India Arie is an American singer and songwriter. Her debut album, Acoustic Soul, was released in 2001, and she has since released six more studio albums. Arie has sold over five million records in the US and ten million worldwide, and has won four Grammy Awards from 23 nominations, including Best R&B Album.

Dianne Ashford, an American film producer, co-founded Symmetry Entertainment in Atlanta in 2003. Originally majoring in computer science at Florida A&M University, she worked in a St. Louis-based wireless network company before returning to Atlanta. Ashford, feeling creatively stifled, switched to film, starting as a producer’s intern on "Trois 2: Pandora's Box" (2002). She then co-founded Symmetry Entertainment with Angi Bones in 2004, producing films like "Motives 2" (2007) and "Echo at 11 Oak Drive" (2012). Ashford also worked in Hollywood, notably on "Ride Along" (2014) and the Starz series "Survivor's Remorse," co-produced by LeBron James.

A Grammy-winning record producer, songwriter, musician and filmmaker. He has worked with renowned music artists like Babyface, Boyz II Men, Madonna and Gwen Stefani and is known for his collaboration on TLC’s debut album. Austin produced the films “Drum Line” and “ATL.”

Andrew Aydin is a creator and co-author of the graphic memoir series, MARCH, which chronicles the life of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. MARCH is the first comics work to ever win the National Book Award. Aydin’s prose works include articles for the Atlanta alt-weekly Creative Loafing and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance Magazine.

Autumn Bailey-Ford is a highly accomplished Film & Tv and producer, recognized for her award-winning films and documentaries such as Maynard (2017) and MGM Studio film On a Wing and a Prayer (2023). As the founder of Autumn Bailey Entertainment, her work spans multiple genres, creating thought-provoking content that resonates with a broad audience. Bailey-Ford’s commitment to empowering others and building community through initiatives like Get Connected Atlanta and the Georgia Entertainment Gala aligns with CMII’s vision for fostering collaboration and creativity.

Andre Henderson is a visionary New York-based artist whose series The Journey explores the human spirit against the backdrop of the transatlantic slave trade. His ambitious Seeds/Shipyard Atl project—a life-sized reconstruction of a slave ship’s skeleton—aims to serve as a monumental public art installation, honoring the resilience and contributions of the African diaspora. Henderson’s work offers CMII students a unique perspective on historical storytelling through art.

Jared Mass, a leader in both film and animation and has produced a wide range of acclaimed works. As Vice President of Paramount Pictures he was responsible for overseeing franchises including SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, Sherlock Gnomes, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. As the founder of Chalkdust Animation Studios, Mass brings years of experience working at the forefront of animation and virtual production. Jared was the first producer to render an entire television series (Super Giant Robot Brothers) out of the Unreal Game Engine. His expertise will provide CMII students with valuable insight into the latest animation technologies and industry practices.

As an award-winning mixed reality artist, Kris Pilcher pushes the boundaries of reality through hyper-narrative installations and cutting-edge digital technology. His work has been exhibited at prestigious festivals and galleries, including Ars Electronica, Cannes XR and VRham virtual reality arts festival, as well as in cities such as Paris, Barcelona, New York and Los Angeles.

Imari Oliver, founder and CEO of Bond & Play, a product, media, technology, and production company, consults directly with brands, advertising agencies and organizations on identifying and shaping new business opportunities and revenue growth strategies.

A writer, technologist and futurist from Atlanta, Georgia. Snead is the CEO of SUBSUME, a technology startup that seeks to connect the creative class within the Black Diaspora and champion its unique needs, expectations, voice and collaborative futures.

Catrice Swann is a business management expert with over 25 years of experience advising clients in the music, film, television, and sports industries. As Principal and COO of Polay + Swann, she has built a reputation for guiding high-profile clients through complex financial and business strategies. Her academic and professional achievements will offer CMII students practical knowledge in entertainment business management and entrepreneurship.

Troy Taylor is a Grammy Award-winning music producer who has worked with legendary artists such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Boyz II Men. As CEO of Songbook Entertainment, Taylor continues to shape the future of R&B music through his work with established artists and rising stars. His deep industry knowledge and experience in music production will serve as an invaluable resource for CMII students looking to enter the music business.