Dr. Shady Radical

Dr. shady R. Radical, CA. works around issues of preservation in Black performance and production cultures.  She earned a Ph.D. from Georgia State University in Moving Image Studies and a Master's degree in Curatorial Arts and Visual Culture from New York University. Currently, she is teaching Dance history in the Dance Performance and Choreography Department at Spelman College.  She's taught Race and Representation in Film & TV; Documenting Performance; and The History of Film at Georgia State University. While writing, archiving, and curating form the three nodes of her preservation practice, it was her experience as a key costumer at Tyler Perry Studios that ultimately inspired her passion and pursuit.  In 2021, She established The Radical Archive of Performance (t.r.a.p.), also the subject of her dissertation.  Her dissertation explores the theoretical implications at the intersection between the archive, blackness, and film/tv production culture.

Julie Kendig

Julie Kendig is the Business Steward & Director of Inquiry at RISE Research & Evaluation (a QBIWOC firm) whose approach alchemizes the wisdom of lived experiences with scholarly work. We employ a research paradigm with roots in constructivism, critical analysis, and Indigenous-based positionality. We are a full-service research and evaluation firm that collects, analyzes and synthesizes data, and we provide insights on your work’s effect.We are called RISE because we seek to elevate your practice and grow awareness of your impact. Through the power of inquiry and data-driven results, we provide a grounding for you and your staff to know where to grow.

wes browning

Wes Browning is the Founder/Director of Sema Films. He is happiest when observing the world through a lens. He has spent more than 23 years capturing evidence of the human spirit, focusing on telling stories of deep connections that make us more alike than different. He has carried this passion through projects for Atlanta Public Schools, Africa Exchange, Calendly, The Coca-Cola Company, Emory University, Forum for Theological Exploration, Mercer University, The Rockefeller University, and many others. Throughout his career, Wes has managed to set foot in over 43 countries around the world, putting him in contact with a wide range of experiences, people, and places. He has a particular passion for stories that originate on the continent of Africa. In 2008, Wes started Sema Films, a full-service video production company in Atlanta, Georgia. Sema Films primarily works with non-profits to amplify voices of good in the world to catalyze change.

Charisse williams

Charisse M. Williams is a certified leadership & well-being coach whose mission is to help high-achieving leaders create work-life harmony and build strong teams. She serves clients through 1:1 coaching, speaking, team building retreats and speaking about her book, The Joy of Thriving While Black.  Before becoming a full-time coach, Charisse worked in social justice organizations tackling civil rights, education, and racial equity issues. She also facilitates leadership development training for the Fast Forward Group. As a certified yoga instructor, she brings a mindfulness lens to all of her work. To learn more about Charisse, visit www.charissemwilliams.com.