MARA BROCK AKIL has written and produced over 400 episodes of television, leaving her mark on Hollywood. She’s received Essence Magazine’s Visionary Award and the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award by NATPE, and has been named in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter’s Showrunner Power Lists, as well as The Hollywood Reporter’s “Women in Entertainment Power100” multiple times. In 2020, Brock Akil entered into a deal with Netflix to exclusively produce television shows for the streaming platform under her new banner, story27 Productions. In 2021, she launched her own digital Dézine (i.e. digital magazine), InTheLandOfMara. Her credits include writing and producing the hit show Girlfriends (2000-2008), The Game (2006-2015), Being Mary Jane (2013-2019), and executive producing Netflix’s STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING which was on the Academy Awards® Documentary Feature Shortlist. Brock Akil’s most recent project was the critically acclaimed Netflix series adaptation of the 1975 Judy Blume novel FOREVER, starring Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., and more. The series was renewed for a season 2 and premiered to rave reviews.

In 2021, Mara expanded her passion for non-profit work and started her very own non-profit writing residency in Los Angeles, the Writers’ Colony. The mission is to support up-and-coming underrepresented writers/creatives. The impact of the Writer’s Colony is something Mara’s very proud of. She is delighted to continue the colony’s commitment to nurturing emerging writers, and providing them with exposure, access, and the tools they need to continue on their journeys.

Meet Mathew Knowles, the global leader in sales & marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

With over $5 billion generated across multiple industries, over $100 million in sales and acquisitions, and the development, recording and distribution of some of culture’s most notable careers such as Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Solange, and many more; Mathew Knowles is widely regarded as the best in the world at what he does and is a sought-after speaker, consultant and trainer for some of the world’s largest organizations and conferences.

He has led some of the most successful marketing campaigns in history, working with organizations like Pepsi, American Express, L’Oréal, Samsung, and House of Deréon Apparel to name a few.

Knowles’s professional insights and expert digital content have been recognized by organizations like LinkedIn, where he’s been named a “LinkedIn Top Voice,” a distinction reserved for the world’s foremost authorities in their fields such as Bill Gates, Arianna Huffington, and Richard Branson. He is also the recipient of the prestigious “Master of Influence Award” from the National Speakers Association, honoring his exceptional impact and excellence in public speaking.

Knowles shares his extensive experience and knowledge, inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators worldwide. Beyond his groundbreaking accomplishments in business and entertainment, he serves as a Global Brand Ambassador for Zero Prostate Cancer, passionately advocating for health awareness and the importance of early detection. His breadth of knowledge and strategic insight have also positioned him as a sought-after advisor to numerous organizations spanning a wide range of industries.

Academically Dr. Knowles has undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Fisk University, MBA and Ph.D. from Cornerstone Christian Bible College and earned Professional Development Certifications from Harvard University in Ethical Leadership and Developing Cultural Intelligence. Additionally, Dr. Knowles is the author of five books, two of which are best sellers on Amazon and has published a white paper at West Virginia University titled “Strategic Partnerships at Walmart”. Knowles is currently on the faculty at London College of Contemporary Music and Pepperdine University.

Whether he is developing some of the biggest brands in history, inspiring global audiences, or helping businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their goals, Dr. Mathew Knowles’ unmatched talent and experience make him a true business and industry icon.