Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Micro-Influencer/Branding One-Day Intensive

3:00 – 3:45 PM, Herscher Hall, Guerin A, Webcast Live

Risque to Relevant - Authenticity and Marketability

Understanding your authenticity, audience, and marketability, plus how to re-invent and shift your engagement.

Haze, @hazeytaughtme

Meghan Tonjes, @meghantonjes

Tanya Bershadsky, Founder, Casting Influence

Zack James, Founder & CEO of Animeme Studios

Sara Mills, Head of Creator Relations, Tinysponsor, @saraontheinternet

Ashlee Marie Preston, Host, Commentator, Activist: Ashlee Marie Preston is a Media Personality, Producer, Writer, Speaker, and Civil Rights Activist. She is the host/producer of a podcast/vodcast entitled “Shook with Ashlee Marie Preston” which examines news, politics, entertainment and pop culture through a social justice lens. Ashlee Marie is historically the first trans woman to become Editor in Chief of a national publication. She has been featured by Teen Vogue, NBC, New York Times, BuzzFeed, HuffPo,The Washington Post, and many more. She was named one of The Root 100's "Most Influential African Americans of 2017", and was profiled as one of LOGO/NewNowNext’s 30 Most Influential LGBTQ Influencers of 2017 & 2018 and PopSugar's top 40 LGBTQ's of 2017. Ashlee Marie was a candidate for California State Assembly District 54 in 2018; making her the first openly trans person to run for California State Legislature. Stay tuned for her Tedx Talk in September of 2018!

Hazey Taughtme, Haze Ent.: Highly sought after (self taught) Branding and Marketing Guru , Steven Palmer (better known as Hazey Taughtme), is an American entrepreneur who has been active in the entertainment industry since 1998.   Originally from York, PA but growing up with splitting time in New York City, and Salem MA,  Hazey Taughtme entered the industry at age 17.  As with many, Hazey Taughtme had humble beginnings starting as a manager for local dance group Limited Edition and promoting national act Imajin.   After graduation he was given the opportunity to train along side of renowned "Entertainment" great "Celebrity Agent/Concert Promoter" Greg Walker.  It was during this on-the-job-training Hazey Taughtme  honed his skills as an Entertainment Manager and gave him the desire to later strike out on his own.  A few years ago, Hazey Taughtme created his own company Haze Entertainment where he manages:   Freeway Ricky Ross, Shauna Brooks, SUPERBAD BRAND (cannabis and lifestyle brand), to name a few.  Hazey Taughtme is currently executive producing and directing the documentary "Freeway Ricky: Planting the Seed."  This project will highlight the journey of Ross and Hazey Taughtme during the Freeway Ricky Ross' Untold Autobiography 2017 Official National Book Tour and other school appearances.  If you ask Hazey Taughtme what's next, he is gearing up for a few tv projects and the filming of the Rick Ross biopic. Hazey just wants to use his platform to help others excel.

Meghan Tonjes, Influencer, @meghantonjes: Musician, Singer, Vlogger, Youtube personality, and Body Positivity Advocate, Meghan Tonjes is a true multi-hyphenate. With appearances and performances on both The Ellen Degeneres Show and Conan O’Brien, Meghan’s daily videos have garnered over 31 million views. In early 2014, Meghan sparked criticism and garnered support when a photo of hers was removed from Instagram. Instagram soon apologized for removing the image, but the story went viral, being featured on national news outlets such as CBS, Upworthy, Huffington Post and The Today Show. The #BootyRevolution was born.

Tanya Bershadsky, Founder, Casting Influence: Tanya is an Emmy-nominated TV producer and digital video pioneer who has worked with influential talent since before the term "YouTuber” existed. She’s not only developed multiple YouTube celebrities, but guided traditional media figures like Larry King into becoming multi-platform digital icons. She was Creative Director for the world’s first influencer marketing company, TadCast, and launched her company, Casting Influence, in 2015, which was recently featured in the documentary New Kings. Casting Influence, is an influencer marketing, casting, talent strategy and creative agency that has been profiled in Forbes Magazine as the “first of its kind. Clients have ranged from StateFarm and Purina to Disney, Legendary Pictures, and DreamWorks. She hopes you can't tell she drank a bottle of wine to get through the headshot photoshoot.

Zack James, Founder & CEO of Animeme Studios: Zack James is a viral animation producer featured in over 250 media outlets including Times, People and USA Today. Zack has amassed 10 Million fans, 2 Billion video views and is a Webby-Nominee. Today, Zack is focused on the future of animation, gaming and interactive content.

Sara Mills, Head of Creator Relations, Tinysponsor: Sara Mills is a verified influencer, content creator, and community manager with an audience of 1.2MM across social platforms. With several viral videos under her belt, she decided to turn her expertise towards connecting other content creators to brands. Her unique experience makes her a valuable asset, offering insight from the perspective of the creator wile also understanding the needs of the brands.