51³Ô¹Ï

Alexa L. Borden is a Los Angeles-based composer for film and theater. She is the executive director of the Alliance for Women Film Composers and Treasurer for the Female Composer Safety League. Borden is a mentor with the ScreenCraft Works Cross-Border Mentoring Program and was selected for the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) Amp Cohort. Her work has been featured in films on Prime and PBS. Borden and long-time collaborator Connor Cook are currently co-scoring First Bloom Films’ “The Designer,” starring Katherine Waddell, Ethan Slater, and Gina Gershon.

Ashley Fischer is a Chicago-based photographer and visual storyteller with over a decade of experience in fashion and commercial photography. A 51³Ô¹Ï graduate in photography, she blends technical skill with creative direction to craft compelling visual narratives. Fischer currently a freelance photographer, working with brands and clients nationwide. Known for her versatility and collaborative spirit, she continues to shape stories and elevate brands through thoughtful, image-driven content.

Bianca Betancourt is the digital culture editor for "Harper's Bazaar" where she covers all things music, film, TV, and pop culture as a whole. She's previously written and contributed to publications such as Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone, i-D, The Washington Post, VICE, Vox, Remezcla, and more. Betancourt’s core mission as a writer and editor over the last decade has been to spearhead the conversation surrounding the creative realms that shape our culture today.

Brad Kemp is a composer and music producer with a degree in Music Composition from 51³Ô¹Ï. He’s scored podcasts for iHeartRadio and collaborated with artists like Yvie Oddly, Shea Couleé, and Chris Redd. His musical theater credits include “Q2,” “Abduction,” and “Tribulation.” Kemp is also 1/3 of the comedy rap group Handsome Naked (NBC’s “Bring the Funny,” Billboard Top 10).

Brent Palmer is a producer based in Los Angeles, dedicated to fostering bold, diverse storytelling. He recently produced “Piece by Piece,” a fully animated documentary on Pharrell Williams, and “Lies Closed This School,” a Detroit-based film on educational equity. With upcoming features set for 2025 and 2026, his work spans major companies like Tremolo Productions and One Story Up, and directors including Morgan Neville and Davis Guggenheim. A Concordia Fellow, Palmer’s films appear on platforms like Netflix, HBOMax, and Amazon Studios. 

Brian Galati is a visionary entrepreneur and creative force behind Machine Hospitality Group. As the creative engine and co-founder of the company, Galati leads marketing, branding, event curation, and concept development for the umbrella of bars and restaurants in Chicago and Nashville. A Chicago native, Galati studied Marketing at 51³Ô¹Ï, where he cultivated a passion for brand storytelling, experiential design, and community-driven spaces. Galati remains committed to shaping the future of hospitality—one groundbreaking concept at a time.

Christopher Rejano is an award-winning cinematographer based in Chicago. Originally from Detroit he transferred to 51³Ô¹Ï switching from studies in design, creative writing and photography to film production with a concentration in cinematography. Rejano shot as many films as possible while at 51³Ô¹Ï and interned with legendary cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs ASC, which helped lay the groundwork for a creatively diverse career of working in feature films, commercials, and music videos.

Cooper Justus is an American post production services manager at HBO and Warner Bros Discovery where he works with a bi-coastal team of production and post-production professionals that help create record-setting television shows such as “House of the Dragon,” “Succession,” “Euphoria,” and “The Last of Us.” Justus is best known for his work supervising the restorations of some of HBO’s most iconic shows including “From the Earth to the Moon,” the first two seasons of “Six Feet Under,” and “Sex and the City.” 

Dan Polyak is a graphic artist and creative director known for bold and resonating design work across entertainment, music, drag, and activism. With a client roster that includes Britney Spears, Fall Out Boy, and “Drag Race” winner Shea Couleé, Polyak’s work spans branding, merchandise, murals, and custom typography. His point-of-view blends artistic edge and iconic visuals with purpose-driven disruption—building visuals that don’t just look good but say something.

Deana Lewis brings a wealth of expertise in marketing and communications to the financial services industry. As the Senior Director of Marketing at The Mather Group (TMG), she spearheads all marketing initiatives and communication strategies, maintaining a steadfast focus on a client-centric approach. Before joining TMG, Lewis was Head of Client Experience at Moonstone Asset Management, where she enhanced client engagement. Previously, she was Head of U.S. Intermediary Marketing at Northern Trust Asset Management, where she led strategic marketing initiatives and cultivated key relationships. 

Diane Pathieu joined ABC 7 Chicago in 2011 as a general assignment reporter and became Traffic Anchor in June 2024. She anchors weekday mornings and the 7 a.m. streaming newscast, fills in at the news desk, and reports the weekly “Weekender” segment. Pathieu previously reported and anchored at WTMJ in Milwaukee, KCRG in Cedar Rapids, and KFXB in Dubuque. A 51³Ô¹Ï graduate, she’s also worked in traffic reporting, radio, and at NBC 5 Chicago’s news desk.

Gustavo Martín Benites Gálvez is a Peruvian-American writer, director, and producer based in Chicago. Focused on independent film, he’s known for crafting award-winning short films that have screened globally and have been featured on filmshortage.com. Gálvez made his feature directorial debut with "American Warrior," an mixed martial arts drama starring Danny Trejo, distributed by Quiver. His next project, "Breathe," based on his award-winning script and fiscally sponsored by Film Independent, was a “Top 8” finalist at Scriptapalooza.

Jacey Rhorer founded Rhorer Couture with the understanding that a hat just isn’t a hat—it is a visual reminder of power, beauty, diversity, femininity and expression. Her hat-making journey started during a millinery class at 51³Ô¹Ï, where she obtained a BA in Fashion Design. Recently, Rhorer’s talents landed her the profound position and coveted title—The Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Helping others exert confidence and self-expression through her designs has fueled Rhorer’s passion and paved the way to accomplishing her dreams.

Jonathan Binder is a storyteller and strategist who began his career at CNN, honing his skills in impactful, award-winning journalism. A 51³Ô¹Ï graduate, he brings that same curiosity to brand marketing—driving global campaigns for adidas, digital growth at Champion, and strategic communications at HanesBrands Inc. Known for blending creativity with strategy, Binder crafts brands that connect with culture, inspire loyalty, and make people care—his superpower is turning insights into stories that move audiences and business forward.

Julianne Turkel is a theater actor turned television writer based in Los Angeles. Turkel graduated from 51³Ô¹Ï with a degree in TV Writing and Producing. Turkel currently writes for Season 3 of NBC’s “Night Court” and has contributed to a range of acclaimed productions, including “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The National Lampoon,” and “The Three of Us.” She brings performance-driven storytelling and sharp wit to every project.

Justin Kamps began his music supervision career in 2009 at Chop Shop, contributing to projects like “Insatiable,” “A Futile and Stupid Gesture,” and “Z: The Beginning of Everything,” with uncredited work on shows like “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder.” He later launched Monster Sector Music Supervision, overseeing projects including Bridgerton, Lucifer, “Resident Evil,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” A 51³Ô¹Ï graduate with a master’s in Arts Management, Justin also sings with several choirs in Los Angeles.

Kwame Abasi Patterson is a strategic communications leader known for blending media, advocacy, and storytelling to drive impact. With a master’s from 51³Ô¹Ï, he’s held roles from award-winning reporter to Assistant Commissioner at NYC’s Department of Correction, and now serves as a senior healthcare communications executive. Named a Crain’s NY Notable Leader, Kwame advises brands and public figures through high-stakes change. Also a published author and filmmaker, his work has been featured by CNN, NPR, The New York Times, and more.

Maral Karagozian-Voutsinas is a strategic beauty industry executive at the No7 Beauty Company with over a decade of experience driving growth through education, marketing, and communications. She leads high-impact teams, shapes brand narratives, and delivers results across retail, media, and medical aesthetics. A trusted public speaker, she represents brands at global events, including American Academy of Dermatology conferences. Her expertise spans multi-channel education, PR, content, and executive training—blending creativity and clarity to inspire teams and translate strategy into compelling, consumer-relevant storytelling.

With over 15 years of experience building products across industries, Nathan Ross began his career after earning a BA in Advertising Art Direction. He started at creative agencies like Robinson & Maites, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and FCB, before moving into product design roles at startups and leading tech companies including Google and Facebook, launching products and features used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. As the founder of an AI-powered creative platform, Ross is focused on developing generative AI tools that are transforming the way online content is created and delivered.

Neal Weisenberg is the Creative Director of Motion Design at Disney Entertainment, where he helped launch Disney+ and has led acclaimed campaigns across digital, outdoor, and linear platforms. Known for his visionary leadership and talent for directing live-action content, Weisenberg connects with on-screen talent to create compelling global campaigns. His career began in Chicago at CBS and ABC, shaping on-air identities. A multi-Emmy, Promax, and Clio Award winner, he also serves on the Emmys Title Design Committee and teaches at UCLA.

Norman Teague is a Chicago-based designer whose work centers on community, craft, and Black cultural history. His studio produces experimental furniture and public projects that challenge the design canon and uplift underrecognized voices like Chuck Harrison. Featured in the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale and MoMA, Teague explores Afro-futurism and mid-century Black aesthetics. With museum acquisitions, major collaborations, and a role at the Obama Presidential Center, he is also co-founder of blkHaUS Studio and an assistant professor at UIC.

Resa Luster-Mac is a third-generation leader at Luster Products, Inc., where she guides the direction of Luster’s Pink. She played a key role in launching the Pink Kids collection in 2016, blending innovation with a passion for haircare. Beyond Luster, Luster-Mac promotes financial literacy through her work with Maconomics and serves as Secretary of the Maconomics Foundation. Her combined expertise in brand management and financial education reflects her commitment to empowering others through business and knowledge.

Savana Nix is a theatrical and film costume professional known for her expertise in design, touring shows, and work backstage. As the Costume Director at Lookingglass Theater, she is part of a team dedicated to bringing new works to the stage in the city she calls home. She has also enjoyed the creative challenge working on national tours with The Bridgerton Experience and Cirque du Soleil. Nix’s goal is to always bring collaboration, empathy, and sustainability to her practice to uplift performers, directors, and designers alike.

Tiffani R. Alexander is an award-winning writer, editor, and executive leader with 20 years of experience developing publications and multimedia, content strategy, and executive communications. Currently executive director of editorial services in the Office of University Communications at Howard University, Alexander has worked on print and online publications within the public safety and commercial sectors, as well as in association and trade publishing. She previously served as Associate Vice President of Editorial services at a legal bar association in Washington, D.C., and in 2023, launched TiffaniWrites, LLC—a creative consultancy that provides editorial, design, and content strategy services to individuals and organizations.

Vershawn Sanders-Ward is an award-winning director, choreographer, and educator reshaping contemporary dance through her visionary blend of African diasporic forms and modern technique. As Founding Artistic Director & CEO of Red Clay Dance Company, she uses dance to explore identity, race, and social justice. Ward has earned national commissions, led global residencies, and champions equity through leadership roles with Dance/USA and the Black Arts & Cultural Alliance of Chicago.