Derek J. Johnson is the Manager of Current Series Operations at FX Networks. In this role, Johnson focuses on series in pre- through post-production and improving workflows across all FX departments. Prior, Johnson participated in the Disney Entertainment Executive Incubator Program, a 2-year practicum through core disciplines of television across the Disney studios and networks. In this role, he had the pleasure of working with teams at Freeform, 20th Television, and FX. Before this, Johnson served as the Studio Commercialization coordinator at FX, where he helped drive financial and brand ROI for all FX original series, working on projects and products ranging from series merchandise to soundtracks. While with this team, he managed the development and launch of FX’s first narrative mobile game, It’s Always Sunny: The Gang Goes Mobile, which reached #4 on the Apple App Store. Johnson started his career in the William Morris Endeavor mailroom and moved to assistant roles in Global Finance & Distribution and later Digital Media.

Donisha Prendergast, carries the spirit of Bob and Rita Marley into her own expansive creative practice. She’s appeared in films like Akilla’s Escape, Black Bodies, wrapped her debut solo writing feature in 2025, and currently serves as the resident film curator at the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica—a guardian of ancestral memory through moving image. As an actress, producer, writer, director and social impact consultant across various projects, she shapes narratives at their inception. Through Humanity Ova Vanity, supported by the Rita Marley Foundation, she creates space for art as intervention, as healing, as resistance. Her advocacy work understands that liberation is both personal and collective. Prendergast moves between worlds—film, activism, cultural preservation—building something honest, something necessary, something that honours the past while refusing to be confined by it.

Dwayne Holness is a creative entrepreneur, growth strategist, and founder of Corex Creative. He helps founders, brands, and organizations clarify their positioning, build trust, and scale impact through strategic storytelling. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of creativity and business, he has collaborated with global artists and major organizations including Lauryn Hill, Chronixx, LCBO, Canadian Tire, and CSA Group. Known for his focus on clarity, credibility, and execution, Dwayne supports leaders in communicating value with confidence. As a speaker, he shares real‑world insights on leadership, purpose‑driven entrepreneurship, and building sustainable, mission-aligned growth.

Ian David Nsenga is a Canadian film producer, writer, and creative entrepreneur based in British Columbia. Born in Nairobi with roots in Rwanda, his work is shaped by migration and the emotional realities of navigating multiple cultures. As founder of Visionary Productions and Visionary Vertical Productions, he develops character‑driven film, television, and emerging‑format projects with global reach. His storytelling blends grounded realism with heightened emotional stakes, exploring identity, ambition, memory, and transformation. With projects spanning features, series, documentaries, and vertical drama, Ian collaborates internationally and champions mentorship, access, and long‑term sustainability for Black creators in the screen industry. His work has reached audiences through major global platforms including Amazon Paramount Plus and Apple TV Plus.

Jen Holness writes, produces, and directs. She recently produced RT Thorne’s thriller, 40 Acres and was nominated for five NAACP Awards, including Outstanding Independent Motion Picture and Outstanding International Picture. The film is currently streaming and reached the #1 spot on Hulu. 

Her doc feature, #WhileBlack, which she co-wrote and co-directed, will premiere at the SXSW in 2026 and her doc, Subject of Desire was a TIFF Top Ten film. Over decades, Jen’s films and TV shows have screened and sold globally, earning prizes from major film festivals, along with multiple industry awards. A CMPA Indiescreen Producer of the Year, Jen also received WIFT’s Creative Excellence Award and The Hollywood Reporter profiled her as one of the 40 Most Influential Women in International Film.

Jo-Anne Liburd is a Communications Consultant whose clients span a range of industries, from the screen sector to travel to healthcare. A focal point of her professional and volunteer work, however, is supporting community-profit organizations to address the needs of equity-deserving populations. She brings a passion for social justice, an inquiring mind, and an ever-present sense of humour to each collaboration.

Nauzanin Knight is a Canadian filmmaker and writer of Caribbean and Middle Eastern heritage whose work blends global experience with a commitment to social impact. After completing her MSc at University College London and publishing State Terrorism in Iran, she shifted to film, creating projects such as #SHADESOFWORTH, My Lyric I Never Knew, Precarity, and ColorBlind, and developing White Sands with the National Film Board of Canada. A WIDC and BANFF Spark alumna, she also serves as EDI Chair on AMPIA’s board and leads initiatives that advance diversity, inclusion, and community storytelling. She is Executive Producer of 1844 Studios.

Orla Garriques is a multi-faceted professional working at the intersection of film, television, digital media, arts and education. As Marketing Director at Inner City Films, she leads global strategy across marketing, exhibition, and international sales/export for film and TV properties. Her production work centers on digital and interactive projects that expand access, innovation, and audience engagement. As a mentor, Orla supports content creators in sustained creative and professional development. Through her work on boards and committees, including the Black Screen Office Programming Committee, she champions equity-driven initiatives that elevate talent and advance diverse storytelling.

Keziah Myers is the Executive Director of ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, where she champions the advancement and retention of Black talent in the music industry. She has led major initiatives in music licensing at Entandem and A&R Operations at SOCAN, improving systems, operations, and equity for 150,000 members. With experience in label operations, publicity, and board leadership, she has also served as a juror for FACTOR and the JUNO Awards. Having lived on three continents and worked with artists including Drake, Maroon 5, DSVN, and Boi‑1da, Keziah continues to advise, educate, and advocate across the industry.

Rama Diallo is a Business Affairs Executive, currently in-house at Front Street Pictures in Vancouver, BC. With an educational and professional background incorporating Communications and Legal Affairs, Rama brings with her a wealth of knowledge on all things media. Rama’s skilled attention to detail and constant thirst for further knowledge has equipped her with the tools integral to the successful management of various aspects of the production process. From liaising and negotiating with key industry stakeholders, to analyzing and operating within complex legal parameters, her ability to think outside the box continues to drive Rama in her dynamic output of innovative contributions to the world of film and television.

Samah Ali is a festival and inflight entertainment programmer based in New York City. She is the Video Programming Manager at Stellar Entertainment, curating movies and television shows for airlines around the world. In her spare time, she programs and juries for Academy Award qualifying festivals.

Sami is a film and television executive and producer with over a decade of experience creating premium content for global audiences. After more than ten years in Europe, he settled in Canada and earned a BA from the University of Winnipeg before beginning his career at Inferno Pictures. Now a key creative leader at the company, he oversees development and collaborates with top writers, directors, financiers, and studios. His producing credits include Cinema of Sleep, Percy, The Parts You Lose, How It Ends, Incident in a Ghostland, The Porter, and the CBC documentary Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon. He continues to champion bold, character‑driven storytelling.