Kicks and Culture Career Summit
One-Day Conference —— Career paths in footwear and performing arts
We're pausing registrations so we don't sell out too fast! More tickets will be made available as of September 8th.
Join us for a free one-day conference designed to illuminate creative careers in the footwear sector and the performing arts world. You'll hear from industry leaders, educators, and performers, who will challenge conventional career narratives and demonstrate that creative pursuits can lead to meaningful professional opportunities.
Led by
Osamase Ekhator
Osamase Ekhator is the author of two critically acclaimed poetry books, "I AM YOU" (2022) and "Situationship" (2019), and the founder of "Best: A Creative Agency" which consults artists and companies on creative productions and brand management. He has an English degree from Boston College (‘17) and a Masters in Business from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (‘24). In the past, Osamase has had the pleasure of performing in front of a live TV audience at GBH’s “Outspoken Saturdays”; other performances have taken place at Boston’s Paramount Theater, ADWEEK, Pellas Gallery, Arnold Worldwide, and more. His work has also been published in AZURE, Cathexis NorthWest Press, Prometheus Dreaming Magazine, Penumbra Literary and Art Journal, and has been studied at the University of Bonn in Germany. He has also served as a keynote speaker at Northeastern University and Boston College.
Host
Herv "Gotti" JeanBaptiste is a creative consultant with 11+ years of experience, he leads brand strategy and growth initiatives in fashion, lifestyle, and personal branding.
Keynote Speaker
Ché Anderson is a cultural leader, public art advocate, and community builder whose work sits at the intersection of arts, civic life, and economic development. He serves as the gubernatorially appointed Chair of the Mass Cultural Council.
Keynote Speaker
Nay Speaks is a Boston-born, Atlanta-based rapper, poet, and Spelman College alumna, known for blending spiritual hip-hop, spoken word, and emotional honesty.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. D'wayne Edwards is the President & Founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design.
Keynote Speaker
David Fontes is the Vice President of Footwear and Apparel Product Development at New Balance.
Panelists
Ariel Weekes is the Senior Brand Strategist at PUMA Group.
Leah Taveras is the Founder and CEO of Other1s.
Corey DePina is the Program Director at Zumix.
Keith Mascol is the Founder of the Triggered Project, Co-Host of the Living A Triggered Life Podcast.
Breakout Sessions Led By
Christoper Dixon is a Founder and Footwear Designer who has worked with multiple brands - notably Nike and Timberland.
Amanda Shea is an Emmy-nominated, three-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist.
SuperSmashBroz are a well-known brotherly hip-hop & Afrobeats DJ/producer duo based in Boston consisting of Muyi Fre$co and Noma Nomz.
Jamal Thompson is a Global Entertainment Marketer at New Balance.
Sadiq Ervin is a Manager of Talent and multifaceted creative in the Greater Boston area with a primary focus on event production and cultivating live musical experiences.
Performances by
Yessma is an award-winning Boston-raised spoken word artist, author, and cultural curator.
Neemz is a multidisciplinary Boston-based Palestinian-American artist, rapper, model, and creative director.
Afrobeats Dance Boston is a Boston-based dance company and LLC dedicated to teaching and performing contemporary African dance styles.
Staff
