MOHAMED Q. AMIN
FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CARRIBEAN EQUALITY
Mohamed Q. Amin is a pioneering Indo-Caribbean Muslim Gay Rights activist native of Guyana, who currently resides in Richmond Hill, NY. On the eve of the 2013 Manhattan Pride Parade, Amin and his siblings were attacked for being members of the LGBTQ community in their Southeast Queens neighborhood. In response to anti-LGBTQ hate violence, he founded the Caribbean Equality Project (CEP), a non-profit Caribbean LGBTQ organization based in Queens, NY.
ALTON MCNEIL
OWNER + CHEF,
TOP TIER CATERING + EVENTS
Alton's culinary career began at a very early age. Growing up with a family of chefs & restauranteurs, the love for culinary arts came naturally. Although the career path had been laid out, it was difficult navigating in corporate due to upper management being reluctant of allowing an adolescent the opportunities to work with their companies. Quickly coming to the realization that creating a lane where success and creativity wouldn’t be limited or contingent upon someone’s else’s ability to see his potential; he started Top Tier Catering.
SEAN TORRINGTON
FOUNDER + CEO
SLAY TV
Sean Torrington is a Brooklyn born and raised filmmaker, producer, content creator, and multi-media visionary. He has directed numerous web-series, docu-series, short films and media campaigns, and translated his vision for an online media platform into SLAY MEDIA HOUSE, the leading entertainment destination for Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC). As the Founder and CEO of SLAY, Sean oversees a global media network that includes: SLAY STUDIO, a writers’ collective of content creators including directors, producers and actors; SLAY AGENCY, a full-service creative & strategic agency that produces small and large-scale campaigns; and SLAY TV, a multi-media digital network that elevates the narratives of QTPOC by creating and curating compelling video content.
ERNEST B. JAMES
FOUNDER + CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER, NOIRE MANAGEMENT
Ernest B. James is the Founder and Chief Management Officer of Noire Management, a diversity inclusive focused talent and marketing agency that’s helping to bridge the communication gap between creators of color and consumer brands. Prior to launching Noire Management, James was the Associate Vice President at boutique lifestyle agency, APA PR. There he oversaw the agency's style portfolio – successfully launching Spanx's "Arm Tights" product line by Sara Blakely and MISSION Activewear's first-ever apparel collection in partnership with 3x NBA Champion, Dwyane Wade. Understanding that today's digital and consumer industries are diversity starved for brands, experiences and influencers who can authentically engage across multiple demographic groups – Noire Management will #changethenarrative by providing the platform that champions that much needed diverse story-telling and brand engagement.
FRANK WATSON
FOUNDER + EVENTPRENEUR,
FRANK WATSON EVENTS
Frank Watson enjoys the satisfaction he gets when producing events. Scanning a crowded room full of his people having a good time is all the confirmation he needs to know it was a success. Curating good vibes for both friends and strangers over the last five years in NYC has been deeply rewarding. Of course, with every business there are ups and downs, but turning a frown into a smile - makes every bit of the job worth it.