evolution.

Jack Sheehan is a journalist, author, and storyteller who has spent decades documenting the people and moments that shaped Las Vegas and American culture. Rather than focusing on headlines alone, Jack is known for uncovering the stories behind the ci... Show more

Bo Clifton

Bo Clifton

Bo Clifton is a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, specializing in helping organizations adopt cloud-native, scalable, and secure application architectures. With deep experience in Azure, distributed systems, and modern software delivery practices, Bo partners with enterprise customers to solve complex technical challenges and accelerate digital transformation. Prior to Microsoft, he has a history in music and manufacturing.

Bo Clifton is a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, specializing in helping organizations adopt cloud-native, scalable, and secure application architectures. With deep experience in Azure, distributed systems, and modern software delivery p... Show more

La-Toya Scott

La-Toya Scott

Dr. La-Toya Scott is a scholar and cultural critic whose work examines African American literature, digital culture, and the political stakes of storytelling. She serves as Assistant Professor of African American Literature and Culture and is the founder of In-House Scholar, a community and digital education initiative that bridges literary craft, cultural theory, and public discourse. Through workshops, talks, writing instruction, and humanities programming, she makes research-driven literary education accessible to broader audiences beyond the university. Her debut book, In Hush to Harbor: Black Sanctuary from Slavery to Trump’s America, will be released by Rutgers University Press in 2026. Dr. Scott’s work centers public humanities, narrative craft, and the creative futures of Black thought.

Dr. La-Toya Scott is a scholar and cultural critic whose work examines African American literature, digital culture, and the political stakes of storytelling. She serves as Assistant Professor of African American Literature and Culture and is the fou... Show more

Consuelo Lollobrigida

Consuelo Lollobrigida

Consuelo Lollobrigida, Ph.D., is Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Rome Program. Her research focuses on early modern women artists and Baroque visual culture.
She is the curator of the Annual International Women in the Arts Conference (AIWAC) and author of Plautilla Bricci. Pictura et Architectura celebris. L’architettrice del Barocco Romano and Following Women Artists. A Guide to Rome; her forthcoming monograph is The Forgotten Brush: Virginia da Vezzo (1600–1638), The Hidden Muse (Brepols, 2025).
She co-convenes AIWAC (Annual International Women in the Arts Conference) and is series co-editor, with Adelina Modesti, of “Women and Gender in the Arts: New Horizons” (Brepols/https://www.brepols.net/series/wia - https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503606828-1

Consuelo Lollobrigida, Ph.D., is Professor of Art History at the University of Arkansas Rome Program. Her research focuses on early modern women artists and Baroque visual culture. She is the curator of the Annual International Women in the Arts Co... Show more

Ana Monaco

Ana Monaco

Ana Lydia Monaco is a U.S.-born, internationally raised bilingual storyteller, Producer, and Writer-Director championing culturally intelligent narratives across film, television, and branded content. Her work bridges global perspective, creative strategy, and authentic human experience to tell stories that resonate across cultures and industries.
With a career spanning studio, indie, and branded spaces, Ana Lydia brings a rare ability to translate lived experience into compelling, market-aware storytelling. Her creative voice is shaped not only by her international upbringing, but also by navigating chronic illness and cancer — experiences that have strengthened her leadership, empathy, and commitment to meaningful representation.
Ana Lydia speaks on storytelling, creative leadership, cross-cultural narrative development, resilience, and building inclusive creative ecosystems. She is passionate about mentorship, access, and empowering the next generation of culturally fluent storytellers.

Ana Lydia Monaco is a U.S.-born, internationally raised bilingual storyteller, Producer, and Writer-Director championing culturally intelligent narratives across film, television, and branded content. Her work bridges global perspective, creative str... Show more

Jenna Meiring

Jenna Meiring

Jenna Meiring is a senior frontend developer with over 20 years of coding experience. A person of many interests, she is also a musician and artist, as well as a dog-lover working towards a qualification in dog behaviour.

A lover of rubber ducks and general whimsy, Jenna has a firm belief that while we cannot change the world we live in, the way we approach our day-to-day lives is how we find joy in the manic and fast-paced work days.

Jenna Meiring is a senior frontend developer with over 20 years of coding experience. A person of many interests, she is also a musician and artist, as well as a dog-lover working towards a qualification in dog behaviour. A lover of rubber ducks a... Show more

Nicola Palmeri

Nicola Palmeri

Nicola Palmeri, director and computer scientist specialized in virtual reality and multimedia, explores the symbiosis between art and technology. His dedication is mainly focused on the development of immersive and interactive virtual environments known for their realistic immersion. Furthermore, he is an expert in developing video games in which he exploits his passion for cinema. He has worked on image branding for leading companies in Europe. He teaches computer science in secondary schools and works as a freelance Information Engineer. He is an expert teacher involved in numerous educational projects (PON) by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (Miur) related to coding for students of all levels. He is constantly engaged in his independent productions, ranging from cinema to information technology. He has received numerous awards at international film festivals. His film “fiSOlofia“, acquired by RaiCinema, won 23 awards, including the Cine Festa Italia in Santa Fe and Los Angeles.

Nicola Palmeri, director and computer scientist specialized in virtual reality and multimedia, explores the symbiosis between art and technology. His dedication is mainly focused on the development of immersive and interactive virtual environments kn... Show more

Linasik Tarnauskas

Linasik Tarnauskas

I’m an intermediate musician actively working through the challenges many players face after the beginner stage. Rather than presenting theory from the outside, I talk about experiences grounded in real experiments, failures, and lessons learned while actively making and recording music.

I’m an intermediate musician actively working through the challenges many players face after the beginner stage. Rather than presenting theory from the outside, I talk about experiences grounded in real experiments, failures, and lessons learned whil... Show more

Tutaleni Ilonga

Tutaleni Ilonga

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Africa game development program Mr, Ilonga created his own game studio/company called TL Entertainment whereby he created games and was successfully able to import Global Game Jam and Game Jam +, whereby together with the partnership between TL Entertainment and Game Jam+ there was a bridge built between Namibia and Brazil.

With the games that where created not proving to be profitable, Mr Ilonga would take part in a CEP program whereby he would like up with Vaughan, Veronica and Ndamono and together they would form Edu-Game Namibia to create an innovation hub around gaming to ensure that the market because sustainable around gaming and ensure future Namibian generations will be able to profit from it.

With 7 Years’ experience in Gaming Mr Ilonga has won a few awards and also became the flag career for Gaming especially at the Forbes where he and Vaughan would help Edu-Game Namibia make it to the top 3 pitch battle final. Currently Mr Ilonga together with Edu-Game are working on a curriculum to gamify the education system.

List of Achievements
Forbes 30 Under 30 Top 3 Pitch Battle Finalist 2024
Boost Up Pitch Winner 2023
Xbox Games Camp Alumni 2023
Sanlam Bridge Beneficiary 2023
CEP WINNER 2022
Game Industry Africa Awards Winner 2022
Class of 2022 Game Developers Conference SCHOLARS:

Events/Interviews I have Spoken At
Xbox Games Camp - Topic - Why Africa Is The Best Place To Invest When It Comes To Gaming
Africa Partnership For Growth Symposium - Topic - Why Investing In Gaming is Profitable
PathfindinGS -Topic - Gamifying the Namibian Education System
Africa Comicade Topic -Getting Local Businesses to Invest in Game Development
Game Jam Plus Topic -Importance of Game Jam In The Local Ecosystem
African Creative Meeting Topic -E-Sports In Africa
ESQUENTA Topic - Importance of GJ + For the Local Ecosystem
BBC World Service TV Topic - CES 2020: What’s in it for Africa?

Tutaleni, is the driving force behind the growth of Game Development in Namibia and in Africa as a whole, as well as the bridge between South America and Africa when it comes to the Game Development space. After successfully completing the Enter Afri... Show more

Joanne Enders

Joanne Enders

Joanne's journey, shaped by her mother's and grandmother's wisdom, exemplifies the transformative power of art. As an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist, she embodies resilience, authenticity, and personal growth. Her emotionally charged work resonates with global audiences, while her trailblazing multimedia creations captivate through digital art, AI, and photography. Joanne has two #1 internationally best-selling books, "The Creative Lifebook: Reflections On The Art Of Living A Fully Expressed Life" and “Radical Self Love: How To Ignite Your Light Through Creativity”. Showcasing her narrative talent and promoting community building and collaboration among artists, authors, and other creatives. Besides being an artist, photographer, and all-around nerd, she is a high-level Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance Director and accountant, who always looks for solutions to issues that create risks of derailing projects, movements, and cultures. Being of the viewpoint to consider, communicate, and collaborate but most importantly take action, Joanne is a doer. Her business savvy, combined with her artistic prowess, positions her as a driving force for change and inspiration. From her modest beginnings to her worldwide success, Joanne's life and creativity are testaments to growth, resilience, and authenticity.

Joanne's journey, shaped by her mother's and grandmother's wisdom, exemplifies the transformative power of art. As an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist, she embodies resilience, authenticity, and personal growth. Her emotionally charged wor... Show more

Claudia Saffioti

Claudia Saffioti

Ciao! Mi chiamo Claudia e mi occupo di Product design

Sono fermamente convinta che la curiosità sia il motore dei processi di design e che grazie alle regole per una buona progettazione si possano cucire delle esperienze ad hoc per l’utente.

Fuori dal computer dedico il mio tempo alla pittura, disegno su carta e in generale all’arte, che mi accompagna da sempre.

Ciao! Mi chiamo Claudia e mi occupo di Product design Sono fermamente convinta che la curiosità sia il motore dei processi di design e che grazie alle regole per una buona progettazione si possano cucire delle esperienze ad hoc per l’utente. ... Show more

Corey (Jayohcee) Jocko

Corey (Jayohcee) Jocko

Multidisciplinary Creator & NFTNYC Alumni

Corey "Jayohcee" Jocko is a visionary artist, musician, filmmaker, and digital innovator.

NFTNYC Alumni :
VIP Speaker on first ever indigenous panel, musical performance and digital art selected for showcase 2023.
VIP solo talk and art selected for showcase 2024.

Host & Performed at NYC Takeover 2024

Jayohcee - Dreams (2024)

Jayohcee - End of an Era (December 2024)

Yintah (2024): Corey is featured in this poignant documentary that follows Indigenous land defenders' efforts to protect the land and water, now streaming on Netflix.

Currently in landmark Indigenous rights cases, including significant trial in early 2024.

Other Achievements:

- Accepted into HUG.xyz, Also Collab with SearchlightNFTs, Special Badges
- Nominated in multiple categories for International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards. Winnipeg
- Awarded Film Maker of the Year by PBS TVFILM Season 13
- Nominated at 4 film festivals for collaboration with 'Echoes from Lock One'
- Hosted Jayohcee Vegas Meet & Greet - Ceaser's Palace Forum during National Indian Gaming
- Created and Premiered an Phygital NFT at a city art event 'Cornwall Artwalk'
- Member of SearchlightNFTs since 2021

From commanding the stage with mesmerizing performances to seamlessly integrating physical art with the digital world, Jayohcee's unique approach captivates audiences. Explore his diverse works at Jayohcee.com and discover exclusive NFTs at withkoji.com/@Jayohcee, also available on respected marketplaces under Jayohcee. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

🔗 Connect with me: Jayohcee.com 🌟

Multidisciplinary Creator & NFTNYC Alumni Corey "Jayohcee" Jocko is a visionary artist, musician, filmmaker, and digital innovator. NFTNYC Alumni : VIP Speaker on first ever indigenous panel, musical performance and digital art selected for sh... Show more

Kadine James

Kadine James

Kadine is a Global Metaverse Strategist at Accenture and CEO and Founder of The Immersive KIND NFT Gallery and 3D Crypto Fashion House. Kadine is listed as one of the top 10 most influential women Metaverse Founders working in DigitaL Fashion, 3D Printing, augmented reality, virtual reality, spatial computing, XR, immersive gaming, and innovation. A pioneer in leading change in the immersive technology industry. She works at the intersection of future technology, strategy, and storytelling, engaging audiences across the globe around the future applications of emerging technologies.

Kadine is the founder of The Immersive KIND, a creative technology crypto fashion and digital arts house exploring the future of post-reality experiences.

Kadine is a Global Metaverse Strategist at Accenture and CEO and Founder of The Immersive KIND NFT Gallery and 3D Crypto Fashion House. Kadine is listed as one of the top 10 most influential women Metaverse Founders working in DigitaL Fashion, 3D Pri... Show more

Rittika Basu

Rittika Basu

✦ With 7+ years of experience, Rittika is an awarded designer, researcher and author. She believes ‘Good Design’ is a service/product that solves problems, improves lifestyle and enhances user satisfaction through innovative as well as optimistic intervention. Currently, she serves as a Senior UI Designer at Dentsu. Her past roles include positions at Walt Disney, Toshiba, and OCAD University, spanning regions such as India, Canada, and France.

✦ During her time at the National Institute of Design (NID), Rittika was selected for an exchange student program at ÉSAD de Reims, France, due to her academic merit. She is the recipient of OCADU Dean scholarship, enabling her to complete a Master of Design (M.Des) from OCAD University, Toronto.

✦ Rittika's expertise includes Accessibility Design, UX Research, Gerontological Design, and Design Systems. She is passionate about crafting digital experiences for the elderly netizens and differently-abled consumers. As an active member of the design community, she is affiliated with 'Women Talk Design,' contributes to INDIAai, and serves as a design mentor at UMO Design, which organizes the renowned UX INDIA Conference.

Beyond her professional endeavours:

✦ Rittika has co-authored two research papers, which were presented at the HCI International 2021 conference.

✦ She has delivered keynote addresses at various international conferences, events, and educational institutions such as IIT and NID, where she advocates for Accessibility (WCAG 2.1), UX Design, and design-thinking methodologies.

✦ In her personal time, Rittika enjoys traveling, reading mystery thrillers, practicing calligraphy, and watching movies.

✦ With 7+ years of experience, Rittika is an awarded designer, researcher and author. She believes ‘Good Design’ is a service/product that solves problems, improves lifestyle and enhances user satisfaction through innovative as well as optimistic int... Show more

Natalie Crüe

Natalie Crüe

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to foster civic engagement, spark dialogue, and amplify communities.

She co-developed the Metaverse Music Festival aka MVMF, the first global music festival rooted in the metaverse; Co-produces Huellas Festival in Southern Spain; and contributes to a number of DAOs and creative communities in the Web3 ecosystem. Recently, she founded Web3 Uncut -- a dynamic tech lab building micro experiments to support creators on chain and a newsletter centering Web3 arts & culture.

You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @NatalieCrue.

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to... Show more

Karo Duro

Karo Duro

Karo Duro is a Creative Technologist who fuses art, extended reality, and experience design to craft emotive bodies of work that ignite insights and inspire change. She was born in Nigeria, raised in Ireland, and is currently based out of Atlanta, Georgia. She studied Computer Science with a focus on Human Computer Interaction and Artificial Intelligence at Georgia State University then later studied Extended Reality at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Her portfolio spans immersive exhibitions, technology-driven art installations, cutting edge digital experiences, and virtual worlds that blend storytelling with human-centered design. Karo’s work has been recognized in notable spheres locally and globally including Google Arts and Culture, Carnegie Hall, Essence Fest, Fulton County Public Arts, Atlanta Downtown (ADID), The Black Scholar Journal, The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the Desiderio Gallery in Vienna.
Currently, she leads multiple research initiatives in emerging technologies and AI-powered tools, focusing on the ethical concerns and societal conflicts that arise in the rapid advancement of these technologies, aiming to raise awareness and carry the torch of advocacy in these areas.

Karo Duro is a Creative Technologist who fuses art, extended reality, and experience design to craft emotive bodies of work that ignite insights and inspire change. She was born in Nigeria, raised in Ireland, and is currently based out of Atlanta, Ge... Show more

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