Aravind Srinivas is the CEO of Perplexity, the conversational “answer engine” that provides precise, user-focused answers to queries — with in-line citations. Aravind co-founded the company in 2022 after working as a research scientist at OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind. To date, Perplexity has raised over $165 million from investors including Jeff Bezos, Nat Friedman, Elad Gil, NVIDIA, and the late Susan Wojciki. He has a PhD in computer science from UC Berkeley and a Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. You can find him on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.

About Perplexity:
Perplexity is the conversational ‘answer engine’ that draws from credible sources in real time to answer users’ questions with in-line citations. Founded in 2022 by former members of OpenAI, Meta, Quora, Bing, and Databricks, the company’s mission is to serve the world’s curiosity by bridging the gap between traditional search engines and AI-driven interfaces. Each week, Perplexity answers more than 100 million questions around the world. Perplexity is available online at www.perplexity.com and on iOS, Mac, and Andro

Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres from groundbreaking series to commercials and films.

Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed WICKED, starring Oscar-nominated actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, which garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Part 1 of the feature film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon released in theaters on November 22, 2024 and quickly became the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation in box office history earning over $700 million globally. His memoir, Viewfinder, is his journey from growing up in the Silicon Valley to transitioning to Hollywood and helming major studio projects, released Summer 2024. The book is an uplifting tale of belonging, creativity and learning to see who you truly are.

His recent projects include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS for Warner Bros. as well as the worldwide phenomenon CRAZY RICH ASIANS, which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and PGA Award. It is one of the top 10 highest grossing romantic comedies of all time and the highest in a decade. It was also the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast and opened a new chapter in Asian-American representation in Hollywood.

Chu is in post-production on WICKED: PART TWO, which is set to release on November 21, 2025, and is attached to develop to direct the biopic for Britney Spears based on her memoir, The Woman in Me, with Universal. He is also in development on Dr. Seuss’ OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! with Warner Bros and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, which will be his first animated film set to release March 2028.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the founder of Sabyasachi, India’s leading luxury design house. He set up his eponymous studio with a workforce of three people in 1999. A market pioneer, there have been many firsts since—he is the first Indian designer and brand to collaborate with Estée Lauder, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Pottery Barn, Disney, Thomas Goode, Morgenthal Frederics, Printemps Doha and Christian Louboutin. Patrons of the brand include celebrities, royals, intellectuals, and achievers. As the brand has evolved, he has also helmed a number of initiatives, both non-profit and for-profit including the Save The Sari project and the Sabyasachi Art Foundation, working closely with artisans and artists on models of economic sustainability. With flagship stores in most major cities across India, he launched his first international store in New York in 2022. Over a little more than two decades, Mukherjee has redefined Indian fashion and design into a lifestyle firmly rooted in heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity.

The Los Angeles Wildfire Heroes represent the collective bravery and resilience of the city’s first responders, volunteers, nonprofit groups, and community members who confront the increasing threat of wildfires. They brought food, shared resources, rescued pets, offered shelter, and reminded us all what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

This is for all the people who stayed strong for others, who acted with kindness, and who showed the world that LA is more than just a city; it’s a community built on heart, hope, and helping hands.

CHUCK AOKI
Chuck Aoki is a four-time Paralympic medalist, leader, and legend in wheelchair rugby. Born with a congenital condition that led to partial paralysis, Chuck took up wheelchair rugby as a way to challenge himself and found great success. He became a key player on the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team, winning multiple medals at the Paralympic Games, including a bronze at the 2012 London Games and a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Aoki is also recognized for his leadership, athleticism, and advocacy for the disabled community. He plays with heart, grit, and the kind of leadership that lifts everyone around him.

LEE KIEFER
Lee Kiefer is an American épée fencer and Olympic gold medalist. She made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she won the first-ever gold medal for the United States in women’s individual épée, marking a breakthrough for American fencing. Kiefer has been competing at the international level for years and has earned numerous medals in world championships and World Cup events. She has now cemented her place as the most decorated women’s foil fencer in American history. Her precision and resilience make her unstoppable.

SUNI LEE
Sunisa “Suni” Lee is not just a 3-time Olympic medalist; she’s a groundbreaking force in the world of gymnastics. Winning the coveted gold medal as the all-around champion at the 2020 Olympic Games, Suni etched her name in history as the first Hmong American Olympian. Her story goes beyond athletic triumph and is truly about representation and breaking barriers.Born and raised in Minnesota, Suni’s journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Her life took a turn when she moved to Alabama to attend Auburn University, where she excelled as a collegiate gymnast. As of this year, Suni has made the Olympic team for a second time and is excited for what’s to come.
In July of 2024, The American Kidney Fund partnered with Suni to help educate and empower individuals about kidney health. This initiative aims to raise awareness about kidney disease and its causes, promoting early detection and preventive measures. Through this collaboration, Suni spreads vital information through her platform, encouraging people to learn about their kidney health and take proactive steps to protect it, which is a message that is very close to her heart.
At just 22 years old, Suni is a beacon of inspiration, aiming to empower her peers and the next generation to chase their passions and realize their dreams. Her story is a prime example of what can be
achieved with hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in oneself. Suni is currently based in NYC and has recently worked with brand such as SKIMS, KISS and Love Shack Fancy.

TORRI HUSKE
Torri Huske is an American swimmer who specializes in the butterfly and freestyle events, winning more medals than any other athlete for Team USA and shattering records on her way to the finish line. She gained prominence after her breakout performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she earned a silver medal in the women’s 100m butterfly. Huske’s talent in the pool was evident from a young age, and she has since set multiple records, including becoming one of the youngest American swimmers to make the Olympic team. Known for her speed, technique, and determination, Huske has solidified her place as one of the rising stars of American swimming. She continues to be a strong contender at national and international competitions. Her speed, her power, her drive—she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Ang Lee, or 李安, is a renowned film director known for his diverse body of work that spans across genres, from epic historical dramas to intimate romances. He made his directorial debut in 1992 with Pushing Hands but rose to international fame with CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, which won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. He masterfully blended artistry and storytelling, redefining the wuxia genre and bringing the richness of Chinese culture to a global audience. Ang’s visionary direction and commitment to diverse narratives have not only earned him critical acclaim but also inspired countless filmmakers to explore and celebrate their cultural identities through cinema.

As the president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara handles brand management for all Pokémon products, including video games, the trading card game, videos, and apps. He has produced various hit works for nearly 30 years and continues to be active as a producer to this day.

Ishihara was born in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, in 1957 and graduated from the University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Art and Design in 1983. He was involved in the development of various video games as a game producer before founding Creatures Inc. in 1995. In 1996, he produced Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, which became the basis for all subsequent Pokémon related products, and in the same year, he also developed the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In 1998, Ishihara founded Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. (now The Pokémon Company) and he has served as president and CEO ever since.

In addition to these roles, Ishihara serves as the Representative Director Chairman of the POKÉMON with You Foundation, a charitable foundation established in 2021, contributing to activities such as disaster recovery support, educational assistance, and scholarship grants. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards including the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Japan Game Awards 2011, the Soft Power Award at the Japan Innovator Awards in 2016, and the Institute of Environmental Art and Design’s 2019 Grand Prize.

The basic concept of Pokémon games is to find Pokémon in the field, catch them, and raise them. It is not merely a closed experience of self, it enables players to communicate with others through “battling” and “trading”.

The Pokémon Group, which now spans the globe, aims to create connections that can transcend language, culture, and generations with its vision of “Bringing the World Together Through Pokémon.”

Min Jin Lee is the author of the novels Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko, a finalist for the National Book Award, runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and a New York Times “100 Best Books of the Century.” Lee is the 2024 recipient of The Fitzgerald Prize for Literary Excellence. From South Korea, Lee has received the Manhae Grand Prize for Literature, the Bucheon Diaspora Literary Award, and the Samsung Happiness for Tomorrow Award for Creativity. She is the recipient of fellowships in Fiction from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Study at Harvard, and the New York Foundation for the Arts. Lee is an inductee of the New York Foundation for the Arts Hall of Fame and the New York State Writers Hall of Fame. Lee served as the Editor of Best American Short Stories 2023. Lee’s essays and criticism have appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, and The Times of London. She is a Writer-in-Residence at Amherst College. She is at work on her third novel, American Hagwon and a nonfiction work, Name Recognition.

The Gold House Gold Bridge Legacy Award honors someone who is a pioneering leader in uniting the East and West through media.

AARON YANG
Aaron graduated from Cornell University in 2014 with a B.S. in Hotel Administration with the goal of being a good steward to the Din Tai Fung brand that his grandfather founded. After graduation, Aaron assisted in all aspects of restaurant operations. Aaron then went on to start building out the corporate office and later moved into an executive role with a focus on Development and IT. In 2024 Aaron and Albert were named Co-CEOs of Din Tai Fung North America. Proudest professional accomplishments include helping to identify and implement software and equipment that allowed the company to scale efficiently, guiding the restaurant development strategy, and helping to build out the executive team. Aaron enjoys playing golf, staying active, and watching a good movie or show.

ALBERT YANG
Albert graduated from Cornell University in 2015 with a B.S. in Hotel Administration. After graduation, Albert went immediately into the family business where he operated as restaurant manager at South Coast Plaza and Santa Anita, while helping with new store openings including Del Amo and Century City. Albert then went on to lead the culinary team starting in 2018, then started working in an executive role in 2020. Proudest professional accomplishments include opening the first east coast location in New York City and achieving a 4.4+ average star rating on Yelp for all restaurants in 2024. Albert’s personal passions include attending sporting events and concerts, staying fit, building relationships, and personal growth.

ABDULLAH SAEED
Abdullah Saeed is a Pakistani-American writer, producer, and journalist known for his focus on cannabis culture and South Asian-American narratives. He hosted and produced Bong Appétit on Viceland and created the 2025 Hulu comedy series Deli Boys, which explores the lives of two Pakistani-American brothers navigating their father’s unexpected criminal legacy.

ASIF ALI
Asif Ali stars in Hulu’s hit comedy Deli Boys and also has been seen in Marvel’s WandaVision, Agatha All Along, Shrinking, New Girl, Ghosts, Don’t Worry Darling, The Mandalorian and more while also touring in prep for his standup special.

SAAGAR SHAIKH
Saagar Shaikh is a Pakistani American actor and producer. Born and raised in Texas to immigrant parents, he didn’t have much exposure outside of the world of convenience stores. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BA in Business Management before exploring a world of storytelling and improvising and grew a passion for positive Muslim representation. In 2019, Saagar was selected in the Disney Television Discovers Talent Showcase which set the stage for his breakout role in the critically acclaimed Marvel Studios series on Disney+, Ms. Marvel. He reprised his role in the film THE MARVELS alongside Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson. Saagar now stars as a lead in the Hulu Original series by Onyx Collective, Deli Boys.

POORNA JAGANNATHAN
Poorna Jagannathan is best known for the role of ‘Nalini’ in Netflix’s #1 hit comedy series Never Have I Ever, which is produced by Mindy Kaling. Next up, Poorna will star in the upcoming Onyx/Hulu series, Deli Boys and DC’s Lanterns opposite Kyle Chandler. On the feature side, Poorna can currently be seen in Jon Watts’ Apple feature, WOLVES, opposite George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Previously, she appeared in the Happy Madison/Netflix comedy THE OUT-LAWS opposite Adam Devine, Pierce Brosnan, and Nina Dobrev; as well as, the film adaptation of TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN, directed by Hannah Marks for New Line. Poorna first drew attention for her role in HBO’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated show, The Night Of, opposite Riz Ahmed. Since then, she has had many memorable television roles in shows such as Hulu’s Emmy-winning limited series The Act, HBO’s Big Little Lies, Hulu’s Ramy, and Apple’s Defending Jacob. Additional film credits include the A24 feature SHARE directed by Pippa Bianco, which was distributed by HBO after premiering at Cannes, as well as the Bollywood cult film DEHLI BELLY.

Alex Yee is the co-creator and screenwriter of Emmy-winning Netflix series Arcane, which marked Riot’s first animated series. He and fellow Arcane co-creator Christian Linke were part of the League of Legends team that originally created Vi and Jinx, the beloved League champions who are the show’s protagonists. The second season of Arcane will debut in November 2024.

From the moment Alex started playing League in its early beta stages, he saw the potential for its characters to have deep and compelling narrative backstories. Prior to his work on Arcane, he and Christian co-created an original lyrical song dedicated to Vi and “Get Jinxed,” the hit music video starring Jinx. These projects marked Riot’s first foray into character building through music.

He began his career at Riot in the company’s early days, where he served as a customer service agent answering questions about League.

Amy Homma is the Director and President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures located in Los Angeles, California. She leads the largest museum in the world dedicated to the arts, sciences, and artists of filmmaking. In collaboration with filmmakers, scholars, and museum staff, she presents exhibitions, programs, and projects that celebrate cinema and amplify multiple perspectives and interpretations of film history. She is committed to working in partnership to ensure that the Academy Museum is a welcome space for all.

As Chief Brand Officer, Andrea drives the strategic evolution and market positioning of the Panda family of brands, championing inclusive and impactful marketing initiatives, pioneering menu and experience innovations, and upholding an unwavering commitment to quality.

Andrea’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping integrated marketing strategies that strengthen guest affinity for Panda Express’ comforting cuisine, quick and high-quality service, and culturally authentic storytelling. By blending the brand’s rich heritage with modern influences, Andrea guides the evolution of American Chinese comfort food and a dynamic, guest-centered dining experience. She fosters a consistent commitment to quality — from ingredient integrity to operational excellence — helping to build enduring brand trust. Beyond brand development, she leads impactful communications and fosters meaningful community engagement, reinforcing Panda’s core values and its role as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to its people, guests, and communities.

With a lifelong connection to the company, Andrea brings a deep sense of stewardship to her role. She previously established Panda’s Digital Business team, where she developed the company’s digital marketing strategy, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Her professional background includes positions as vice president at a Silicon Valley marketing consulting firm and as an attorney at Morrison & Foerster. She has also worked in the nonprofit and public sectors focusing on at-risk youth and human rights.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Asian American Studies (magna cum laude) from the University of Pennsylvania, a law degree with honors from Duke University School of Law, and a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in marketing and strategic management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

ANDREW AHN
Andrew Ahn is a queer Korean American filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Ahn’s latest film THE WEDDING BANQUET (Bleecker Street) starring Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, and Kelly Marie Tran premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. His previous film FIRE ISLAND (Searchlight Pictures) was nominated for two Emmy Awards and won the Ensemble Tribute at the 2023 Gotham Awards and a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Streaming/TV. Ahn’s sophomore feature DRIVEWAYS premiered at the 2019 Berlinale and was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. Ahn’s first film SPA NIGHT premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and won a Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Performance. The film went on to win the 2017 John Cassavetes Film Independent Spirit Award. Ahn has directed both fiction and documentary television, including shows Bridgerton and Generation. He has promoted diversity in the arts by mentoring youth filmmakers through programs like Pacific Arts Movement’s Reel Voices, Outfest’s OutSet, and the Sundance Institute’s Native Filmmaker Lab. He graduated from Brown University and received an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

ANITA GOU​
Anita Gou is a visionary film producer and founder of Kindred Spirit, a production company dedicated to championing bold, diverse storytelling. She is renowned for producing acclaimed films such as THE FAREWELL (2019), HONEY BOY (2019), and ASSASSINATION NATION (2018). In 2025, Gou produced the reimagined THE WEDDING BANQUET, directed by Andrew Ahn and co-written with James Schamus, who also co-wrote the original 1993 film.

BOWEN YANG
Bowen Yang is an Emmy®-nominated comedian, actor and writer. Bowen stars in Universal Pictures’ Wicked as ‘Pfannee’ alongside Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey. Bowen can currently be seen on his 6th season of Saturday Night Live as a repertory player on the show. Joining the show as a writer in 2018 and becoming an on-air cast member in 2019, Bowen has achieved critical acclaim and has gone on to receive three Emmy® Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Bowen stars in Andrew Ahn’s remake of the 1993 romantic comedy, The Wedding Banquet opposite Lily Gladstone, which had its premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January. The film will be released on April 18. Additionally, Bowen currently hosts the acclaimed iHeartRadio podcast, LAS CULTURISTAS, alongside fellow comedian Matt Rogers, where they take listeners on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of culture. Garnering rapid success, the podcast was named Podcast of the Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. Additional film and television credits include Searchlight Pictures’ Fire Island, Universal Pictures’ Bros starring opposite Billy Eichner and Luke MacFarlane, A24’s Dicks: The Musical, Comedy Central’s Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, where he played Nora’s cousin Edmund. Bowen was also featured in 2021’s TIME 100Artists. Bowen currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

HAN GI-CHAN
​Han Gi-Chan is a South Korean actor who gained recognition for his role in the groundbreaking BL web drama Where Your Eyes Linger (2020), marking his acting debut. In 2025, he starred in the modern adaptation of THE WEDDING BANQUET, further establishing his presence in both domestic and international cinema. ​

KELLY MARIE TRAN​
Kelly Marie Tran is an American actress who rose to prominence as Rose Tico in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (2017), becoming the first Asian-American woman to play a leading role in the franchise. She further showcased her versatility by voicing the titular character in Disney’s RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (2021) and, in 2025, starred in Andrew Ahn’s queer Asian-American remake of THE WEDDING BANQUET, a project that resonated deeply with her personal journey.

Andy Kim is a life-long public servant who is proud to represent the state where he grew up, and that gave his family a chance at the American Dream, in the United States Senate.

Senator Kim represented his home community in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms, representing parts of Burlington, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties. During that time, Kim focused on strengthening America’s national security and standing up for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families as a member of the House Armed Services and House Foreign Affairs Committees. He also was an outspoken advocate for New Jersey’s entrepreneurs as a member of the House Small Business Committee. Kim also worked to address big challenges on the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

One of India’s most prolific designers, Anita Dongre has been at the forefront of fashion for over 30 years. As the founder of House of Anita Dongre, she is credited with not only reinventing fashion for the modern woman but bringing a culture of mindful fashion to two generations of women. The eponymous label is synonymous with conscious luxury from red carpet events in New York to leading fashion fundraisers in India.

An advocate of Fashion for Good, Anita’s approach to business is purpose driven—bringing economies back to rural India while empowering women artisans and modernizing crafts. A vegan and a member of PETA, she envisioned a headquarters that was environmentally sustainable. Nestled in the quaint hills of Navi Mumbai, House of Anita Dongre’s headquarters is a 100,000sqft. green space that has been ergonomically designed. The building optimises the use of natural light, composts waste, recycles water and serves only vegetarian meals in the cafeteria. This ethos flows into her brands that disrupt the norm of the luxury category. Every garment and accessory Anita Dongre designs is a handcrafted timeless classic with social sustainability at its core. The brand uses no leather, no wool, no fur or animal skin to reduce fashion’s contribution to animal cruelty and uses entirely biodegradable packaging.

Beloved by Bollywood celebrities, global celebrities and royalty, Anita Dongre has dressed Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, Hillary Clinton, Dakota Johnson and Queen Mathilde of Belgium amongst others. Her mindful contributions to the world economy have been recognised by The World Economic Forum and Copenhagen Fashion Summit where she has been featured as a speaker and panelist. She has also been featured on lists including BoF’s People Changing Fashion, Forbes’ 50 over 50, Vogue Forces of Fashion, and Forbes India’s list of most powerful businesswomen.

Anjali Sud is CEO of Tubi, America’s most watched free TV and movie streaming service. Under Sud’s leadership the company has exhibited exciting growth and momentum, scaling to over 97 million monthly active viewers, expanding globally and solidifying its position as a major entertainment destination.

Prior to Tubi, Anjali served as CEO of Vimeo (NASDAQ:VMEO), the global online video platform. During her six year tenure she took the company public and established Vimeo as the home for video creators and professionals worldwide, building a community of over 300 million users. Before that, she held various positions in e-commerce and media at Amazon and Time Warner.

Anjali has been featured in Fortune’s 40 under 40, Crain’s 40 under 40, Adweek’s Power List, Variety’s Power of Women, and The Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen Under 35. She is a designated Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. She serves on the board of directors of Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) and as Chair of the board of Change.org. Anjali grew up in Flint, Michigan, and lives in New York City with her husband and two young sons.

Aravind Srinivas is the CEO of Perplexity, the conversational “answer engine” that provides precise, user-focused answers to queries — with in-line citations. Aravind co-founded the company in 2022 after working as a research scientist at OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind. To date, Perplexity has raised over $165 million from investors including Jeff Bezos, Nat Friedman, Elad Gil, NVIDIA, and the late Susan Wojciki. He has a PhD in computer science from UC Berkeley and a Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. You can find him on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.

About Perplexity:
Perplexity is the conversational ‘answer engine’ that draws from credible sources in real time to answer users’ questions with in-line citations. Founded in 2022 by former members of OpenAI, Meta, Quora, Bing, and Databricks, the company’s mission is to serve the world’s curiosity by bridging the gap between traditional search engines and AI-driven interfaces. Each week, Perplexity answers more than 100 million questions around the world. Perplexity is available online at www.perplexity.com and on iOS, Mac, and Andro

ASHOK SINHA
​Ashok Sinha is the Chief Communications Officer at Dow Jones, where he oversees global corporate communications across brands like The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and MarketWatch. Since joining in 2023, he has led efforts to reshape the company’s public narrative, including advocating for the release of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich and addressing the impact of AI on the media industry.

MAE CHENG
Mae Cheng is the executive vice president and general manager of events and luxury products and services at Dow Jones. She oversees Dow Jones’s award-winning events business and is responsible for the financial performance of the company’s luxury portfolio, which includes WSJ. Magazine and Mansion Global. Mae has been at Dow Jones for more than 10 years in a number of senior leadership roles. Most recently, she managed the company’s leadership and C-suite products and services. Previously, she managed the P&L of a portfolio that included a number of the Dow Jones consumer brands, including Barron’s, MarketWatch and Financial News. In that role, Mae spearheaded efforts that drove record revenue and subscription growth for the publications. She was previously the publisher and editor at Mansion Global, the premiere news site for luxury residential properties around the world, and Barron’s Penta, a wealth management and luxury publication. Mae has been at the forefront of digital strategy efforts in newsrooms and has led a number of start-up initiatives. In a prior role as special projects editor for Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal, Mae worked on the launch of a suite of professional services content verticals and was key to the development of the editorially driven events portion of The Wall Street Journal’s subscriber benefits program.

AULIʻI CRAVALHO
Auliʻi Cravalho is a Native Hawaiian actor and producer who at just fourteen years old, voiced the titular role in Disney’s Oscar-nominated animated feature film Moana, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. She captivated audiences with her performance of the Oscar-nominated song “How Far I’ll Go” at the 2017 Academy Awards. In 2024, Moana 2 premiered to record-breaking success, achieving the biggest five-day opening of all time and surpassing the one-billion-dollar mark at box office. Cravalho received pop culture praise as Janis in Paramount Pictures’ 2024 box office hit, Mean Girls: The Musical, written by Tina Fey. Among other film and TV roles, Cravalho can be seen in the Amazons’: The Power opposite Toni Collette and John Leguizamo, the Hulu romantic comedy Crush, and the Netflix film All Together Now leading Fred Armisen and Carol Burnett. Cravalho transitioned seamlessly to stage work, making her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club alongside Adam Lambert through March 2025. Cravalho also made her West End debut as Eva Peron in Evita at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2023. She has continued to dominate in voice-over, lending her voice to projects for Amazon, Apple, Audible, Disney, National Geographic, and Paramount as well as video game studios Gameloft and Studio Wildcard. Off-screen, Cravalho has quickly grown as a producer, acting as an EP on Disney’s live-action Moana, EP of the Oscar-qualified animated short The Queen’s Flowers, and an AP on the documentary Reef Builders. Cravalho is also committed to philanthropy and advocacy, having personally worked with organizations such as Aloha United Way, Kuleana Coral Restoration, and the United Nations Small Island Developing States. With a career defined by memorable roles, impactful storytelling, and a dedication to humanitarianism, Cravalho continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

DWAYNE JOHNSON
Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” is a global superstar who transitioned from professional wrestling to acting, becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. He first gained fame as a wrestler in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), where he became a multiple-time World Champion and a beloved figure. His charisma and larger-than-life personality led to a successful career in Hollywood, where he starred in major films such as The Fast and the Furious franchise, JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, and THE SCORPION KING. Johnson has also lent his voice to animated films like MOANA and MOANA 2. His role in MOANA, Maui, has a character arc that explores deeper themes of self-discovery and redemption. His portrayal of Maui continues to captivate audiences, with a blend of action, comedy, and emotion that adds another layer of depth to the beloved character.

DAVID DERRICK, JR.
David Derrick, Jr. (Director) helms Walt Disney Animation Studios’ global phenomenon “Moana 2” following his role as a story artist on the original Academy Award®-nominated film. Derrick joined Disney Animation to work on “Moana,” drawn to the story by his own Samoan ancestry and personal connection to the title character’s quest to understand her heritage. “I felt like I was on the journey with Moana. I have ancestors from Samoa, and just as Moana comes to understand her heritage, working on and researching this film brought me closer to my own.” Traveling with his brothers and sisters to reconnect with their Samoan heritage, Derrick recalls, “We learned how to husk and crack a coconut without any tools. We cooked our dinner in a traditional Samoan oven called an umu.” Derrick previously served as a story artist at DreamWorks Animation on such films as “Megamind,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Guardians,” among others. Born and raised in Farmington, Utah, Derrick decided to pursue a career in the animation industry after seeing Disney Animation’s “Tarzan” while in college. He studied character animation at CalArts.

DANA LEDOUX MILLER
Dana Ledoux Miller is a Samoan writer/producer/director and showrunner. She is the co-director and writer of Walt Disney Animated Studios’ MOANA 2. Hitting a box-office record, it was named one of five movies in 2024 to cross over 600M threshold after its theatrical opening on November 27 and most recently has crossed $1 billion at the global box office. Following MOANA 2, Dana will be involved in Moana The Live Action film, heading to theaters July 10, 2026, where Catherine Laga‘aia joins Dwayne Johnson, who will reprise his role as the beloved Maui, in the oceanic adventure. Previously, she was co-showrunner of Netflix’s THAI CAVE RESCUE Limited Series produced by SKG and Jon M. Chu. Previously, she was an Executive Producer on LAST RESORT for Seven Bucks Productions and Feigco Entertainment as part of the Break the Room Initiative and set up at Quibi. Prior to that, she’s written for AMC’s KEVIN CAN F*CK HIMSELF and LODGE 49, as well as ABC’s DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, Netflix’s NARCOS and HBO’s THE NEWSROOM. She is a graduate of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Born and raised in Long Beach, CA.

Barbara Peng is CEO of Business Insider, the popular and influential global news brand that focuses on business, technology, and innovation. Since becoming President of Business Insider in 2021, Peng has built a strong senior executive team and refined the brand’s strategy to refocus on the company’s ambitious, optimistic, and curious core audience. Peng was previously President of Insider Intelligence, the company’s paid research division, where she led the company’s merger with eMarketer, the renowned provider of digital intelligence and forecasts. Peng graduated from MIT and lives in New York City.

Ben is a Co-founder and General Partner at Primary Venture Partners. Forbes’ Midas List ranks him as one of the top 25 tech investors in the world. One of Ben’s earliest investments is Coupang which is the largest ecommerce company in South Korea and part of the Fortune 200. His founder-first approach originates from his experiences cofounding Community Connect, one of the first social networking companies, which sites included AsianAvenue.com. But Ben’s career began at the age of eight when he worked at his parents’ Chinese restaurant in New York City.

MICKEY 17 is the eighth feature film from the acclaimed Bong Joon Ho, following on from BARKING DOGS NEVER BITE (2000), MEMORIES OF MURDER (2003), THE HOST (2006), MOTHER (2009), SNOWPIERCER (2013), OKJA (2017) and PARASITE (2019). The modern-day classic MEMORIES OF MURDER delves into the investigation behind a well-known serial murder case that was never solved, depicting the authoritarian era of the time with satire and sharp insight. THE HOST takes as its basis the abduction of a young girl by a strange creature that crawls out of the Han River, turning the monster movie genre on its head while also issuing stinging social commentary. MOTHER, the story of a woman trying to protect her son from a murder charge, is a dark portrait of motherly love taken to the extreme, while the sci-fi film SNOWPIERCER portrays the last remnants of humanity in a future world that has been frozen over due to mankind’s overdone efforts to fix global warming. OKJA tells of the country girl Mija’s adventure to rescue the genetically engineered “super pig” she raised from the profit-driven corporation that owns it. Finally, PARASITE, which won the Palme d’Or and the Academy Award® for Best Picture among many other accolades, follows the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.

Known for his cutting, socially incisive wit and twisting of genre conventions, Bong Joon Ho has continually raised questions about social institutions and societal inequalities with his unique blend of humor, emotion and suspense. MICKEY 17 marks a continuation of these themes for Dir. Bong, blending biting and character-driven social satire with high-concept tentpole science fiction.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ exhibition, “Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho,” opened to the public on March 23, 2025 and runs through January 10, 2027. This is the first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to the Oscar®-winning director.

“Bruno is one of the greatest naturally talented writers and performers in music. He’s changed numerous artists careers including our own, writing countless hits for himself and others. Watching an Asian American artist walk up on the Grammy stage with an Asian American producer (Stereotypes) and hold multiple awards was something we never thought we would witness in our time.” – Far East Movement

Bruno Mars is a superstar singer/songwriter best known for hit songs such as “Nothin’ on You,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Uptown Funk,” and “That’s What I Like.” He boasts more than 11 Grammys including becoming the first Asian to win Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song this year.

Cathy Cha is president and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, an influential foundation with a track record of transformative social change. Haas Jr. has developed new approaches to improve the lives of low-income children and youth, was instrumental in advancing marriage equality, and helped to make California a leader in welcoming immigrants. Guided by a mission to advance equality and justice, Cathy has played a central role in shaping the foundation’s work to strengthen democracy, protect immigrant rights, and expand college access and success.

Cathy is a leader known for bringing people and sectors together to solve community problems. She has developed new models for philanthropic impact to support undocumented students at California’s public colleges and universities, strengthen Black nonprofits, and mobilize young Asian American and Pacific Islanders to become civically engaged. The daughter of immigrants from Korea, Cathy is driven by a career-long commitment to improving the lives of aspiring communities facing poverty and injustice. Cathy has a master’s degree in city and regional planning from UC Berkeley.

Charli xcx is a British pop artist, producer, and creative visionary known for her genre-defying sound and fearless approach to music. Since rising to fame with global hits like Boom Clap and Fancy, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop, blending underground aesthetics with mainstream appeal. A pioneer of the hyperpop movement, Charli has carved out a unique space in modern music by merging innovation with infectious energy, becoming one of the most influential artists of her generation.

In 2024, Charli released her critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Brat, which received multiple Grammy nominations and further solidified her status as a forward-thinking pop auteur. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Lorde, Troye Sivan, and Addison Rae. Later that year, she followed up with a remix album, Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat, reimagining the original tracks with contributions from Robyn, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande.

Charli has also been expanding her creative footprint into film. She is producing The Moment, an upcoming feature based on her original concept, in partnership with A24 and her production company Studio365. She also appears in the upcoming films Sacrifice, a globe-spanning action-comedy, and I Want Your Sex, a dark thriller directed by Gregg Araki.

Currently, Charli xcx is on the Brat Tour, performing across Europe, Oceania, and North America through summer 2025. She recently announced two major shows in Belfast and Dublin for June 2025, with special guest The Japanese House. Whether in the studio, on stage, or on screen, Charli continues to reinvent what it means to be a pop star—on her own terms.

Charlie Wen is a visionary pioneer in IP creation across film and games, shaping some of the most successful franchises in entertainment history. With over two decades of groundbreaking work, his creative leadership has propelled global phenomena like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, God of War, League of Legends, and Fortnite to unparalleled success.

Charlie’s career began at SCEA Santa Monica in 2001, where he founded and led Visual Development for the award-winning God of War franchise. As the creator of Kratos—one of the most iconic characters in video game history—he established the franchise’s signature aesthetic and epic world.

In 2009, Charlie co-founded and co-headed Marvel Studios’ Visual Development department, becoming the architect of the MCU’s visual identity. From establishing the cohesive design of all main characters to defining the look and feel of every MCU film in Phases 1 and 2, his influence extended from character designs to key cinematic moments across beloved films such as Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Winter Soldier, and Age of Ultron, among many others.

Charlie’s creative journey continued at Riot Games in 2014, where he spearheaded the League of Legends film division, before collaborating with MIT and Harvard to create the Imaginarium of Technology in 2016. That same year, he co-authored the critically acclaimed novel The Dragon King and founded TenSky Entertainment.

Since 2023, Charlie has been Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games, where he leads the creative vision for Fortnite and the company’s expanding metaverse, driving the future of digital entertainment on a global scale.

Chris Leong is a driven leader with extensive experience across continents and disciplines, including organization and digital transformation, business strategies, sales and marketing, sustainability and social responsibility. ​

​Chris started with Schneider Electric in January 2012 as the Executive Vice President of Digital Customer Experience and in March 2015 she joined the Schneider Electric Executive Committee Leadership Team as Chief Marketing Officer.

As of January 2025, Chris is appointed Chief Sustainability Officer, with a mission to drive our sustainability strategy, commitments and engagements, from corporate citizenship and institutional affairs to sustainability performance and environmental impact.​

Before joining Schneider Electric, Chris led Nokia’s Greater China, Korea & Japan region, after having held various global roles including Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. Prior to joining Nokia, Chris held various senior executive positions in WPP group, including Bates Asia, Ogilvy Europe and Grey Global Group Asia, working with global brand leaders such as P&G, Ford, HSBC, Heineken and various telco brands. ​

Chris is passionate about ESG-based principles and is a firm believer that purpose-led enterprises are the foundation for a sustainable and equitable future for our businesses, customers, employees, communities and the environment. She is an advocate of UNSDG which serves as our collective guide towards progress and sustainability for all.​

​During her free time, she believes in giving back, passionate about working with charity groups focusing on efforts to support underprivileged children in our community. ​

Chris speaks four languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay.

Chris Suh is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Visa, the global leader in digital payments. With over three decades of experience in the technology and finance sectors, Chris has demonstrated a strong track record of financial and organizational leadership, strategic planning and operational excellence, contributing significantly to the growth and transformation of the companies he has served.

Chris joined Visa from Electronic Arts, where he was EVP and CFO of the largest independent video game publisher, best known for their iconic EA Sports franchises.

Prior to EA, Chris had an extensive 20+ year tenure at Microsoft, where he held numerous leadership positions. Notably, Chris was the Corporate Vice President and CFO of the Cloud + AI group during a remarkable period of industry hypergrowth. Chris also previously was Head of Investor Relations, managing shareholders and analysts as Microsoft reinvented itself as a cloud first company.

Throughout his career, Chris has consistently been a champion for the recognition and success of AAPI communities. While AAPI representation overall in US companies has grown substantially, it is not yet the case in the c-suite. Chris recognizes how much representation matters, and the importance that role-models can play for the next-generation of AAPI leaders. As such, Chris has been mentor, coach or sponsor to hundreds of emerging AAPI leaders in each of the companies he has worked for.

Chris and his wife, Young, now split times between San Francisco and Bellevue, Washington, and are parents to two sons, who now reside in SF and Washington DC.

CLARA WU TSAI
Clara Wu Tsai is a businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. Ms. Wu Tsai is the Governor and an owner of the WNBA’s New York Liberty and an owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. As Vice Chair of BSE Global, the teams’ parent company, she oversees all matters relating to fan development, civic and community engagement, and the role Barclays Center plays within Brooklyn.

As Founder of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, Ms. Wu Tsai pursues philanthropic investments across the arts, sciences and social justice spaces. She established the Social Justice Fund in 2020 to work toward economic mobility and racial justice in Brooklyn, New York. She is a founding partner of the REFORM Alliance, which seeks to reform the criminal justice system.

In science and technology, the Foundation supports the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University and the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University for understanding human cognition. In 2020, Ms. Wu Tsai founded the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, which works across six universities to bring together world-class talent to advance the science of human performance.

Ms. Wu Tsai serves on the Boards of Trustees for Stanford University, New York Presbyterian Hospital and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington. She was an executive producer of Into the Okavango, a 2018 conservation documentary, Blue Bayou, a 2021 drama, and Unfinished Business, a 2022 documentary about the WNBA.

Previously, Ms. Wu Tsai was General Manager of the Hong Kong operations of Taobao, China’s largest online shopping website, and a Vice President at American Express in New York and Hong Kong. Ms. Wu Tsai holds a B.A. in International Relations and a M.A. in International Policy Studies from Stanford University, and a M.B.A. from Harvard University.

JOSEPH C. TSAI
Joe Tsai is Governor of the NBA Brooklyn Nets and WNBA New York Liberty. He co-founded Alibaba Group, a global Internet technology company headquartered in China, in 1999, and serves as the company’s chairman. Tsai was born in Taiwan, of parents who originally came from Shanghai with ancestral lineage to Zhejiang Province in China.

Tsai and his wife Clara have taken on active roles supporting social justice and COVID-19 related humanitarian relief. In addition to Tsai’s commitment to The Asian American Foundation, the couple pledged $50 million to advocate for social justice and economic mobility in the Black community through their sports ownership platform, including supporting players to amplify their voice for equality, and addressing income, education and health gaps in communities of color. In April 2020, at the outset of the pandemic, the couple donated personal protective equipment and ventilators to hospitals and underserved institutions in New York, New Jersey, California and the city of Detroit.

Active philanthropists in education and research, the Tsais established the Wu Tsai Neuroscience Institute at Stanford University, dedicated to understanding how the brain gives rise to mental life and behavior, both in health and in disease. The couple also founded the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University to focus on understanding human cognition and exploring human potential by sparking interdisciplinary inquiry among the psychological, biological, and computational sciences. With Tsai’s support, Yale launched the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale (Tsai CITY) to inspire students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to seek innovative ways to solve real-world problems from climate change to civic engagement. Tsai is a supporter of the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School, a center named after his father dedicated to helping advance legal reforms in China and increasing understanding of China in the United States.

A graduate of the Lawrenceville School (’82), Yale College (BA ’86) and Yale Law School (JD ’90), Tsai played varsity lacrosse for Yale and, in 2017, received the George H.W. Bush ‘48 Lifetime of Leadership Award, which honors Yale alumni athletes who have made significant leadership contributions in their worlds of governance, commerce, science and technology, education, public service, and the arts and media.

DARREN CRISS
Multi-hyphenate actor and musician, Darren Criss burst on to the scene as one of the most memorable TV characters of all time, Blaine Anderson in Fox’s hit show Glee. His portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s limited series, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, earned him a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice Award. In addition to his work on television, Criss is a veteran of the Broadway stage. He currently stars as Oliver in the all-new critically acclaimed original musical, Maybe Happy Ending, an offbeat and captivating story of two helperbots near the end of their warranty who discover that even robots can be swept off their feet. Additional Broadway credits include American Buffalo, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, and the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Criss is also the founder of the annual Broadway-inspired music festival, Elsie Fest, and founding original member of viral musical comedy troupe StarKid Productions. As a recording artist, he released a solo EP titled Masquerade (BMG) and a full-length holiday album titled- aptly- A Very Darren Crissmas (Decca).

HELEN J. SHEN
Helen J. Shen (she/they) is an actor, musician, and writer who has quickly established herself as a force within the theatre industry. Helen currently stars in Maybe Happy Ending opposite Darren Criss and directed by Michael Arden. Helen most recently starred in MCC Theater’s musical The Lonely Few by Zoe Sarnak and Rachel Bonds, directed by Trip Cullman and Ellenore Scott, following their acclaimed performance in the show’s world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse in 2022. For their portrayal of JJ, Entertainment Weekly described them as a “force to be reckoned with.” Recently, she captivated audiences in Anna K. Jacobs and Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Michael R. Jackson’s musical Teeth at Playwrights Horizons, directed by Sarah Benson. Helen’s regional credits also include starring in Anna Ouyang Moench’s Man of God at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut. Helen earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, receiving the esteemed Earl V. Moore Award.

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to set the standard in Major League Baseball, blending elite talent, strategic leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Under the guidance of manager Dave Roberts—now in his tenth season and recently signed through 2029—the team has secured multiple World Series appearances, including championships in 2020 and 2024. Roberts, the first manager of Asian heritage and the second African American to win a World Series, has been pivotal in fostering a culture of resilience and innovation. ​

The 2025 roster boasts a formidable lineup, highlighted by the acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, whose dual-threat capabilities as a hitter and pitcher add unprecedented versatility. Joining him is Tommy Edman, a dynamic utility player and 2024 NLCS MVP, known for his defensive prowess and clutch performances. On the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has emerged as a dominant force, with manager Dave Roberts lauding him as potentially the best pitcher in the league.

DAVID HENRY HWANG
David Henry Hwang’s stage works include the plays M. Butterfly, Yellow Face, Golden Child, Chinglish, and The Dance and the Railroad, as well as the musicals Soft Power, Flower Drum Song, and Disney’s Broadway and international hits Aida and Tarzan. The Broadway revival of Yellow Face, starring Daniel Dae Kim, enjoyed a critically-acclaimed limited run in Fall 2024, and will be broadcast in Spring 2025 on PBS’ Great Performances. Called America’s most-produced living opera librettist by Opera News, Hwang has written thirteen operas. Ainadamar, with music by Osvaldo Golijov, made its Metropolitan Opera debut in Fall 2024 and The Monkey King, with music by Huang Ruo, will premiere at San Francisco Opera in November 2025. Hwang’s screenplays include David Cronenberg’s M. BUTTERFLY, starring Jeremy Irons, and he is currently penning an Anna May Wong biopic to star Gemma Chan as well as a musical feature film for Paramount Pictures. Hwang co-wrote the Gold Record “Solo” with the late pop music icon Prince and was a Writer/Consulting Producer for the Golden Globe-winning television series The Affair from 2015-2019. He is creating a new television show, Billion Dollar Whale, for Westward/SK Global. Hwang is a Tony Award winner and three-time nominee, a Grammy Award winner and two-time nominee, a three-time OBIE Award winner, and a three-time Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. A professor at Columbia University School of the Arts, he was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2018 and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021.

DANIEL DAE KIM
Daniel Dae Kim is an actor, director, producer, and social advocate known for ABC’s Lost, CBS’s Hawaii Five-O, Disney’s RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON, and currently Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. Most recently, he starred on Broadway in David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face at the Roundabout Theater, a comedic exploration of race, representation, and politics that received rave reviews. In 2024, Daniel wrapped production on Butterfly, a new spy series filmed entirely in South Korea, which he stars in and produces through his company, 3AD, for Amazon. His other television credits include BJ Novak’s The Premise (FX), The Hot Zone: Anthrax (Nat Geo), and Roar (Apple TV+). As a producer, Daniel and 3AD executive produced The Good Doctor, which recently concluded on ABC, and the multi-award-winning documentary BAD AXE (IFC). His theater work includes Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Ahmanson Theater), My Favorite Things: The Rodgers and Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, and The King and I at Lincoln Center. A longtime advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Daniel’s testimony before Congress contributed to the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. He recently completed his term on the White House’s Commission for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. He also serves on the Board of Gold House and partners with the Asian American Foundation on the Sunrise Collective at the Sundance Film Festival.

Demis Hassabis is a British artificial intelligence researcher, neuroscientist, and entrepreneur, renowned for co-founding and leading Google DeepMind. Born in London in 1976, Hassabis was a child chess prodigy and began his career in video game development, co-designing the hit game Theme Park at age 17. He later earned a double first in computer science from Cambridge and completed a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience at University College London. In 2010, Hassabis co-founded DeepMind, which was acquired by Google in 2014. Under his leadership, DeepMind achieved major AI milestones, including AlphaGo, the first program to defeat a world champion in the game of Go, and AlphaFold, which accurately predicts protein structures. In 2024, Hassabis and colleague John Jumper were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on AlphaFold, highlighting AI’s transformative role in scientific discovery. Beyond DeepMind, Hassabis founded Isomorphic Labs, focusing on AI-driven drug discovery. He is also a member of the Royal Society and serves as an AI adviser to the UK government. His interdisciplinary approach continues to shape the future of AI and its applications across various fields.​

Derek Chang serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Media Corporation, before which he served on the Board since March 2021. Mr. Chang most recently served as the Executive Chairman and remains a board member of EverPass Media, a joint venture he cofounded in partnership with the NFL, RedBird Capital Partners (and subsequently TKO) to create a new platform for the distribution of premium sports content into commercial establishments. He also previously served on the Boards of Playfly Sports, the Professional Fighters League (“PFL”), ISOS Acquisition Corp, which merged with Bowlero in 2021, Vobile Group from 2020-2021 and Starz after its public spin-off in 2013.

Mr. Chang was formerly the CEO of NBA China and also previously held senior executive positions with Scripps Networks, DIRECTV, Charter Communications, the YES Network and TCI Communications.

Don Chen (he/him) is the President of the Surdna Foundation. He leads the century-old foundation’s efforts to advance social justice and racial equity in America’s communities.

Before joining Surdna in 2018, Don directed the Cities & States program at the Ford Foundation. There, he supported urban development initiatives to make housing more affordable, promote more equitable land use practices, and bolster community voice and decision-making power in U.S. and Global South cities. He also led a multi-program team to support strengthening social justice organizations and networks in targeted U.S. states and oversaw the foundation’s grantmaking in Detroit.

Previously, Don founded and served as CEO of Smart Growth America, the U.S.’s leading sustainable urban planning advocacy organization. At SGA, he led efforts to create the National Vacant Properties Campaign (which later became the Center for Community Progress) and Transportation for America. He also managed a merger with the Growth Management Leadership Alliance.

Don serves as Co-Chair of the Presidents’ Council on Impact Investing and on the boards of Living Cities, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Philanthropy New York, and the Ms. Foundation for Women. He studied public policy and environmental justice at Yale College and the Yale School of the Environment. As a student, he received the New Prize and the Dwight Hall Humanitarian Award for his efforts to fight hunger, poverty, and homelessness in New Haven, Connecticut.

Dr. Mariko Silver is the President and CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Appointed in 2024, Silver is building upon a number of bold initiatives that invest in the vibrancy and wellbeing of New York City, foster artistic collaboration, and spark innovation for audiences and artists alike—from reimagining the west side of Lincoln Center’s iconic campus to welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to free and Choose-What-You-Pay programming.

Prior to her role at Lincoln Center, Silver was the President and CEO of the Henry Luce Foundation, where she oversaw the creation of new initiatives supporting Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust and Asian American Voices, prioritized funding exhibitions of and by American artists of color, and more than doubled the foundation’s funding commitment to Indigenous communities.

Silver also serves on the boards of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), and is a member of the advisory council for The Asian American Foundation. She served as President of Bennington College (2013-2019) and in the Obama Administration (2009-2011) and holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geography from UCLA. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Shah serves as President of The Rockefeller Foundation, a global institution with a mission to promote the well-being of humanity around the world. The Foundation applies data, science, and innovation to improve health for women and children, create nutritious and sustainable food systems, end energy poverty for more than a billion people worldwide, and enable meaningful economic mobility in the United States and around the world.

In 2009, he was appointed USAID Administrator by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Dr. Shah reshaped the $20 billion agency’s operations in more than 70 countries around the world by elevating the role of innovation, creating high-impact public-private partnerships, and focusing U.S. investments to deliver stronger results. Shah secured bipartisan support that included the passage of two significant laws – the Global Food Security Act and the Electrify Africa Act. He led the U.S. response to the Haiti earthquake and the West African Ebola pandemic, served on the National Security Council, and elevated the role of development as part of our nation’s foreign policy. Prior to his appointment at USAID, Shah served as Chief Scientist and Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics at the United States Department of Agriculture where he created the National Institute for Food and Agriculture.

In October 2023, Dr. Shah published Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens with Simon & Schuster’s Simon Element imprint. In the book, Dr. Shah shares a dynamic new model for realizing transformative change, inspired by his own work and that of The Foundation on some of the biggest humanitarian efforts of the 21st century.

Shah founded Latitude Capital, a private equity firm focused on power and infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia and served as a Distinguished Fellow in Residence at Georgetown University. Previously, he served at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he created the International Financing Facility for Immunization which helped reshape the global vaccine industry and save millions of lives.

Raised outside of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Shah is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and the Wharton School of Business. He has received several honorary degrees, the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, and the U.S. Global Leadership Award. He is married to Shivam Mallick Shah and they have three children.

Drew Afualo is a content creator, women’s rights advocate, podcast host and New York Times bestselling author best known as the internet’s “Crusader for Women”. From her hilariously witty content to her no-BS approach to shoveling misogyny out of the TikTok app via viral takedowns, Drew takes female empowerment to new levels and has established herself as a preeminent feminist leader of her generation with an audience of over nine million on social media. Drew has earned recognition as part of Forbes 30 Under 30 2025, Adweek’s Digital & Tech Creator of the Year, one of Time Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders, one of Forbes’ Top Creators of 2023 and 2024, and one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 50 Most Influential Influencers of 2024. Drew has also served as host and correspondent at major red carpets, including studio film premieres and awards such as the Oscars, GRAMMYs and Golden Globes. She is also the host of her hit Spotify-exclusive podcast The Comment Section. Her New York Times bestselling book, LOUD: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve, was published July 30th, 2024 via AUWA Books.

Earl Ninsom was only 8 years old when he cooked his first dish: a simple rice-and-pork porridge he prepared for his mother when she fell ill. He hasn’t left the kitchen since. Today critics regard the Bangkok, Thailand-born restaurateur among the most talented chefs in Portland, Oregon, where he helms a small empire of nationally acclaimed Thai restaurants — including EEM, Langbaan, PaaDee, Hat Yai and Phuket cafe.

The New York Times named Yaowarat and EEM to the 50 best places in America list in 2024 and 2021. The Oregonian and Portland Monthly crowned EEM and Langbaan as restaurant of the year in 2019 & 2014, as well as James beard award finalist and semifinalist. Hat Yai landed on USA Today’s “Top 10 Best New Restaurants” in 2016. Yaowarat, was named 2023 restaurant of the year by Portland Monthly. In 2024, Langbaan won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant.

Before opening his first restaurant in 2008, Ninsom — who holds degrees in marketing and master degree in international economics — traveled the world pursuing a career in international business.

Lee ‘FAKER’ Sang-hyeok is a League of Legends pro-gamer who made his debut in 2013. Throughout his career, he has recorded 10 League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) titles, two Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) titles and 5 World Championship titles. He is widely known as one of the greatest League of Legends players in history.

​Han Kang is a South Korean author renowned for her poetic and emotionally resonant fiction that delves into themes of historical trauma, human fragility, and transformation. Born in Gwangju in 1970, she moved to Seoul at the age of nine and studied Korean literature at Yonsei University. Her literary career began in the early 1990s with poetry and short stories, and she gained international acclaim with her novel The Vegetarian, which won the 2016 International Booker Prize. In 2024, Han Kang became the first South Korean and the first Asian woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, honored “for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life” . Her notable works also include Human Acts, The White Book, and Greek Lessons, each reflecting her distinctive lyrical style and profound exploration of memory, identity, and the human condition. Han Kang’s writing continues to captivate readers worldwide with its depth, sensitivity, and innovative narrative approach.​

Hiroki Asai oversees all of Airbnb’s marketing efforts, as well as Airbnb’s in-house creative teams. Hiroki is responsible for maintaining Airbnb’s strong global brand and sharing the story of our millions of hosts who offer unique homes and experiences to guests around the world.

Hiroki spent 18 years at Apple and served as Vice President of Global Marketing Communications and Executive Creative Director where he was responsible for a variety of iconic marketing campaigns for a range of products, including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Hiroki lives in San Francisco with his family and holds a BA in Graphic Design from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

​Hock Tan is the President and CEO of Broadcom Inc., a global leader in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. Born in Penang, Malaysia, Tan moved to the United States in 1971 on a scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. He later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1979. Tan’s career spans various industries and leadership roles. He held senior positions at General Motors and PepsiCo before serving as Vice President of Finance at Commodore International. He then led Integrated Circuit Systems (ICS) as CEO, overseeing its sale to Integrated Device Technology. In 2006, Tan became CEO of Avago Technologies, which acquired Broadcom Corporation in 2015, leading to the formation of Broadcom Inc. Under Tan’s leadership, Broadcom has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions, including LSI, Brocade, and a $61 billion acquisition of VMware in 2023. In 2024, Tan joined the board of directors at Meta Platforms, bringing his extensive experience in technology and business strategy to the company.

Imran Amed is founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of The Business of Fashion, the upstart media company that has grown from a blog into the most trusted global authority on the $3 trillion fashion, luxury and beauty industries. BoF serves 100,000 paying members and reaches more than 1 million email subscribers in 190 countries.

An indispensable resource for executives, designers, investors and students, BoF combines independent, agenda-setting journalism with strategic business advice, online learning, career-building tools and immersive events, driving smarter decision-making and powering positive change in fashion and the wider world.

The proud son of first generation immigrants from Kenya and Tanzania, Imran is Canadian by birth, Indian by ethnicity, East African by heritage, and a Londoner by choice.

Imran has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a B.Com from McGill University and an honorary doctorate from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design. Previously, he was a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. In 2017, Imran was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the fashion industry.

​Imran Majid is the Co-Chairman and CEO of Island Records, where he leads one of the music industry’s most iconic labels. Appointed in January 2022 alongside Justin Eshak, Majid brings over two decades of experience in artist development and A&R. Prior to this role, he served as Co-Head of A&R at Columbia Records, where he was instrumental in the careers of artists like Lil Tjay, Russ, and Rachel Platten. Majid’s journey into the music industry began with an internship at Universal Music Group, secured during his time at Rutgers University—a pivotal experience he describes as his “gateway into the music business” . Known for his keen ear and commitment to nurturing talent, Majid continues to shape the future of music by championing artists with unique voices and visions.

Jay Puri serves as executive vice president of Worldwide Field Operations responsible for NVIDIA’s global business. He oversees the company’s sales, business development, partner alliances, solution architecture & engineering, program management and support services organizations. Over his tenure, NVIDIA has transformed into the world’s leading platform for accelerated computing and generative AI.

Puri joined NVIDIA in 2005 after a 22-year career at Sun Microsystems, where he held positions in sales, marketing, and general management. This included roles as senior vice president of Sun’s Asia-Pacific Group, vice president of worldwide sales for software and technology, president of Nihon Sun KK and vice president of worldwide product marketing.

Previously, Puri held marketing, management consulting and product development positions at Hewlett-Packard Company, Booz Allen & Hamilton, and Texas Instruments.

Puri holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering with high distinction from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

​Jennifer Wong is the Chief Executive Officer of Aritzia, a Canadian fashion retailer known for its “Everyday Luxury” offerings. Her journey with the company began in 1987 as a part-time sales associate while studying economics at the University of British Columbia. Over the years, she ascended through various leadership roles, including President and Chief Operating Officer, before being appointed CEO in May 2022. Under her leadership, Aritzia has experienced significant growth, expanding its presence in the U.S. market and enhancing its digital footprint to cater to a broader, younger audience. Wong’s deep understanding of the company’s culture and operations has been instrumental in navigating challenges and driving innovation. Her commitment to excellence and strategic vision continue to shape Aritzia’s success in the competitive fashion industry.

Jenny Ming is the Chief Executive Officer of Rothy’s, Inc., where she leads the fast-growing sustainable retailer as the business scales via retail, wholesale, and international expansion. Prior to joining Rothy’s in January 2024, Ms. Ming held various executive roles at Gap, Inc. including Founder and President of Old Navy from 1993 through 2006. Ms. Ming then joined specialty retailer Charlotte Russe as President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition to Rothy’s Board, Ms. Ming has also served on the Boards of Poshmark and Affirm, and currently serves on the Boards of Levi Strauss & Co., Kendra Scott, and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan & Hospitals.

JON M. CHU
Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres from groundbreaking series to commercials and films. Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed WICKED, starring Oscar-nominated actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, which garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Part 1 of the feature film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon released in theaters on November 22, 2024 and quickly became the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation in box office history earning over $700 million globally. His memoir, Viewfinder, is his journey from growing up in the Silicon Valley to transitioning to Hollywood and helming major studio projects, released Summer 2024. The book is an uplifting tale of belonging, creativity and learning to see who you truly are. His recent projects include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS for Warner Bros. as well as the worldwide phenomenon CRAZY RICH ASIANS, which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and PGA Award. It is one of the top 10 highest grossing romantic comedies of all time and the highest in a decade. It was also the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast and opened a new chapter in Asian-American representation in Hollywood. Chu is in post-production on WICKED: PART TWO, which is set to release on November 21, 2025, and is attached to develop to direct the biopic for Britney Spears based on her memoir, The Woman in Me, with Universal. He is also in development on Dr. Seuss’ OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! with Warner Bros and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, which will be his first animated film set to release March 2028.

MICHELLE YEOH
Michelle Yeoh is an internationally acclaimed actor known for her powerful presence, versatility, and groundbreaking roles across global cinema. Rising to fame in Hong Kong action films, she became a global icon with performances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Crazy Rich Asians. In 2023, she made history as the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Yeoh is celebrated not only for her acting but also for performing her own stunts and breaking barriers for Asian representation in Hollywood.

BOWEN YANG
Bowen Yang is an Emmy®-nominated comedian, actor and writer. Bowen stars in Universal Pictures’ Wicked as ‘Pfannee’ alongside Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey. Adapted from the Tony award-winning Broadway musical, the film follows Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with green skin, who forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. The film was released in theaters November 22, 2024. Bowen can currently be seen on his 6th season of Saturday Night Live as a repertory player on the show. Joining the show as a writer in 2018 and becoming an on-air cast member in 2019, Bowen has achieved critical acclaim and has gone on to receive three Emmy® Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Bowen stars in Andrew Ahn’s remake of the 1993 romantic comedy, The Wedding Banquet opposite Lily Gladstone, which had its premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January. The film will be released on April 18. Additionally, Bowen currently hosts the acclaimed iHeartRadio podcast, LAS CULTURISTAS, alongside fellow comedian Matt Rogers, where they take listeners on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of culture. Garnering rapid success, the podcast was named Podcast of the Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. Additional film and television credits include Searchlight Pictures’ Fire Island, Universal Pictures’ Bros starring opposite Billy Eichner and Luke MacFarlane, A24’s Dicks: The Musical, Comedy Central’s Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, where he played Nora’s cousin Edmund. Bowen was also featured in 2021’s TIME 100Artists. Bowen currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Jordan Mailata is an Australian-born offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, renowned for his extraordinary transition from rugby league to the NFL. Born on March 31, 1997, in Bankstown, New South Wales, Mailata played rugby for the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ under-20 team before being discovered through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. Despite having no prior American football experience, he was drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Mailata became the first Australian to start and win a Super Bowl, playing a pivotal role in the Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. In 2024, he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and was rated the NFL’s top offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus, boasting a 95.8 overall grade.

Joyce Kim is Chief Product Officer for Rare Beauty, which launched exclusively at Sephora in 2020. Joyce is the driving force behind Rare Beauty’s innovative product strategy, collaborating closely with founder Selena Gomez to bring her vision to life. As Chief Product Officer, Joyce ensures every launch meets the highest standards of quality and performance, resulting in some of social media’s most viral beauty sensations. She’s the architect behind cult-favorite products like the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, coveted by beauty enthusiasts, influencers, and makeup artists globally.

Joyce’s expertise in building beauty empires is undeniable. As one of the early employees at NYX Professional Makeup, she played a pivotal role in driving innovation in product across thousands of SKUs. During her time as VP of Global Product Development at NYX Professional Makeup, the brand saw explosive growth and was recognized as WWD’s Brand of the Year in 2013 and 2015. After the acquisition of NYX by L’Oréal, Joyce stayed on to help globalize the brand, expanding in markets worldwide.

Her background extends beyond beauty, providing her with a unique, holistic perspective. At Sole Technology, an apparel and footwear company, Joyce honed her operational prowess, gaining a 360-degree view of the entire product lifecycle through roles in Accounting, Sales, Operations, Production/Purchasing, and Merchandising.

Joyce grew up in Orange County, California and received her undergraduate degree from UC Irvine and her MBA from USC. When she’s not shaping the future of beauty, she loves to travel and sing karaoke in various parts of the world.

Joyce currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two children, and their dog, Nico, who also happens to be a beloved Rare Beauty office mascot.

JUNKOO KIM
Junkoo Kim is the CEO & Founder of WEBTOON Entertainment. Kim has served as WEBTOON Entertainment’s CEO since the company’s incorporation in 2016, overseeing the company’s corporate management and global content business. Kim led the company through its IPO in 2024 and currently serves as Chairman of WEBTOON Entertainment’s Board of Directors. Kim joined NAVER Corporation as a developer in 2004, and has over 19 years of experience in comics/digital content. He studied Applied Chemistry at Seoul National University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree.

DAVID J. LEE
David J. Lee is Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for WEBTOON Entertainment, where he oversees global corporate, financial and operations teams for WEBTOON, Wattpad, and Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. A seasoned consumer and technology industry executive, Lee brings over two decades of experience across a variety of finance leadership roles. Prior to WEBTOON, Lee was the CEO of Inevitable Tech while serving on public company boards for AppHarvest, Benson Hill, and Zevia. Previously, Lee was the COO & CFO of Impossible Foods, where he successfully led the company’s launch of the Impossible Burger and its nationwide distribution. Prior to Impossible Foods, Lee was the public company CFO of Zynga, where he led the company’s finance and corporate development teams, helping lead the company’s transformation from web-based to mobile. From 2004 to 2012, Lee held leadership roles at Del Monte Foods and led its take-private transaction, overseeing its consumer products business, corporate strategic planning, government relations, corporate communications, and financial planning. Lee also led corporate finance, strategy and development for Best Buy during its transformation from 2012 to 2014. Earlier in his career, Lee worked in advertising at the Leo Burnett company and strategy at McKinsey & Company. Lee currently serves on the Board of Directors for Zevia and Benson Hill, and is a Fellow at the Council of Korean Americans and the Network of Korean American Leaders. He earned his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Art from Harvard College.

Karthik Rao is Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen, the global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. He was appointed to this role in September 2023. A 23-year veteran at Nielsen, Karthik has held a variety of leadership roles spanning the company and the globe. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer, Audience Measurement. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer, responsible for driving a global product-driven technology transformation. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Product & Technology Officer for Nielsen Global Media, where he led the International Media product and technology teams. He was also CEO of Nielsen Portfolio, where he led the fully independent division, comprising Nielsen Entertainment, Nielsen Gracenote, Nielsen Brandbank and Nielsen Telecom businesses across all global markets. He led Gracenote during its acquisition and integration by Nielsen, which included building Gracenote’s management team, aligning its strategy, and driving growth across key markets and segments.
Prior to Gracenote, he served as President, Expanded Verticals, and led the teams serving our advertiser and agency clients. Earlier in his career, Karthik was Executive Vice President of Digital Enablement, where he oversaw a global transformation program. He also led Nielsen’s Media Analytics business, which delivers deep analytical insights that help media companies with their ad sales and programming activities.

As head of Nielsen China, Karthik oversaw the company’s initiatives towards China becoming one of the company’s fastest growing markets for Nielsen. Karthik began his career as an account executive at Ogilvy & Mather in India. Currently, Karthik serves on the Board of Directors for Avantax.

He holds a degree in Economics from Loyola University in Chennai and an MBA from Illinois State University.

​Kaz Nejatian is the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Product at Shopify, where he oversees the company’s global operations and product development strategies. He joined Shopify in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles as CEO and co-founder of Kash, a payment technology company acquired by a major U.S. fintech firm in 2017, and as Product Lead for Payments and Billing at Facebook, where he focused on reducing barriers for businesses in cash-dependent markets to purchase digital ads without a credit card . Nejatian holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto . He is also an advocate for entrepreneurship, finance, and technology, reflecting his lifelong interests and commitment to innovation in the tech industry.

Kevan Parekh is Apple’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, reporting to CEO Tim Cook. As CFO, Kevan oversees Apple’s accounting, business support, financial planning and analysis, treasury, investor relations, internal audit, and tax functions.

Kevan joined Apple in 2013, and has played a key role in Apple’s financial and business planning, and product development planning since then. Prior to becoming CFO, he served as Apple’s vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis. Before that, he served as Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Finance, supporting a number of different functions throughout his tenure, including Engineering, iTunes, Marketing, Retail, and Sales.

He has over 20 years of experience leading global finance teams at major companies. Before joining Apple, Kevan held a number of senior leadership roles at Thomson Reuters and General Motors, including working across Europe and Asia.

Kevan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Krishna has served as the CFO of Anthropic since 2024. He is a strategic finance leader with deep experience in capital markets, FP&A, corporate and business development, and private equity. He has also been a fellow at Tidemark since 2021.

Krishna was previously the CFO of Fanatics Commerce and the CFO of Cedar. Prior to that, he held a variety of finance leadership roles at Airbnb, including helping to navigate the pandemic and take the company public. Krishna has worked as an investor in the private equity group at Blackstone and began his career as a consultant at Bain & Company.

Krishna holds an A.B., summa cum laude, in Economics from Harvard College and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

As a musician, my goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road,” declares the composer, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey (pronounced lay-vay). The LA-based, Icelandic-Chinese artist’s trailblazing approach paid off, as she is now the top streaming jazz artist in the world with an audience of over 5M across all socials.

Inspired by jazz greats and classical masters while possessing a point of view that could only be conveyed by a 21st-century twenty-something, Laufey’s GRAMMY-winning second album Bewitched is a reflection on “the magic and luster unique to youthful love.” Her self-assured musicianship and deeply felt lyrics takes the idea of  “classic” music and humanize it, giving her music a relatability to the next generation. “There are very few examples of artists who are on stage with an orchestra one day and making TikToks the next,” she notes dryly. Laufey’s straddling of those two worlds has put her in a singular place across music.

LEE BYUNG-HUN
Byung Hun Lee is an award-winning actor who has solidified his position as one of Asia’s biggest stars. Up next, he will reprise his role as “Front Man” in the highly anticipated final season of the Netflix global phenomenon Squid Game, which will premiere on June 27, 2025. He also recently wrapped production on NO OTHER CHOICE, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan Wook. A household name throughout Asia, Byung Hun is one of South Korea’s most prominent actors to cross over into the global market with lead roles as “Billy Rocks” in Antoine Fuqua’s THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, and as “Storm Shadow” in the GI JOE franchise films. His other American credits include Lionsgate’s RED 2, MISCONDUCT opposite Anthony Hopkins and Al Pacino, and Paramount’s TERMINATOR GENISYS. Byung Hun has played the lead in a large array of critically acclaimed and high-grossing films over the past 30 years. Recently, Byung Hun starred in the acclaimed South Korean submission for the 2023 Academy Awards, CONCRETE UTOPIA. Other notable film credits include the films I SAW THE DEVIL, A BITTERSWEET LIFE, and THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE WEIRD, and other television credits include Our Blues, Iris, and Mr. Sunshine, one of the top five highest-rated Korean dramas in history. His performance in the political crime-action film INSIDE MAN won him a total of fourteen awards including the Best Actor Prize in three prestigious awards: Baeksang Art Awards, Blue Dragon Awards, and Grand Bell Awards, a feat which has yet to be repeated. Recognized for his achievements in Asia and abroad, Byung Hun was the first Korean actor to be given the Asian Film Excellence Award at the 15th Asian Film Awards, and remains the only actor to sell out the Tokyo Dome with 45,000 screaming fans. He was the first South Korean actor to present an Oscar at the annual Academy Awards and was the first South Korean actor to imprint his hand and foot in the forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

LEE JUNG-JAE
Lee Jung-Jae, who debuted back in 1993 with a local drama in South Korea, continues to thrive not only in Korea but also globally as an actor, director, and a producer. After solidifying his position as an actor in Korea as a household name, he leads the Korean film industry starring in films like THE THIEVES, ASSASSINATION, and ALONG WITH THE GODS series. With various projects, he showcases his power as an actor with box office hits. He continues to expand his boundless spectrum as an actor by taking part in projects that tackle new subjects, genres through innovative characters. Lee’s career skyrocketed with Squid Game, released back in 2021, where he played the protagonist, “Sung Ki-Hoon”, one of the most complicated yet realistic characters, who manages to stick to his moral values, despite struggling with hardships at the very bottom of the social ladder. After the release of Squid Game Lee became the first Asian star to win the Emmy award for best male actor in a drama, cementing his name on the global stage. Lee pushed his boundaries with HUNT, where he took part as a director, writer, producer and also as a lead actor. When the film was highly praised at its premier at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, the world acknowledged Lee’s potential as a director. Lee returned to the global stage in 2024 with his role as a Jedi Master in The Acolyte, a new Star Wars series. Lee Jung-Jae’s career continues to thrive in 2025 as he is expected to meet his global fans once again with the most anticipated, Squid Game Season 3, scheduled to be released in June this year.

HWANG DONG-HYUK
Hwang Dong-hyuk is a South Korean film director, screenwriter, and producer best known for creating the global phenomenon Squid Game. Drawing from his personal experiences and observations of economic disparities, Hwang crafted a narrative that resonated deeply with viewers, leading Squid Game to become Netflix’s most-watched series upon its 2021 release. Building on this success, Hwang returned with Squid Game Season 2, which premiered on December 26, 2024. This season delved deeper into the game’s dark complexities, introducing new characters and challenges while continuing the story of Sung Ki-Hoon’s quest to dismantle the deadly competition. The saga is set to conclude with Season 3, premiering on June 27, 2025.

LISA is a rapper, singer, dancer and actress best known as a member of the globally renowned K-pop girl group, BLACKPINK. Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has made a name for herself as a solo artist and has broken several records globally with singles “Lalisa” and “Money” charting in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200. LISA broke three Guinness World Records in 2023 as the most Instagram followers for a K-pop artist (currently at 104 Million followers on the platform), she is also the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards.

In 2024, LISA launched her own management company, LLOUD CO., in an effort to create a platform to showcase her overall vision to push boundaries in music and entertainment. In partnership with LLOUD Co. and RCA Records, LISA released her first solo single, “Rockstar” which was produced by Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee. She then joined forces with GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Rosalía to release her second single, “New Woman,” followed by her third single, “Moonlit Floor.” She first teased “Moonlit Floor” during her solo festival debut at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City and following the song’s official release, she had a showstopping performance at the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. LISA graced the cover of ELLE Magazine’s highly coveted September issue in 2024 and Louis Vuitton announced LISA as their newest House Ambassador and she continues to be the face of Bulgari.

Outside of music, LISA is currently starring in season 3 of the hit HBO Original series, The White Lotus. This role marks her major on screen debut and was filmed in her native Thailand.

LISA released her highly anticipated debut solo album, ALTER-EGO, on February 28th, and will make her solo Coachella debut in April.

The Los Angeles Wildfire Heroes represent the collective bravery and resilience of the city’s first responders, volunteers, nonprofit groups, and community members who confront the increasing threat of wildfires. They brought food, shared resources, rescued pets, offered shelter, and reminded us all what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

This is for all the people who stayed strong for others, who acted with kindness, and who showed the world that LA is more than just a city; it’s a community built on heart, hope, and helping hands.

Lydia Ko is a New Zealand professional golfer who has made history as one of the sport’s most accomplished and influential figures. Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1997, she moved to New Zealand at age four and began playing golf at five. She gained international attention as a teenager, becoming the youngest player to win an LPGA Tour event at 15 and reaching world No. 1 at just 17. Ko has amassed 23 LPGA Tour victories, including three major championships, and has earned over $20 million in career prize money. Her Olympic achievements are equally remarkable: she secured a silver medal in 2016, a bronze in 2021, and a gold in 2024, making her the first golfer to win a complete set of Olympic medals in the modern era. In 2025, Ko clinched her latest LPGA title at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, reaffirming her status as a dominant force in women’s golf. Her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame at age 27 underscores her extraordinary career and enduring impact on the sport.

​Maer Roshan is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter, bringing decades of editorial innovation and leadership to one of entertainment’s most influential publications. Before joining THR in 2023, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Los Angeles Magazine, where he revitalized the brand with bold storytelling and cultural relevance. Roshan has held senior editorial roles at New York Magazine, Interview, and Talk, and is known for launching groundbreaking media ventures including Radar, TheFix.com, and Punch!, which have earned him industry acclaim. His journalism career began after graduating from NYU, and he has since written for outlets such as The New York Times, The New Republic, and Harper’s Bazaar. Born in Tehran and raised in New York, Roshan brings a global perspective and sharp editorial vision to his work, consistently shaping the conversation around culture, media, and identity.

Malala is an education activist, author and film producer.

Mamoon Hamid is a Partner at Kleiner Perkins. He has been an early investor in and served on the boards of some of the most innovative software companies of recent times including Slack, Figma and Rippling.

Prior to joining Kleiner Perkins, Mamoon was a co-founder of Social Capital. He started his venture career in 2005 at U.S. Venture Partners (USVP) where he eventually became Partner. Mamoon came to Silicon Valley in 1997 to join Xilinx, a Kleiner Perkins company, where he spent six years, initially as an engineer and later in product and marketing roles.

Mamoon was born in Pakistan and spent most of his life through high school in Frankfurt, Germany. He earned a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University. He also has an M.S. from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Mark Chen is the Chief Research Officer at OpenAI, where he leads the company’s research initiatives, focusing on advancing artificial intelligence capabilities and ensuring the safe integration of AI technologies into products. Since joining OpenAI in 2018, Chen has been instrumental in developing significant AI models, including DALL·E, Codex, and GPT-4, contributing to the evolution of multimodal reasoning and scaling paradigms in AI. His leadership in research has been pivotal in translating scientific advancements into practical applications, enhancing the accessibility and functionality of AI systems. Before his tenure at OpenAI, Chen worked as a quantitative trader at Jane Street Capital, where he applied machine learning techniques to financial markets. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has served as a coach for the USA Computing Olympiad team, reflecting his commitment to fostering talent in the field of computer science.

Matt joined Pinterest as Chief Technology Officer in 2024. Matt leads the company’s product and platform direction, overseeing the product and engineering teams that build our user experiences and the machine learning systems that power them. Previously, he was the Vice President and General Manager of Merchant Shopping at Google, where he led the product and engineering teams that build Google Shopping’s tools, partner integrations, and infrastructure to help businesses and merchants grow and thrive.

Prior to Google, Matt was the Chief Technology and Product Officer at Fanatics, where he played a key role in shaping the mobile strategy, while expanding product development and data capabilities driving significant revenue and customer growth. Before Fanatics, he was the SVP of eCommerce & Marketing for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. He also spent 8 years leading product and engineering for eBay’s growth marketing and onsite advertising technology platforms. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Matt was also a senior consultant with KANA Software and began his career as an analyst at Accenture.

Maya Yoshida is an accomplished and respected footballer, known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and international success. Born August 24, 1988, in Nagasaki, Japan, Yoshida’s passion for the game was evident from a young age. He began his professional career with the Eerste Divisie’s VVV-Venlo before making his mark in Europe with English Premier League side Southampton FC. Over his eight years there, Yoshida became a cornerstone of the team’s defense, earning accolades for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure.

An integral part of Japan’s national team, Yoshida has earned over 120 caps and represented his country in three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022). His leadership on the pitch earned him the captain’s armband for Japan. Known for his versatility, Yoshida excels both as a central defender and as a commanding figure in the heart of Japan’s defense.

In 2023, Yoshida made a significant move to Major League Soccer (MLS), joining the LA Galaxy. As captain of the team, he plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the defense and bringing invaluable international experience. During the 2024 campaign, Yoshida was the only player on the roster to start every match, and he captained the Galaxy to their sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on Dec. 7.

Off the field, Yoshida is admired for his humility and dedication to the sport, earning the respect of fans and teammates alike. His career is a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Maya Yoshida’s journey from Japan to Europe and the United States highlights his global impact on the game, with his time at the LA Galaxy – the most storied Club in MLS – standing as a testament to his continued excellence.

Melody Lee is Chief Marketing Officer, Mercedes-Benz USA. In this role, she oversees brand positioning and marketing strategy and execution with an aim to ensure long-term growth and profitability for the Mercedes-Benz brand in the United States.

Previously, Melody was Senior Vice President, Global Brand & Product Marketing for the Herman Miller and Knoll brands at MillerKnoll. In that role, she was responsible for ensuring a cohesive brand-led strategy across the two marquee design brands’ products, channels, messages and audiences.

Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Melody was Global COO and Principal, Americas for Camron, a global design communications agency, where she led the agency’s New York and Los Angeles offices.

She was, previous to Camron, the vice president for brand development at Shiseido, a 140-year old global prestige beauty company. In that position, she led critical strategic initiatives across a comprehensive remit of brand strategy, product development, marketing and retail planning for one of Shiseido’s multinational prestige brands.

Prior to Shiseido, Melody spent six years with Cadillac. There, as head of brand marketing for the iconic luxury car brand, Melody oversaw brand strategy, global planning, partnerships and experiences and marketing innovation. She also led BOOK by Cadillac, the brand’s vehicle subscription business, as a discrete business unit, with commercial responsibility for operations and logistics, financial management, product development, branding and marketing, PR and business development and corporate sales.

Before joining Cadillac, Melody was executive vice president at global PR agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies from 2006 to 2012, where she led high-stakes communications campaigns for Fortune 500 corporations.

Melody lives with her husband and two boys in Atlanta. She attended Georgia Institute of Technology, receiving her B.S. and M.S. in International Affairs.

Meroë Park has been in public service for over 30 years, filling a wide range of roles. For the past five years, she has served as the Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world. Park oversees the operations of 21 museums, the National Zoo, eight research institutes, and other executive functions. She leads the Institution’s strategic plan and is responsible for implementing its many initiatives across the organization.

Park served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency. She started as a junior analyst and rose through the ranks to serve her last four years as the Agency’s Executive Director—the CIA’s Chief Operating Officer and its most senior career post. Her other roles included the Director of Human Resources, as well as several overseas posts. She currently serves on Georgetown University’s Board of Directors and is a Distinguished Executive in Residence.

During her federal career, Park earned numerous awards. She was twice the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the Federal Government’s highest honor for career professionals. She also received the CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Agency’s most prestigious recognition, for her leadership as the Executive Director.

Park cares deeply about the professional development of others, making time for mentoring and sharing her personal lessons learned. She often draws upon and shares her past experiences, with a focus on navigating complex professional work environments. Park is an advocate for public service and supporting young professionals as they launch their careers.

MICHAEL MENTE
Michael Mente is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of REVOLVE Group Inc, the next-generation fashion retailer for Millenial and Gen Z consumers. Michael leads fashion, design, and corporate branding for REVOLVE, its luxury segment FWRD, and over 20 owned brands. Before founding REVOLVE, Michael was a business analyst at NextStrat, an enterprise software start-up, and co-founded Stratana, an enterprise strategy software company based out of Irvine, CA. He graduated from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business Honors Program in 2001 with a B.S. in Business Administration, magna cum laude. He and Co-founder Mike Karanikolas have been named the 2015 Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs Of The Year in the retail category and currently reside on the BoF 500.

DIVYA MATHUR
Divya is a seasoned retail executive with 18 years of Buying & Merchandising experience in the luxury and contemporary sector. She has a proven track record of leading transformational growth across both digital and physical stores for prominent global brands including Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop, Michael Kors, and INTERMIX. Divya is currently the Chief Merchandising Officer and Fashion Director at REVOLVE, the next-generation fashion retailer for Millenial and Generation Z consumers. She is passionate about the intersection of fashion and technology, and serves as an advisor and investor to multiple startups. In addition, she is a Board member of two non-profit organizations, RAISEfashion and the Arthur Miller Foundation.

RAISSA GERONA
Raissa Gerona, Chief Brand Officer at REVOLVE (NYSE: RVLV) and Co-Founder of Alliance Apparel (acquired by REVOLVE in 2014), is a trailblazer in the fashion industry. Gerona played a pivotal role in REVOLVE’s successful IPO in 2019, showcasing her strategic vision and marketing expertise. Known for pioneering REVOLVE’s influencer-driven approach, she has spearheaded initiatives like REVOLVE Festival and REVOLVE Around the World, which have reshaped digital marketing in the fashion space. Gerona oversees brand marketing for over 20 REVOLVE-owned brands, driving impactful collaborations with global influencers such as Elsa Hosk, Nicole Richie, Aimee Song, Remi Bader, and Camila Coelho. Her insight into the next generation consumer fuels REVOLVE’s forward-thinking brand strategy. Gerona holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Irvine and recently joined the board of Girls Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls. She is a respected voice in the industry, featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, VOGUE, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar, and is an experienced public speaker.

Michele Kang is a trailblazing businesswoman and investor dedicated to advancing women’s sports across the globe. As the first woman of color to own a National Women’s Soccer League team, the Washington Spirit, and the majority owner of OL Féminin and London City Lionesses, Kang continues to set new standards across the industry. In 2024, she launched Kynisca, the first multi-team global organization focused on professionalizing women’s football, demonstrating its long-term commercial viability and cultural impact.

Since launching Kynisca, Michele has made multiple impactful investments and donations in the women’s sports ecosystem, including teams like USA Women’s Rugby, U.S. Soccer and organizations reinventing the blueprint for equipment like IDA Sports.

Michele has been recognized as a Power Player in Women’s Sports by Sports Business Journal and one of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports by Sports Illustrated. She is also deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting American veterans and the arts through her roles on the boards of the Washington National Opera, the Blair House Foundation, The Society of the Four Arts, and the University of Chicago. She holds degrees from the University of Chicago and the Yale School of Management.

Michelle Kuo was appointed Chief Curator at Large and Publisher at MoMA in 2024. She leads innovative, interdisciplinary work on temporary and collection exhibitions, digital initiatives, research and scholarships, and acquisitions for the Museum’s collection, and she directs MoMA’s ambitious global publications program. Kuo joined MoMA in 2018 as the Marlene Hess Curator of Painting and Sculpture. Her exhibitions and collaborations include Jack Whitten: The Messenger (2025), Otobong Nkanga: Cadence (2024–25), New Order: Art and Technology in the Twenty-First Century (2019), Artist’s Choice: Amy Sillman—The Shape of Shape (2020), Amanda Williams: Embodied Sensations (2021), Refik Anadol: Unsupervised (2022), Signals: How Video Transformed the World (2023), Artist’s Choice: Grace Wales Bonner—Spirit Movers (2024), and Montien Boonma: House of Hope (2024). She has written and lectured widely; her publications include Sensing the Future: Experiments in Art and Technology (2024), More than Real: Art in the Digital Age (2018), and numerous essays and articles on the work of Robert Rauschenberg, Fluxus, Jack Whitten, Anicka Yi, and others.

Kuo has taught at Harvard and Yale universities and serves on the advisory board of the Museum Brandhorst, Munich, and the journal October. From 2010 to 2017, she was editor-in-chief of Artforum International. Kuo earned her PhD in the history of art and architecture from Harvard University and her BA from Stanford University. From 2005 to 2007 she was the Wyeth Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery of Art.

Mike Van is the CEO of Billboard responsible for all Billboard’s global brand footprint in 15 countries, along with all aspects of strategy, revenue, business operations, live experiences, international licensing, and brand partnerships. Van oversees both the business and editorial teams. Van is credited with driving double-digit revenue growth, significantly accelerating profitability, expanding, and strengthening Billboard’s global presence, and providing strong leadership to the team. Van led the brand’s digital transformation and continued to develop cutting-edge live experiences including Latin Music Week, Billboard Latin Music Awards, THE STAGE at SXSW, the Billboard Music Awards, and Billboard Women in Music. Van is a world class executive with a distinguished career spanning media, entertainment and business transformation. He has held leadership positions at Billboard for the last 7 years, most recently serving as President. Known for his forward-thinking vision and passion for the intersection of culture and commerce, Van is uniquely positioned to spearhead Billboard’s next phase of
expansion. In addition to his time with Billboard, Van brings over twenty-five years of marketing and monetization experience including leadership roles at Pandora, Electronic Arts, and Complex.

Neil is the head of new research initiatives at Pew Research Center, a leading public opinion research organization. As the first person to hold this role, Neil works closely with the Center’s president to drive new strategies that expand the Center’s scope and capacity to pioneer new research and represent broader audiences.

Neil led Pew’s groundbreaking study of Asian Americans which received the 2023 Inclusive Voices Award from the American Association for Public Opinion Research. This multi-year, multi-lingual study is the largest survey of Asian Americans to date, and it featured over eighty focus groups designed to understand their diverse experiences in the U.S. His research produced over 60 publications and two documentary films, and it ensured the voices of 24 million Asian Americans were included in the public opinion research industry.

Neil is a leading expert on global migration, U.S. immigration, race and ethnicity in the U.S., and economic development. He is regularly sought out by domestic and international news outlets, governments, and civic leaders for his expertise and guidance. His research has produced numerous publications on these topics during his career at The Brookings Institution, The World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. Earlier in his career, Neil founded and led organizations that helped spur entrepreneurial tech startups in the Philippines.

Neil is a political economist with a Ph.D. from MIT, a master’s degree from Oxford University, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.

Nicole Scherzinger is a Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling singer, actress, and dancer. Scherzinger is currently reprising her critically acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning performance as “Norma Desmond” in Jamie Lloyd’s reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. The West End production won 7 of its 11 Olivier Award nominations, including Best Musical Revival. Scherzinger also won the Best Musical Performance award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. She made her West End debut in Andrew Llyod Webber’s Cats, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Additional theater credits include Guys and Dolls, Chicago, and Showboat. She also played “Maureen” in Rent at the Hollywood Bowl. Television credits include The X Factor, The Masked Singer, and NBC’s live musical special, Annie Live! Scherzinger is also the voice of Moana’s mother ‘Sina’ in Disney’s popular MOANA films. She is a global artist and a former member of one of the world’s best-selling music groups of all time, The Pussycat Dolls.

Nihar Malaviya is CEO of Penguin Random House with responsibility for the company’s worldwide operations, which include 350 imprints spanning more than 20 countries across six continents. He is focused on elevating the publishing independence and creative autonomy of the company’s imprints and driving the creation of competitive advantages that position the business for growth. Throughout his 20-year tenure in publishing, Nihar has spearheaded the creation of a variety of industry-first capabilities in data science, supply chain, technology, and consumer insights, as well as collaborating with colleagues around the world to reach the widest possible audience for the company’s authors and books across multiple formats and platforms.

Olivia Munn is an actor, activist and mother who was recently named to TIME’s 2025 Women of the Year and TIME’s 2024 100 Most Influential People in Health. She will be seen starring in the new Apple TV+ series Your Friends & Neighbors.

In 2024, Munn posted the story of her ongoing battle with breast cancer. Her story was read and shared by a global audience and led to countless women being proactive about Breast Cancer detection. The National Cancer Institute said that Munn’s outreach “led to a surge in visits to the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool site” and the rate of women taking of this formerly little-known test increased 4000%.

Best known for her brilliant work across three seasons of Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom, she also starred in such iconoclastic films as MAGIC MIKE, THE PREDATOR, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE AND OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY. She began her career as the breakout star of Attack of the Show on the G4 network in 2006. Munn was then hired as the first East Asian Correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Olivia Munn was an early and active Silence Breaker in the #MeToo movement, exposing predatory behavior in Hollywood and championing other victims who came forward to share their stories. For her efforts, she was honored by the United Nations Foundation. Munn became a leader in the #StopAsianHate movement, raising money, filming public service announcements and coordinating with mayors and police departments throughout the country. Her social media posts following an attack on an elderly Chinese woman in New York City led directly to the suspect being identified and arrested. She was invited to the White House by President Biden and Vice President Harris to be in attendance when he signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law.

Pali Bhat is the Chief Product Officer at Reddit, where he helps bring community to the world by leading the incredible team working on Reddit’s Design, Engineering, Infrastructure, Product, Research & Trust & Safety. Pali came to Reddit following a 10+ year tenure in senior leadership roles at Google, Inc across a variety of areas, including most recently as the Vice President of Product & Design at Google Cloud, leading a nearly-1000 person team of Designers, Engineers, and Product Managers working across a multi-billion $ ARR, high-growth business. Pali was previously Vice President of Product Management at Google, leading Payments products globally, stretching across consumer experiences such as Google Pay, the scaled payments platform that powered monetization across all of Google’s services, and Actions on Google, which enabled developers to extend the functionality of Google’s consumer and AI services. Prior to Google, Pali held leadership positions at SAP Labs and McKinsey & Co.

PEGGY ROE
Peggy Roe is Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Marriott International, Inc., where she leads the development and execution of Marriott’s global consumer strategy. She enhances the consumer experience across Marriott’s 30+ brands and experiences spanning 144 countries and territories, aligning global brand, marketing, design, and personalization disciplines, as well as overseeing Customer Engagement Centers. Ms. Roe also manages the Marriott Bonvoy® loyalty program, connecting 228 million members to their travel passions, and oversees Marriott’s expansion into new segments, including outdoor hospitality. Since joining Marriott in 2003, Ms. Roe has held various leadership roles focused on growth and innovation. As Global Officer, Customer Experience, Loyalty, and New Ventures, she increased member enrollment and engagement with Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, including new businesses like Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Previously, Ms. Roe served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer in Asia Pacific, adapting Marriott brands and growing the Marriott Bonvoy member base in China. She managed $100 million in sales and marketing spend, led over 5,000 associates, and drove distribution and pricing strategy across 21 countries. She also oversaw the integration of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific and led Marriott’s joint venture with Alibaba. Before Marriott, Ms. Roe worked for GE Capital, Amazon.com, and Homestead.com in Silicon Valley. She is passionate about education and women’s professional advancement, co-founding the Marriott Women in Leadership initiative in Asia Pacific, serving on the board of the Asian University for Women, and leading Marriott’s Women’s Associate Resource Group. Ms. Roe holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She sits on the Board of Directors for Simon Property Group and the Association of National Advertisers.

JENNIFER HSIEH
Jennifer is Managing Vice President & Global Category Leader, Endorsements & Experiences. She is responsible for Marriott’s newest brands and experiences, including: MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, Homes & Villas by Marriot Bonvoy, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy, and our recent expansion in the Outdoor Stay Category. Jennifer’s key focus is to drive growth, brand awareness, and customer love for these brands. Previously, Jennifer led Marriott’s first entry into the home rental business. Under her leadership, Homes & Villas grew from a concept to a global business with 200k+ premium and luxury homes in 10k+ destinations for Marriott Bonvoy members, expanding choice in accommodation for all their travel needs. As an award-winning platform in the vacation rental industry, Homes & Villas continues to innovate its platform and guest experiences with recent launches of ‘Search with GenAI’ functionality, seamless payment experiences with Bonvoy points, and curated collections of remarkable homes. Prior to this role, Jennifer served as VP, CX Innovation, guiding enterprise innovation for the world’s largest hotel company. She brought together innovation, business strategy, and a deep understanding of consumers to innovate for Marriott’s portfolio of 30+ brands. Jennifer has delivered industry-leading concepts in meetings, reimagined the food & beverage experience, designed and launched new business adjacencies, introduced emerging technologies (voice and Internet of Things) and led Marriott’s pilot into the home-sharing industry. She is a frequent speaker on Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Customer-Centricity, and Future Trends in the Short Term Rental Industry. She was named one of the Top 25 most influential people in the meetings industry in 2014, received a Leadership Award in Innovation by Great Places to Work in 2019 and recognized as one of ten leaders in The Short-Term Rental Industry 2020: Ones to Watch.

​Pejman Nozad is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Pear VC, a leading seed-stage venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. His unconventional journey into venture capital began as a rug salesman in Palo Alto, where he built relationships with tech entrepreneurs and investors, eventually leading to early investments in companies like Dropbox and DoorDash. In 2013, Nozad partnered with Mar Hershenson to establish Pear VC (originally Pejman Mar Ventures), focusing on supporting founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Under their leadership, Pear VC has backed several successful startups, including Guardant Health, Gusto, and Branch, contributing to a portfolio valued at over $50 billion. Nozad’s commitment to nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs has earned him recognition on Forbes’ Midas List, ranking #15 in both 2021 and 2022, and securing the #1 spot on the Midas Seed List in 2024. His story exemplifies the power of relationship-building and a founder-first philosophy in venture capital.

Priya Krishna is a restaurant critic, food reporter and video host for The New York Times and the New York Times bestselling author of multiple cookbooks including Indian-ish and Cooking at Home and Priya’s Kitchen Adventures. She is the host of “On the Job,” the hit series from The New York Times on the unseen labor of the food industry. Her stories have been included in the 2019 and 2021 editions of “The Best American Food Writing,” she has been nominated for a James Beard and IACP award and in 2021, she was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. She has appeared on multiple television shows including Ugly Delicious and Masterchef. She is originally from Dallas, Texas.

​Rahul Purini is the President of Crunchyroll, the world’s leading anime streaming platform, where he oversees global strategy and operations. Since assuming the role in May 2022, he has been instrumental in expanding Crunchyroll’s subscriber base to over 14 million worldwide. Under his leadership, the company has secured major theatrical releases, including Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO and Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume, which garnered a Golden Globe nomination. Purini has also championed the expansion of anime accessibility by launching dubs in five new languages and acquiring the eCommerce retailer Right Stuf. With over 25 years of experience in digital innovation, his prior roles include executive positions at Funimation, Razorfish, and MEplusYOU. In recognition of his contributions, he was named to the Variety 500 Power List and ranked #4 on Cartoon Brew’s U.S. Animation Power List in 2024

Ramin Setoodeh is the co-editor in chief of Variety, where he oversees all aspects of editorial — including print, digital and video — for the venerable newsroom covering the business of Hollywood. He is the executive producer of Actors on Actors, the Emmy-winning series which celebrates the best TV and movie performances of the year. Under Ramin’s editorship, Variety has landed cover stories with everyone from French president Emmanuel Macron to Zendaya, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Penn, Margot Robbie, Christopher Nolan, Sabrina Carpenter and Jennifer Coolidge.

Ramin is the author of two New York Times best-selling books: Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of The View and Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass, where he interviewed Donald Trump six times between 2021 and 2023. He is the recipient of many journalism prizes, including the Webby Award for best feature writing and Entertainment Journalist of the Year from the Los Angeles Press Club. His writing has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone and Newsweek.

He graduated from Stanford University and lives in New York.

Ravi Ahuja is President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), where he oversees the studio’s global businesses which include motion pictures, television studios and networks, Crunchyroll, experiences, and entertainment technology.

Prior to assuming the CEO role in January 2025, Ahuja served as Chairman of the Global Television Studios and President & COO of SPE, leading day-to-day operations of SPE and all production businesses for Sony Pictures Television (SPT), including U.S. and international productions, Nonfiction, Kids, Game Shows, and the studio’s India business.

Since joining Sony Pictures, Ahuja reoriented the television business, expanded the studio’s gameshow IP and led several key M&A transactions for the studio, including the acquisitions of award-winning nonfiction company Industrial Media, leading UK production company Bad Wolf, Academy and Emmy Award-winning VFX company, Pixomondo, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema which anchored the launch of the studio’s Sony Pictures Experiences division, and the sale of GSN Mobile Games to Scopely.

Before joining Sony in March 2021, Ahuja was President of Business Operations and CFO of Walt Disney Television, which included the ABC Network, ABC News, ABC Owned Stations, Disney Channel, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals and National Geographic. He played a central role in merging Disney/ABC Television and Fox Networks following Disney’s acquisition of Fox in early 2019.

Prior to his time at Disney, he served as CFO of the Fox Networks Group, where he oversaw finance, strategy and business development for all its business units: Twentieth Century Fox Television Studios, Fox Broadcasting, Fox Cable Networks, Fox Sports, National Geographic and Fox Networks Europe and Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Global icon ROSÉ has shattered records, performed on the most heralded stages, and amassed millions of fans around the world both as a soloist and member of one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, BLACKPINK. The Korean-New Zealand superstar’s first studio album ‘rosie’ and smash single “APT.” with Bruno Mars marked the biggest debut/highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 and first single to reach #1 on US Top 40 radio by a female Korean artist in history. Simultaneously, ROSÉ has been an unstoppable force in fashion as global ambassador for renowned brands including Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co, Rimowa and Puma. Her influence in music, fashion and philanthropy has proven her to be a testament to the growth of Korean influence in music and fashion on a global scale.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the founder of Sabyasachi, India’s leading luxury design house. He set up his eponymous studio with a workforce of three people in 1999. A market pioneer, there have been many firsts since—he is the first Indian designer and brand to collaborate with Estée Lauder, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Pottery Barn, Disney, Thomas Goode, Morgenthal Frederics, Printemps Doha and Christian Louboutin. Patrons of the brand include celebrities, royals, intellectuals, and achievers. As the brand has evolved, he has also helmed a number of initiatives, both non-profit and for-profit including the Save The Sari project and the Sabyasachi Art Foundation, working closely with artisans and artists on models of economic sustainability. With flagship stores in most major cities across India, he launched his first international store in New York in 2022. Over a little more than two decades, Mukherjee has redefined Indian fashion and design into a lifestyle firmly rooted in heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity.

Samantha Quan is an Academy Award-winning producer, accomplished actor, and visionary creative partner recognized for her ability to develop and produce powerful, character-driven stories that have shaped some of the most compelling independent films of the past decade. As a producer on ANORA (2024), she was key in bringing the film to life, a project that won the Academy Award for Best Picture, along with awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actress.

A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Samantha began her career in front of the camera, with performances in projects such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Elementary, and the acclaimed stage production Poor Yella Rednecks. Her experience as an actor has uniquely shaped her producing approach, allowing her to build collaborative creative partnerships that foster bold storytelling and exceptional performances.

As a producer, Samantha has been instrumental in shaping critically acclaimed films and emerging talent, particularly in projects like THE FLORIDA PROJECT, RED ROCKET, and ANORA. Her ability to guide and refine performances has been a notable aspect of her work, helping actors—both new and experienced—deliver career-defining roles. This dedication to artistic integrity was further recognized when she and longtime collaborator Sean Baker received the BAFTA Award for Best Casting, a testament to their shared commitment to discovering and elevating extraordinary talent.

Samantha’s long-standing personal and creative partnership with Baker has been integral to the success of their films, grounded in a mutual passion for authentic, daring storytelling. With an exceptional eye for talent, a deep understanding of performance, and a producer’s instinct for compelling narratives, she continues to push the boundaries of cinema, bringing fresh perspectives to life and producing stories that resonate globally.

SANDEEP SETH​
Sandeep Seth is the newly appointed Chief Growth Officer & President, Tapestry International after serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at Coach for the last three and a half years. He is dedicated to driving Tapestry’s long-term growth strategy and leading Coach’s global brand positioning and marketing efforts. He believes in the power of consumer insights and leading with purpose. He is on the board of many non-profits, including the Coach Foundation.

Before his time at Coach Sandeep had an impressive 24-year career at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he held various roles across India and Singapore. Known for his ability to lead brand transformation through strong brand purpose and consumer-centric strategies, Sandeep made significant contributions at P&G. Originally hired as an Assistant Brand Manager to becoming the Global CEO for SK-II, P&G’s prestige skincare brand, helping it become one of the leading skincare brands worldwide.

Sandeep also led the Regional Olay business for Southeast Asia, Australia, and India, and held various marketing positions for other P&G brands, including Pringles, Tempo tissues, and home care products.

Sandeep earned his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, and his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. His career is a testament to his visionary leadership and innovative approach to brand management across different sectors.

JOON SILVERSTEIN
Joon Silverstein is the Chief Marketing Officer at Coach, where she leads brand-building and marketing-led growth strategies to drive the brand’s acceleration as a platform for self-expression. Since joining in 2014, she has been a change agent in multiple roles across customer experience, global ecommerce and digital, marketing, and sustainability. As CMO, she continues to challenge traditional fashion and luxury paradigms through purpose-led storytelling, consumer co-creation, and innovative media strategies.

Her dedication to addressing fashion’s environmental impact led her to found Coachtopia, a Coach sub-brand pioneering circularity in fashion, in 2023. She’s since championed industry-wide change by sharing its learnings through global platforms—including a TED Talk on reimagining waste and a leadership series at the UN COP29 Climate Change Conference. Coachtopia has been widely recognized: it was named to Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas and Most Innovative Companies lists, won the 2024 CFDA Innovation Award, and its mission was described by Vogue Business as “the type of drastic change that fashion needs to embrace.”

Joon began her career as a cultural anthropologist, earning a BA in Anthropology from Columbia University before conducting fieldwork as a Fulbright Fellow. Her experience as a second-generation Korean American inspired this pursuit—and her lifelong focus on understanding human identity and culture as drivers of change. She subsequently combined her passion for anthropology with an MBA from Harvard Business School to drive consumer-centric transformation at BCG, Victoria’s Secret, and Louis Vuitton before joining Coach.

She lives in Colorado with her husband and two children and enjoys rock climbing and skiing.

Sarlina See serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at PMC, where she oversees the company’s financial planning and analysis, accounting, controllership, treasury, tax, payroll, travel and procurement functions.

With over 30 years of financial experience, Sarlina has held roles in Fortune 500 companies such as General Electric, Stanley Black & Decker, and Hutchison Whampoa. Her diverse career includes positions in internal audit, financial planning & analysis, corporate controller, CAO, and CFO, spanning industries including media content, technology, oil & gas, energy management, consumer finance, telecommunications, and healthcare.

Sarlina holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Idaho State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. Sarlina currently resides in the South Bay area with her husband and two daughters, who are passionate about sports.

SEVENTEEN—comprising S.COUPS, JEONGHAN, JOSHUA, JUN, HOSHI, WONWOO, WOOZI, THE 8, MINGYU, DK, SEUNGKWAN, VERNON and DINO—have rocketed to the forefront of the music scene since their debut in May 2015, fueled by a nonpareil in-house creative ecosystem that hinges on the interplay of three units: hip-hop, vocal, and performance.

Crowned ‘Best Group’ at the 2024 VMAs and ‘Top K-pop Touring Artist’ at the 2024 BBMAs, SEVENTEEN made history last year as the first K-pop act to grace the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and headline Lollapalooza Berlin. The K-pop icon went on to make their stadium debut stateside during the 5-stop U.S. leg of their ‘RIGHT HERE’ world tour, which also included an all-stadium run in Asia with 20 shows across 9 stops. In 2024 alone, they attracted over 1.4 million attendees to their concerts both in-person and online, claiming a spot on Billboard Boxscore’s year-end ‘Top Tours’ chart as the only K-pop artist featured.

Holding the title for the best-selling K-pop album of all time—FML, with more than 6.4 million copies sold, which also ranked as top-selling album worldwide in 2023 according to the IFPI—SEVENTEEN reaffirmed their musical prowess with their recent 12th Mini Album SPILL THE FEELS. The album scored their 6th No.1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and became the best-selling K-pop release of 2024 with over 3.8 million copies sold, propelling the group to the highest rank among K-pop acts on IFPI’s Global Artist Chart 2024.

In addition to their impressive achievements in music, they were named UNESCO’s first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, recognized for their unwavering dedication to uplifting and inspiring young people and communities worldwide.

As SEVENTEEN mark their 10th anniversary this year, they continue to persistently reinvent themselves beyond a decade, defying expectations with their relentless ambition and ever-expanding musical spectrum.

Shams Charania is a Senior NBA Insider at ESPN, breaking major news across the NBA, NBA G-League, and other basketball-related coverage. Widely regarded as one of the leading voices in sports journalism, Charania‘s exclusive reporting, insider access, and deep understanding of the game make him one of the most trusted figures in the industry.

Charania joined ESPN as an NBA Insider in October 2024 and frequently appears on a variety of ESPN programs, including NBA Today, NBA Countdown, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show, SportsCenter and Get Up.

Prior to joining ESPN, Charania was a regular contributor on FanDuel TV starting in October 2022. Charania also worked at The Athletic and Stadium as a Senior NBA Insider, Writer and Analyst starting in August 2018, where he quickly established himself as a top-tier reporter covering breaking news, player transactions, and the latest developments surrounding the NBA. Previous stops for Charania include Yahoo! Sports, RealGM and ChicagoNow.

Charania has received several accolades for his contributions to sports journalism, including placing first in the news category of the 2024 Blumenthal Memorial Writing Contest, having been recognized for his reporting on the Minnesota Timberwolves ownership saga.

On February 2, 2025, Charania made headlines, famously breaking the news that the Los Angeles Lakers were acquiring Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis in the middle of the night ET, shocking the NBA landscape.

Known for his unmatched reporting accuracy and swift delivery, Charania has built a loyal following on social media, where his insights and breaking news continue to have a significant impact on fans, teams, and executives alike.

A native of Chicago, Ill., Charania graduated from Loyola University in 2017.

​Shyam Sankar is the Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Palantir Technologies, where he has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a Silicon Valley startup into a global leader in software and artificial intelligence. Joining Palantir in 2006 as its 13th employee, he pioneered the role of the Forward Deployed Engineer, shaping the company’s distinctive engineering model . Sankar’s expertise lies in developing and delivering innovative software and AI solutions for both government and private sector clients. He is also a recognized thought leader, frequently contributing to discussions on technology and policy, and has appeared before U.S. congressional committees on cybersecurity and strategic competition . Beyond his work at Palantir, Sankar serves as Chairman of Ginkgo Bioworks and is a trustee at the Hudson Institute. He holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University and an M.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.

Shyla Raghav is the Chief Climate Officer, TIME and Co-Founder, TIME CO2. She has had a long career working on both climate change adaptation and mitigation, with a focus on international policy and natural climate solutions. Her background includes serving as Vice President of Climate Change at Conservation International, and previously held roles at the World Bank, Adaptation Fund, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She was named an InStyle Badass woman in 2019, a Grist Top 50 Fixer, a AAAS/IfTHEN Ambassador for women in STEM, and has been featured on CNN, Vice News, and Elle Magazine.

Sridhar Ramaswamy currently serves as Snowflake’s CEO. After joining Snowflake in May 2023 in connection with the company’s acquisition of Neeva, the world’s first private AI powered search engine, Sridhar spearheaded Snowflake’s AI strategy as SVP of AI. Prior to joining Snowflake, Sridhar co-founded Neeva in 2019.

Prior to founding Neeva, Sridhar led all of Google’s Advertising products, which included search, display and video advertising, analytics, shopping, payments, and travel. During his 15 years at Google, he was an integral part of the growth of AdWords and Google’s advertising business from $1.5 billion to over $100 billion. He also held research positions at Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies, and Bell Communications Research (Bellcore). Sridhar was a Venture Partner at Greylock Partners from October 2018 until recently, and he sits on the board of trustees at Brown University.

CHUCK AOKI
Chuck Aoki is a four-time Paralympic medalist, leader, and legend in wheelchair rugby. Born with a congenital condition that led to partial paralysis, Chuck took up wheelchair rugby as a way to challenge himself and found great success. He became a key player on the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team, winning multiple medals at the Paralympic Games, including a bronze at the 2012 London Games and a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Aoki is also recognized for his leadership, athleticism, and advocacy for the disabled community. He plays with heart, grit, and the kind of leadership that lifts everyone around him.

LEE KIEFER
Lee Kiefer is an American épée fencer and Olympic gold medalist. She made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she won the first-ever gold medal for the United States in women’s individual épée, marking a breakthrough for American fencing. Kiefer has been competing at the international level for years and has earned numerous medals in world championships and World Cup events. She has now cemented her place as the most decorated women’s foil fencer in American history. Her precision and resilience make her unstoppable.

SUNI LEE
Sunisa “Suni” Lee is not just a 3-time Olympic medalist; she’s a groundbreaking force in the world of gymnastics. Winning the coveted gold medal as the all-around champion at the 2020 Olympic Games, Suni etched her name in history as the first Hmong American Olympian. Her story goes beyond athletic triumph and is truly about representation and breaking barriers.Born and raised in Minnesota, Suni’s journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Her life took a turn when she moved to Alabama to attend Auburn University, where she excelled as a collegiate gymnast. As of this year, Suni has made the Olympic team for a second time and is excited for what’s to come.
In July of 2024, The American Kidney Fund partnered with Suni to help educate and empower individuals about kidney health. This initiative aims to raise awareness about kidney disease and its causes, promoting early detection and preventive measures. Through this collaboration, Suni spreads vital information through her platform, encouraging people to learn about their kidney health and take proactive steps to protect it, which is a message that is very close to her heart.
At just 22 years old, Suni is a beacon of inspiration, aiming to empower her peers and the next generation to chase their passions and realize their dreams. Her story is a prime example of what can be
achieved with hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in oneself. Suni is currently based in NYC and has recently worked with brand such as SKIMS, KISS and Love Shack Fancy.

TORRI HUSKE
Torri Huske is an American swimmer who specializes in the butterfly and freestyle events, winning more medals than any other athlete for Team USA and shattering records on her way to the finish line. She gained prominence after her breakout performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she earned a silver medal in the women’s 100m butterfly. Huske’s talent in the pool was evident from a young age, and she has since set multiple records, including becoming one of the youngest American swimmers to make the Olympic team. Known for her speed, technique, and determination, Huske has solidified her place as one of the rising stars of American swimming. She continues to be a strong contender at national and international competitions. Her speed, her power, her drive—she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Tagu Kato serves as Chief Design Officer at Roblox, leading the Design and Creative organization on its journey to blend form and function while elevating the consumer experience through innovation in a safe and civil way.

Tagu has over two decades of design and creative experience, most recently serving as Vice President, Head of Design for Facebook at Meta, where he oversaw product design, content design, motion and visual design, production design, design engineering, design program management, and design operations across Facebook including Feed, Reels, Stories, Groups, Video, Gaming, Shop, Marketplace, News, Dating, and Ads. Prior to that, Tagu was Vice President, Design for The Walt Disney Company looking after more than 90 consumer-facing and hundreds of enterprise digital products globally including ABC, Disney, ESPN, FX, Marvel, National Geographic and Star Wars. He has also held various senior positions at Nike and at creative agencies. Over the course of Tagu’s career, he has played a vital role in earning notable creative industry awards, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Emmy, Clio, and BIMA. Tagu was also recognized by Advertising Age as 40 Under 40 in 2020.

Tagu is a native of Japan and a true designer who is laser-focused on solving people problems at the intersection of creativity and technology. He graduated from the International Christian University in Tokyo.

Terumi Tanaka was born on April 29, 1932. At age 13, he experienced the Nagasaki A-bomb inside his house located at 3.2 kilometers from the blast center. He lost five of his family members all at once. He cremated the body of his aunt in the field, who survived only a few days after the bombing with heavy burns.

He graduated from the Science University of Tokyo in 1960. He is a physicist in magnetochemistry and former Assistant Professor of Tohoku University.

Since 1974, he has contributed to the Hibakusha movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for state compensation for the damage caused by the bombings. Since he participated in the first SSOD held in the UN in 1978, Tanaka has joined meetings in the UN including the NPT review conference and visited various countries to tell the truth what the atomic bombing caused.

After working as Secretary General of the Japan Confederation of A-and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) for 20 years, he became Co-chairperson of Hidankyo in 2017.

Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, and he delivered the Nobel lecture in the Award Ceremony of the Prize in Oslo on December 10, 2024.

TRISHA AYYAGARI
Trisha joined L’Oreal in 2005, as an junior marketer on Maybelline’s Global Marketing Team and quickly grew with the brand. In 2010, Trisha moved to Paris to join the L’Oréal Paris Global team as a Project Manager and quickly after as Director, demonstrating strategic vision and a great acumen on advertising and content creation. In 2015, Trisha was promoted to the SVP of Marketing of Maybelline’s Global team where she accelerated the brands growth by dominating new categories such as brows, lips, & face artistry. In September 2018, she took on the role of Deputy General Manager of the Brand where she digitalized the brand’s marketing function and created new growth opportunities for Maybelline by developing their Asia business. In July 2019, Trisha was promoted to the prestigious role of Global Brand President for Maybelline New York, and has continued to drive the brand’s growth and category leadership through blockbuster innovations, acceleration in Emerging Markets and a brand evolution that resonates with the cultural values of today’s younger audience. Trisha believes that everyone deserves access to high-quality beauty. It should be affordable and suitable for unique consumer needs. She is a true expert of the makeup category and embodies the core values of the Maybelline brand – on the pulse and hardworking, with a strong belief in diversity at the core. Trisha was born in Massachusetts and now resides in New York City with her husband and son. Trisha received her BA from Babson College and a MBA from Columbia University.

AMY WHANG
Amy Whang is currently the President of Maybelline, Garnier and essie in the US. Prior to taking this position, Amy was General Manager, IT Cosmetics in the US. Since joining the L’Oreal Group in 2004, Amy has worked in both the Luxe and Consumer Divisions. Amy has also held positions across the Lancôme, Kiehl’s, shu uemura, Maybelline and L’Oreal Paris brands in both US and Global Marketing capacities. In 2023, Amy was named as one of Adweek’s top 50 Business Leaders in the US. She is also a recipient of the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Beauty’s Top Talent Award. Amy graduated from New York University Stern School of Business with a BS in Marketing and International Business. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children and loves camping!

Tyla is a South African singer and songwriter who has rapidly emerged as one of music’s most exciting new voices. Blending elements of pop, R&B, and amapiano, her sound is as fresh as it is globally resonant. She gained international recognition with her breakout hit “Water,” showcasing her signature style and undeniable charisma. With roots in Johannesburg and a vision that transcends borders, Tyla brings a unique cultural perspective to everything she creates. Her bold artistry, infectious energy, and fearless approach to music have positioned her as a rising force on the global stage.

As Chief Financial Officer, Uvashni Raman leads Booking.com’s finance functions globally, overseeing the financial health and strategy for one of the world’s leading digital travel e-commerce platforms.

Prior to joining Booking.com in 2023, Uvashni gained extensive experience in leading large, complex businesses to long-term growth with expertise spanning finance, procurement, operations, strategy, M&A, sustainability, capital markets, corporate affairs and large scale business and digital transformation.

Most recently, she held the role of Group CFO at Adevinta ASA, joining when the business listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in April 2019 and going on to lead its acquisition of the eBay Classifieds Group in 2021. Previously, she was CFO for Naspers Video Entertainment Division, South32 Australian Region and held multiple CFO, commercial, operational and strategic finance roles within BHP.

Uvashni is a Qualified Chartered Accountant from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honors in Accounting.

Uzma Rawn Dowler is Major League Baseball’s Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Partnerships. She leads MLB’s global marketing efforts, partnering with league executives across all operations, revenue and technology departments and the 30 MLB Clubs to help present Baseball to its fans, grow the sport, and reach new audiences, while also overseeing the team responsible for securing, renewing and managing sponsorship agreements with Official League Partners around the world.

Rawn brings nearly 20 years of experience working hand-in-hand with Fortune 500 companies and sports teams to achieve their marketing goals. During her time at MLB, Rawn has been instrumental in securing high-level sponsorship agreements with YouTube TV (first presenting sponsor of the World Series), Strauss as the first-ever Postseason Helmet Decal Partner, Google/Google Cloud, MGM, Adobe and loanDepot.

Rawn came to MLB from Premier Partnerships where she led Premier’s New York office and was responsible for new business development and growth of Premier’s east coast operations; as well as furthering Premier in its sponsorship sales efforts with sports and entertainment properties.

Prior to joining Premier in 2010, Rawn worked at the National Basketball Association (NBA) in their Team Marketing & Business Operations (TMBO) group. In TMBO, Rawn was focused on team sponsorship development efforts and her responsibilities included advising teams within the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League on sponsorship sales strategy and activation best practice initiatives to drive growth.

In 2024 and 2020, Sports Business Journal named Rawn to its prestigious Forty Under 40 classes. In 2015, Forbes named Rawn to the magazine’s 30 Under 30 list in Sports.

A graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Sport Management, she resides in New York with her husband and three young children.

As President & COO, Vedika is responsible for the oversight of Water.org’s global organization, ensuring its overall effectiveness and comprehensive achievement of strategic, financial, and annual operating goals. Joining Water.org in 2016, Vedika has held multiple roles across geographies, shaping her global perspective and preparing her for her current position. In her role as President & COO, Vedika partners with the CEO, works closely with Water.org’s executive leadership, the Presidents of WaterEquity and WaterConnect, members of the Board of Directors as well as a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to support the mission and vision of Water.org. She previously served as Water.org’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Global Impact Officer, and Managing Director of India.

Vedika brings more than 35 years of professional experience, including 25 years in investment banking and experience building teams and businesses within Indian and international financial institutions. Previously, she served as the Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan.  Today, under Vedika’s leadership, Water.org continues to scale its impact—having reached more than 73 million people with access to safe water or sanitation solutions.

Vedika serves as an Independent Director on the boards of several companies. She also serves as a Jai Vakeel Foundation board member, an institution focused on children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Versha Sharma is the Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, where she is focused on covering culture, fashion, politics, and social justice through the lens of young people. She is the first South Asian editor-in-chief in the publication’s history and is focused on new heights of representation for the AAPI community under her leadership. Previously, she was Managing Editor and Senior Correspondent at NowThis, which she helped build from a brand new startup to the #1 social video news company in the world. She led NowThis Election coverage in 2016, 2018, and 2020, has interviewed elected leaders like President Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris, as well as cultural leaders like Oprah and Alicia Keys. She’s produced several short documentaries and filed dispatches on immigration from the U.S.-Mexico border, has reported from mass protests in St. Louis, and traveled to Moscow, Russia for a show she hosted and produced, The Russia Desk. Versha and her team at NowThis won an Edward R. Murrow award for a short doc about the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Versha has long been an enthusiastic voice for the most innovative models in digital journalism and for increased diversity and inclusivity at all levels of leadership. Prior to NowThis, she worked as a reporter and editor for Vocativ, where she managed a team of international reporters. She covered the 2012 presidential election for MSNBC and got her start in journalism with an internship at Talking Points Memo in 2009. Born and raised in Louisiana, she now lives in New York with her husband, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Online News Association.

Virat Kohli is an Indian cricketer renowned for his exceptional batting prowess and leadership across all formats of the game. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, he rose through the ranks to captain India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, becoming one of the most successful leaders in Indian cricket history. Kohli holds numerous records, including the most centuries in One Day Internationals (51) and the fastest to accumulate 14,000 ODI runs, achieving this milestone in just 287 innings. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he is the all-time leading run-scorer with over 8,300 runs and holds the record for the most centuries in a single season (4 in 2016). Kohli’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2020), multiple ICC Player of the Year awards, and India’s prestigious Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna honors. As of 2025, Kohli continues to be a central figure in Indian cricket, inspiring millions with his passion, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

WALTER WANG
Walter Wang is the CEO and chairman of North America’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer, JM Eagle. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company has 19 plants throughout 16 U.S. states as well as Mexico and China. Under Mr. Wang’s leadership, JM Eagle dominates the plastic pipe industry with an unparalleled market presence, consistently leading in sales volume. In addition, JM Eagle is on the forefront of innovation in releasing new products every year. Its extensive distribution network ensures that its products are widely used across infrastructure, municipal, and industrial projects. JM Eagle also offers an industry-leading 50-year warranty on its high-performance PVC and HDPE plastic pipes, that received awards including the Best Manufacturer Award from the Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wang has been a leading supporter of efforts to bring clean water to communities in developing countries around the world. As of 2010, JM Eagle has provided over 400 miles of pipe, supplying 500,000 people with water in eight African countries. The Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association awarded Mr. Wang and JM Eagle the Humanitarian Award in recognition of such philanthropic efforts. Mr. Wang sits on the board of directors of the Formosa Petrochemical and Formosa Chemical and Fiber Corporations. Mr. Wang also serves on the board of directors for the Drug Enforcement Agency Foundation and the Los Angeles Police Foundation, and the LA2028 Olympic board, as well as sitting on the US Olympic Board of Trustees. In 2024, Forbes featured Mr. Wang in one of its cover stories highlighting his journey in expanding the company and his debut on the Forbes 400 list.

SHIRLEY WANG
Shirley Wang is the founder and CEO of Plastpro Inc., one of the world’s largest fiberglass door manufacturers. Plastpro was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with a 300,000 square-foot fully automated plant in Ashtabula, Ohio. Builder News recognized Plastpro’s doors with a “Best Product” award, and Plastpro was recognized by Window and Door magazine as “Most Innovative” and “Top 100 Manufacturer.” In 2022, CIO Views listed Mrs. Wang among the year’s most admired women business leaders. Mrs. Wang serves as a director for the board of the publicly traded company Douglas Emmett Inc. Additionally, Mrs. Wang is currently a trustee at Columbia University and Harvard-Westlake School. She is a trustee for the U.S. Olympic Committee and LA2028. Previously, Mrs. Wang was the first Asian chairwoman of the board of the UCLA Foundation and as part of the UCLA Executive Campaign Committee, helped raise 5.49 billion for UCLA.

WALTER & SHIRLEY WANG
Walter and Shirley Wang’s generous support has extended to numerous philanthropic initiatives, encompassing disaster relief, social justice, medical and cancer research, education, and technology. Their contributions to educational institutions including UCLA, Columbia University, Brown University and Harvard Westlake School have exceeded $20 million, including funding the creation of scholarships, endowed chairs, lounges, stadiums and buildings. For Covid-19 they donated $1 million to the Los Angeles Mayor’s Fund to help families who were impacted by the pandemic as well as over 50,000 face shields to healthcare facilities at UCLA and Cedars Sinai. Their donations to Cedars Sinai established the Walter and Shirley Wang Emergency Department Treatment Area East, and the Walter and Shirley Wang Endowed Chair for Pediatric Surgery. The Wangs have donated over $3 million to relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Syrian Refugee Crisis, and the Maui and Los Angeles fires. The Wangs funded the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum exhibition at the California Science Center and donated millions to the DEA Foundation youth program, serving over 65 cities nationwide, and sponsoring the Summer Night Lights LA Parks Program to curb gang activity amongst youngsters. They have also donated body cameras for police officers of the LAPD. Their donations to Asian Americans Advancing Justice have funded multiple staffing positions including six pro bono lawyers dedicated to aiding abused women and combating anti-Asian discrimination. Most recently in 2024, The Wangs have contributed $2.97 million to Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation, aimed at expanding access to health care for Asian American immigrants and other underserved communities throughout New York City. In response to the devastating LA wildfires in 2025, they donated $1.5 million to support firefighters and first responders and have pledged another $5 million to rebuilding efforts in affected communities. They were the first and major sponsors of the Emmy nominated PBS documentary, “Becoming American: The Chinese Experience” by Bill Moyers. They also supported the production of “Blood of Yingzhou,” which won an Oscar for Best Short Documentary. They also supported the “Warriors of Quigang,” which was nominated for an Academy Award in the same category and resulted in the Chinese government committing $30 million to clean up the toxic waste around the waterway where the film was set. Their impactful $3.3 million grant to the Gold House Foundation supports and empowers equity and authentic representation of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in media and journalism. They are also supporters of the LA Philharmonic. The Wangs view sports as a vehicle to promote community pride and cohesiveness. They are proud sponsors of the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundations and LA2028. As the title sponsor of the JM Eagle LA Championship, they engaged in a multi-year partnership with the LPGA and were the first to double the purse for this event, helping to elevate women’s sports. In 2024, The JM Eagle LA Championship, Presented by Plastpro, won the 2024 LPGA Tournament of the Year. The Wangs also founded the New Taipei Kings, a professional basketball team in Taiwan. The Wangs have been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for their contributions to America. They have also received awards including the China Institute Blue Cloud Award, the Asia Society Visionary Award and the Anti-Defamation League Humanitarian Award.

​Wang Ning is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Pop Mart International Group, a pioneering force in the designer toy industry. Established in Beijing in 2010, Pop Mart gained prominence with its innovative “blind box” concept—selling collectible figurines in sealed packaging that conceals the specific toy inside. This approach, combined with collaborations with artists like Kenny Wong (creator of the iconic character Molly), has cultivated a devoted fanbase, particularly among young adults aged 20 to 35 . Under Wang’s leadership, Pop Mart expanded globally, operating over 450 retail stores and 2,300 vending machines across 21 countries . The company’s success led to its public listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020. As of April 2025, Wang’s net worth is estimated at $13.82 billion

WILL LEE
Will Lee is the CEO of ADWEEK, the premier media brand serving the marketing and advertising industry. As CEO, Will is leading ADWEEK through its transformation from an industry publication to a vibrant and essential business intelligence platform blending content, experiences, and community for the brand, agency, media, and technology ecosystem. Prior to ADWEEK, Will served as Chief Operating Officer of NPR, overseeing strategy, transformation, and growth. He led the launch of the NPR Network, an ambitious and first-of-its-kind reimagining of the business and strategic relationship between NPR and its 249 Member stations. Previously, Will led the digital businesses of Time Inc. for PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and The Hollywood Reporter. At PEOPLE, Will guided the brand’s digital evolution, driving triple-digit growth in audience and revenue in less than four years, and creating multiple new lines of business including commerce, licensing, creator-led content and an ad-supported streaming network. Prior to Time Inc., Will served in various management and editorial roles at Penske Media Corporation and Warner Bros. Television. Will serves on the board of directors of The Door, which provides a full range of youth development services to New York City teens and young adults, and is on the Board of Advisors of the NYU Center for Publishing and Nekton Mission, a UK nonprofit established to accelerate and the scientific exploration and protection of the oceans. Will graduated with an AB in Classics with honors from Brown University and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business. Will lives in New York City with his wife Suejin Yang and son Troy.

RYAN JOE
Ryan Joe joined ADWEEK in March 2024 as Editor in Chief to help elevate the ADWEEK newsroom to deliver even more incisive, data-driven insights and intelligence to its audience across multiple platforms. Joe has covered the advertising industry extensively for more than 15 years, examining the challenges, practices, and business of data-driven marketing, previously serving as Senior Advertising Editor at Business Insider.

Prior to his role at Business Insider, Joe was managing editor at AdExchanger for eight years and senior editor at Haymarket Media Group’s Direct Marketing News for two years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and an MFA in writing from Columbia University.

aespa (에스파), stylized as æspa, is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment, consisting of four members: Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. They debuted on November 17, 2020, with the digital single “Black Mamba”. aespa’s music blends genres such as EDM, hyperpop, and hip-hop, creating a futuristic sound that complements their innovative concept. Their debut EP, Savage, and subsequent releases like “Next Level” have garnered international acclaim, with “Black Mamba” surpassing 100 million views on YouTube. Beyond music, aespa has made significant strides in fashion, with member Ningning becoming Versace’s global brand ambassador in 2024 . The group continues to redefine K-pop by seamlessly blending technology, storytelling, and performance.​

Ankur Jain is an American entrepreneur and investor, whose mission is to solve the real life problems that everyday people are facing all over the world including student debt, affordable housing, childcare, work retention, and retirement.

Currently, Jain is the founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, his latest venture revolutionizing the housing market, and the first major loyalty program that allows renters to earn points on rent and build a path towards homeownership. Bilt Rewards operates as both a loyalty program and a co-branded credit card, the Bilt Mastercard. The Bilt Rewards loyalty program was developed in partnership with an alliance of the nation’s largest multifamily owner/operators, representing 2.5 million units across the US. The Bilt Mastercard was developed with and issued by Wells Fargo as the first and only credit card that can be used to pay rent at any apartment with no fee. Just a year and a half since inception, Bilt Mastercard was named Best No Annual Fee credit card by The Points Guy Awards 2022. In October 2022, Bilt Rewards announced a growth round of $150 million led by Left Lane Capital with investment from Smash Capital, Wells Fargo, Greystar, Invitation Homes, Camber Creek, Fifth Wall, and Prosus Ventures to further expand its loyalty program and credit card. Jain has grown the company to a valuation of $1.5 billion since its launch in June 2021.

Prior to launching Bilt Rewards, Jain was the founder and CEO of Kairos, a venture studio for young entrepreneurs that has helped launch and grow over $6.5bn worth of companies solving problems from housing to healthcare. Kairos was a partner in President Barack Obama’s StartUp America Partnership. Through Kairos, Jain has helped launch Rhino, a vehicle to replace security deposits with a low monthly fee and has partnered with UK-based start up, Cera, to bring home to the elderly. Jain incubated Bilt Rewards at Kairos.

Before joining Kairos in May 2017, Jain was the Chief Product Officer at Tinder, the world’s largest social network for meeting people. He joined Tinder after it acquired his previous technology company, Humin, an address book app that organized contacts by contextual clues, where he served as Founder & CEO.

Over the years, Jain has been recognized for a variety of achievements on notable lists. In 2017, he was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum. In 2011, Inc. magazine named Ankur Jain the “Best Connected 21-Year-Old in the World” and awarded Jain “30 Under 30”. In 2012, he was named “30 under 30: Solution Broker” by the Christian Science Monitor. In 2015, Forbes also named Jain to their “30 under 30” list.

Jain currently serves on the innovation board of the X-Prize foundation and as a member of the Pacific Council on Foreign Relations. This year he is launching the Bilt Foundation.

Jain was born in Bellevue, Washington to world renowned tech entrepreneurs. Jain graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in May 2011 and currently resides in New York with his fiancé.

First discovered by the world through a collection of demos on Soundcloud recorded at home while on house arrest, Dominic Fike’s rise since has been the kind only seen once or twice per generation – praised by everyone from The Fader to The New Yorker as “the future of pop music” for his fusion of hip-hop and sun-damaged rock that spawned a #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart and subsequent collaborations with the likes of Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, Halsey, Omar Apollo, Kenny Beats and more.

While he quickly built a devoted fanbase for his music – evidenced by multiple sold out world tours – Dom’s profile grew exponentially when he emerged as Elliot, a fan favorite in season 2 of HBO’s hit show Euphoria. His work in film and TV also includes his role as Miles in the BAFTA-winning filmmaker Savanah Leaf’s 2023 debut film Earth Mama and frequent collaborator Jack Begert’s debut film Little Death, which premiered at 2024 Sundance Film Festival with Dom starring alongside David Schwimmer, Talia Ryder, and Jena Malone.

James Sweeney is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker. He wrote, directed, produced, and co-starred in TWINLESS, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, winning the US Dramatic Audience Award and a Special Jury Award for Acting for Dylan O’Brien. Roadside Attractions will release the movie this summer. James was recently named one of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch. His debut feature, STRAIGHT UP, a screwball romantic comedy, won the Grand Jury Prize at the San Diego Asian Film Festival and was nominated for Best First Screenplay at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards.

JAY GRABER
Jay Graber is the CEO of Bluesky, a public benefit company building an open social network. Previously, she built Happening, a site for social events, and developed Zcash, a privacy-preserving cryptocurrency. She has also worked as an organizer at digital rights nonprofits.

ROSE WANG
Rose Wang is the COO of Bluesky, the open social network. She was formerly the Head of Customer Experience at Forethought, an AI platform serving mid-market and enterprise customer support teams, and the CEO/co-founder of Chirps, a sustainable cricket protein food company as seen on Shark Tank. She is a Forbes 30 under 30 social entrepreneur, Echoing Green fellow, ELLE USA Impact Award winner, and TEDx speaker.

​Liang Wenfeng is a Chinese entrepreneur and computer scientist renowned for his transformative work in quantitative finance and artificial intelligence. In 2015, Liang co-founded High-Flyer, a quantitative hedge fund that integrated AI and machine learning into trading strategies, amassing over 100 billion yuan (approximately $14 billion) in assets under management by 2021. Anticipating the growing significance of AI, he began stockpiling Nvidia GPUs in 2021, prior to U.S. export restrictions. ​

This foresight led to the establishment of DeepSeek in 2023, an AI company that quickly gained international attention by developing advanced models like DeepSeek V3 and R1. These models matched or surpassed the capabilities of competitors such as OpenAI and Google, but were developed at a fraction of the cost—reportedly under $6 million. DeepSeek’s success propelled it to the top of the U.S. iOS App Store in early 2025, surpassing ChatGPT. ​

Nikko Remigio, the electric wide receiver, punt returner and kick returner for the Kansas City Chiefs, is not only making his mark on the field but also proudly celebrating his Filipino heritage. Born and raised in Orange County, California Nikko embraces his rich cultural background, which informs his values and inspires his journey in the NFL.

Growing up, he faced challenges that fueled his determination and resilience, guiding him through his athletic pursuits. His journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he emerged as a standout wide receiver and quickly gained recognition as a key player. He later transferred to Fresno State University, where he thrived. He joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite which culminated this season when he led the NFL in playoff return yards and started in Super Bowl LIX.

Beyond his prowess on the field, Nikko is a passionate advocate for representation and diversity in sports. He actively seeks opportunities to give back to the community, participating in outreach programs that empower young athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire the next generation to embrace their heritage and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

As a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Nikko continues to break barriers, proving that talent knows no bounds. He embodies the spirit of perseverance characteristic of many Filipinos , demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve greatness while honoring their cultural roots. In every game, Nikko Remigio not only aims for touchdowns but also champions inclusivity and pride in heritage, reminding us all of the rich tapestry of identities that make up the world of sports. His journey is a celebration of culture, strength, and the power of dreams.

The Founder and Creative Director Sohee Park, known as “Miss Sohee” is a Couturier based in London. Her designs are deeply inspired by her Korean heritage and a love for antiques, reflected in the shapes, embroidery, and colors of her collections. Romantic motifs and Korean Minhwa paintings play a key role in her visual style, blending tradition with a contemporary approach. Miss Sohee’s creations have been worn by celebrities including Cardi B, Bella Hadid, and Ariana Grande, and have graced major red carpets including the MET Gala, Cannes, and the Oscars. Harper’s Bazaar UK calls her one of the most exciting names in red-carpet fashion, while Vogue France praises her as a “true artist.” Park has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Europe and South Korea, as well as the Business of Fashion 500.

Her work has been showcased internationally, including exhibitions like “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” at the Victoria & Albert Museum and “The Love of Couture” at K11 MUSEA in Hong Kong. In 2022, she was invited as a guest designer to create the Christmas tree at the V&A Museum. In January 2023, Park’s eponymous label showcased its latest collection during Paris Haute Couture Week. Park was awarded the Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award by the Duke Of Richmond and commissioned to create 3 bespoke gowns for the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2023.

Sophia Kianni is an Iranian-American entrepreneur and activist. She studied at Stanford University and is the founder of Climate Cardinals, the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit, with 16,000 volunteers in 80+ countries. She is also a founder of Phia, a forthcoming digital fashion platform, alongside Stanford peer Phoebe Gates. She was most recently appointed to serve on the EPA’s National Youth Advisory Council and is the youngest United Nations advisor in US history.

Sophia has amassed a following of over 300,000 across social media platforms and her work has been profiled by The New York Times, CNN, Vogue, Business Insider, BBC, NPR, ELLE, The Guardian, NBC, and even on the front page of The Washington Post. She has also authored opinion pieces for outlets such as TIME Magazine, MTV News, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, and Yale Climate Connections.

Sophia is a prolific storyteller and has spoken at universities across the world including Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, and Princeton. She has sat on boards and advisory councils for The New York Times, World Economic Forum, Ashoka, American Lung Association, Reform Alliance, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. She won the TED global idea competition and her debut TED Talk has 2+ million views.

She has been named VICE Media’s youngest Human of the Year, a National Geographic Young Explorer, on Business Insider’s Climate Action 30, among BBC’s 100 Women, and to Forbes 30 under 30.

Zaria Parvez is Duolingo’s senior global social media manager. She leads social strategy, social content, and community management across all major social platforms at Duolingo. She most notably spearheaded the development of Duolingo’s TikTok account and as a direct result of Zaria’s work on Duolingo’s TikTok strategy and execution, the now-famous TikTok channel grew from 50K followers in September 2021 to 16M followers today. She now leads a team of content creators showing what can be possible when you trust junior talent and give them leadership positions. What started as a test-and-learn initiative has become Duolingo’s most successful social buzz and word of mouth initiative to date – all because of Zaria’s insights, instincts, and expertise. More broadly, Zaria is a role model for a new, diverse class of Gen Z social media talent and has proven what’s possible when given creative freedom and trust in the work she does.