# Kicks and Culture Career Summit ## One-Day Conference —— Career paths in footwear and performing arts [ Friday, September 25 | Ticket Registration Re-Opens after Labor Day arrow\_circle\_right ](https://edportal.harvard.edu/event/kicks-and-culture-career-summit) ![Graphic with microphone, sneaker, and speaker, reading Kicks and Culture Career Summit](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-08/k%26c_TT%20%281%29.jpg?itok=GN3rH6is) ## expand\_more 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. ![Man stands outside in front of Harvard Ed Portal entrance](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-08/osamase%20headshot%201.jpg?h=a0371b6a&itok=cSPpSVfX) --- Herv Gotti ### 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. ![Man sits on stoop in front of building](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-08/_Herv%20gotti%20%281%29.png?itok=wZ_t3EUV) Ché Anderson ### 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. ![headshot of man wearing glasses](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-08/_Ch%C3%A9%20anderson.png?itok=RYSLptXo) Nay Speaks ### 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. ![woman stands proudly holding spellman scarf ](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-08/NAY%20SPEAKS.png?itok=30TJVioR) Dr. D'wayne Edwards ### Keynote Speaker **Dr. D'wayne Edwards** is the President & Founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design. ![Man wearing glasses and suit smiles at camera with folded hands](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-08/_DR.%20D%27WAYNE%20EDWARDS.png?itok=vkWG3LD7) 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 [### Marisa Lopez ](/people/marisa-lopez) [marisa\_lopez@harvard.edu](mailto:marisa_lopez@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development ![Marisa Lopez Staff Photo](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hep/files/marisa-lopez_0.png?itok=99skGoJy) [### Danielle Downing ](/people/danielle-easton) [danielle\_easton@harvard.edu](mailto:danielle_easton@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development Operations ![Danielle Easton Headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hep/files/de_headshot_.jpg?itok=rXc-k0bG) [### Lei Zhang ](/people/lei-zhang) [lei\_zhang@harvard.edu](mailto:lei_zhang@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development Operations ![zhang-portrait](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-03/Lei%20Zhang%20headshot.png?itok=Ms3lOXLS)