Center for Communication & BRIC present the 7th Annual Diversity + Media Career Summit

As Deputy Commissioner of the Film Office at the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Kwame Amoaku serves as principal advisor on film and television production policy in New York City. This includes promoting New York City as a premier location for production, developing and maintaining relationships with key industry stakeholders, and overseeing the film permitting process.

Prior to joining MOME in July 2022, he served as director of Chicago's Film Office. Amoaku's career in film and television spans 30 years, and includes experience in directing, producing, writing, cinematography, acting, and location management. As director of the Chicago Film Office, he helped develop COVID-19 protocols that allowed filming permits to be issued by June 2020 and served as part of the city's COVID Recovery Task Force, which invested in workforce development and infrastructure to increase soundstage capacity and revenues by 25 percent and film production by 125 percent. Amoaku also designed and implemented a workforce development program for Chicago residents from underserved areas and created the Chicago Independent Producers Lab, to provide professional development and support to Chicago's independent film community.

Krystal Atwater is an experienced Creative Director with an extensive background in shaping branded creative content and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In her current role as Creative Director at Fisher-Price, Krystal spearheads the creation of innovative campaigns that are fresh, diverse, and resonate deeply with audiences across the globe. Krystal also serves as the Co-President of Black at Mattel, where she actively works to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Before joining Fisher-Price, Krystal led photography and video projects for renowned brands such as the National Football League, Harry Winston Inc., Rodale Publishing, and Complex Media. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Photography & Media Graphics from City College of New York and has an Associate of Science in Photography from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

In her free time, Krystal loves hanging out with her family, roller skating, and exploring different bourbons. Her diverse interests and dedication to her work make her a respected leader and influencer both professionally and personally.

Christine Cortes, producer, visual storyteller, community builder (collaborator), creativity coach + brand consultant. With over 12 years experience in media, producing work for BET, Syfy, A&E, Liftime and more, her knowledge about the industry is vast.

Christine is CEO of I See Cre8tions Media LLC, a media agency that provides production services for startups and creatives alike some of which include The Grio and The World of Step. She is also Co-Owner and Executive Producer of eres., a digital network that celebrates the power of being you. Christine is a proud recipient of four New York Chapter Emmy Awards for her producing and cinematography work at Spectrum News NY1, was recognized as Omega Phi Beta’s 2020 Professional of the Year, and was nominated as NALFO’s 2021 Professional of the Year.

She is passionate about creating meaningful content that authentically speaks about her community and represents them in all of their complexities. But more importantly, she is intentional about telling those stories in a way that inspires and provides opportunities for the next generations. Christine is happiest when she is creating and is fortunate to have nurtured a life that allows her to do so everyday.

Wes Jackson has over 25 years of experience as a leader, entrepreneur, innovator, creative and executive in entertainment and academia. Wes has been leading BRIC, a pioneering, multi-disciplinary arts and media institution anchored in downtown Brooklyn, as its President since July 2022.

BRIC’s programs include the free, summer-long BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival whose 46th season kicks off this summer; the New York Emmy Award-winning BRIC TV, whose programming includes acclaimed original scripted series and hyper-local news stories and documentaries; Brooklyn Free Speech TV, a leading public access television network; a major contemporary art exhibition program; BRIC JazzFest, which brings global legends and emerging artists in jazz to Brooklyn each October; family programs; and more. BRIC’s nationally recognized school-based arts and media education program reaches thousands of NYC public school students each year.

Prior to starting at BRIC, Jackson was the Director of the Business of Creative Enterprises (BCE) Program and Senior Executive In Residence at Emerson College. His career began as a concert producer, which led him to his first venture, Seven Heads Entertainment, and later to found and lead the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Jon McLeod, an accomplished Associate Producer at ESPN, stands at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative. As one of the founding members of ESPN TRUST, the network's inaugural Mental Health Awareness Affinity team, Jon is dedicated to fostering a culture of well-being in the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting.

With a deep-seated passion for sports, Jon's journey in this realm began early on, fueling his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communications. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to earn a master's degree in television production, equipping him with the skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Jon has a wealth of experience in producing captivating content, fostering meaningful conversations, and weaving inspiring stories. He takes great pride in his opportunities to be a Public Speaker. He has addressed audiences worldwide at prestigious events like the Disability IN Conference, as well as nationally recognized companies including Blue Shield California and TIAA. Jon's commitment to creating impact extends to local communities, where he shares his insights with schools and youth programs.

Jon's unwavering mission is clear: to empower the next generation with business acumen while emphasizing the paramount importance of nurturing their mental health for enduring success. With a resolute focus on both personal and professional growth, Jon McLeod exemplifies leadership in sports broadcasting and mental health advocacy, making him a true beacon of inspiration in his field.

Deborah Roberts is an award-winning ABC News correspondent and co-anchor of the prestigious news magazine, “20/20”. A media veteran, Roberts has traveled the world for her reporting. She also serves as a substitute anchor for “Good Morning America” as well as a guest co-host on “The View.”

Her in-depth coverage of current events has earned her a Peabody Award for the “20/20” special “Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor.” She has been awarded multiple Emmy® Awards for international and national coverage of world events, including the AIDS crisis in Africa and maternal mortality in Bangladesh.

Roberts is the author of “Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life”, a New York Times Bestseller. She’s also authored a book with her husband, Al Roker, called “Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom For Modern Times.” She currently resides in New York City with her husband. They have two children.