CreateWay Speakers Bureau
Bring a creative professional to your school
CreateWay connects high schools, community colleges, and universities with working creative professionals and entrepreneurs from Indiana and beyond. Through candid, real-world conversations, speakers help students understand what creative careers actually look like—and what it takes to build a sustainable path.
Sessions are designed to bridge the gap between interest and execution, offering practical insight into creative career pathways that are often nonlinear, entrepreneurial, and underrepresented in traditional career education.
CreateWay is funded through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Community Collaboration Fund.
Speaker Roster
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Allie CoppedgeAllie Coppedge has spent her entire career in the buying and merchandising space of the retail industry. She began with multiple internships across different areas of fashion while in college, which led to her first role at Talbots’ corporate office. She later moved on to J. Jill and most recently to Kohl’s, where she serves as an Associate Buyer for Girls’ clothing, managing a department that generates over $100 million in annual sales. Her role combines analytical and creative skill sets, requiring strategic problem-solving and ongoing communication with dozens of cross-functional partners, while her primary responsibility is assorting seasonal collections for both in-store and online channels.
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Lindsay HadleyDesign Director, Pattern Magazine; Associate Creative Director, GhostRanch Communications
Lindsay Hadley is an ACD for GhostRanch communications. She’s an Indy native with a passion for visual communications and for doing good work that does Good. In another life Lindsay taught Advertising and Graphic Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Today she channels that passion on behalf of commercial clients, and as the Design Director of Pattern Magazine. When she’s not designing, she’s probably driving her kid to soccer games.
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Allyson EdmondsTV News Producer, Nexstar; Singer-songwriter, TheeAllyE
Allyson Edmonds was born and raised in Indianapolis, proudly representing the city’s east side, where she discovered her passions at an early age. She has always had a deep love for television and music. A graduate of Ball State University, she is currently 30 years old and works as a morning show producer for FOX59 and CBS4 News. This year marks her fifth year with the Nexstar Media Group.Throughout her career, Allyson has contributed to major projects and productions for the city, including field producing for the Indy 500 broadcast and serving as executive producer of the four-hour weekend morning show during her first two years at the station. While her career in news supports her professionally, her true passion lies in music. Over the past five years, she has worked to balance life as a television producer and independent artist, often working overnight shifts at the station and performing around Indianapolis on weekends.Allyson has been singing in choirs since the age of five, including church choirs, grade school programs, and high school show choir. She was also the first person to win her high school’s talent show two consecutive years. While she has not yet received a major award in news, she has made significant strides in her music career, including three local television performances promoting her album over the past two years. She hopes to inspire the next generation by demonstrating that passion is essential to building a fulfilling and joyful life. Though the news industry can be challenging and, at times, dark, her true light comes from her music—a light she believes can never be dimmed by others.
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Amy McAdams-GonzalesOwner & Creative Director, Matinee Creative
WebsiteAmy McAdams-Gonzales is a designer, mother, entrepreneur, and proud Downtown Indianapolis resident. Her work has appeared in the pages of Pattern Magazine, on posters for Harrison Center for the Arts, and on the packaging, storefronts, and advertisements for countless local and national businesses and nonprofits. She currently operates Matinee Creative with her husband, Matt Gonzales.
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Arianna CruzCEO & Owner, MORE Magazine
WebsiteMeet Arianna Cruz, a community connector based in the Indianapolis area with her husband and two dogs. As founder of MORE Magazine, she’s driven to Make Opportunities Reachable for Everyone—creating platforms that inspire growth, connection, and impact. In her daily life, Arianna builds inclusive spaces and fosters intentional conversations that spark innovation, collaboration, and equitable opportunity.
With a background spanning Marketing, Communications, and Business Development, she now serves as Director of Market Development at Counterpart, a customized software company. She bridges startup and social impact sectors, leveraging technology and strategy to address complex community challenges while centering empathy for stakeholders.
A proud Indiana University Kelley School of Business graduate, Arianna remains active through mentorship, board service, and leadership initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring local businesses, connecting with others, and continuously learning—bringing curiosity, energy, and purpose to everything she does.
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Cahmelan PorterDirector of Marketing & Brand Strategy, Downtown Indy Alliance; Founder/Owner, Komäfi; Co-Founder, Cargo Streetwear
WebsiteCahmelan Porter is a multidisciplinary creative and entrepreneur known for blending strategy, culture, and storytelling into impactful brand experiences. As Founder of Komäfi, he leads a creative practice focused on building authentic, purpose-driven brands that connect deeply with audiences.
He is also Co-Founder of Cargo Streetwear Boutique, an Indianapolis-based retail and creative hub that highlights emerging designers and fosters community through the intersection of fashion and culture. Through this work, he supports creative entrepreneurship and local artistry.
As Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Downtown Indy Inc, Cahmelan leads citywide campaigns that shape the perception of Downtown Indianapolis. His work includes rebrands, major events, and initiatives that merge creativity with civic engagement.
A Wabash College graduate with a degree in Rhetoric and a minor in Economics, Cahmelan has earned multiple AAF ADDY Awards, including Best in Show and Gold honors for his creative excellence.
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Byron ElliottCreative Director, Elliott + Co. Supply
WebsiteByron has been designing since 2007 and has gained an extensive amount of industry experience since 2011. He’s designed and art directed for tech companies such as Seismic, ActiveCampaign, Clustertruck, and Casted. On the agency side, he’s had the opportunity to design and art direct for amazing companies like Airstream, Siemens, Lilly, and the Indianapolis International Airport. The most fascinating thing for Byron, and what keeps him going, is watching any design endeavor go from a concept to a tangible piece that people interact with, wear, or use every day. He’s a family man who really loves hanging out with his wife and business partner, April, and their 3 energetic boys. He also loves playing video games…like a lot.
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Casey HarrisonCEO, Polished Strategic Communications
WebsiteCasey Harrison is an award-winning communications strategist, educator, and speaker dedicated to helping leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. As President and CEO of Polished Strategic Communications, she partners with civic, business, and nonprofit organizations across Indiana to deliver strategies that drive measurable impact.
With nearly 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and storytelling, Casey has led initiatives spanning professional sports, nonprofits, and commercial real estate. Her work advances workforce development, women’s leadership, and economic growth. She’s earned recognition nationally and locally for her commitment to using communications as a tool for community transformation.
Before launching Polished, Casey held leadership roles in education and workforce development, connecting people to opportunity through strategy and storytelling. She also teaches public speaking at the collegiate level and frequently leads workshops on branding, leadership, and communication—empowering others to find their voice and inspire action.
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Chris WhonsetlerOwner & Lead Photographer, Chris Whonsetler Photography
WebsiteChris Whonsetler was born and raised in central Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. After graduating, he began his freelance career and has been self-employed ever since.
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Chad Jamil HudsonCreative Consultant & Photo Studio Stylist, JD Finish Line
WebsiteChad Jamil Hudson is a fashion storyteller whose work resides at the intersection of style, history, and narrative. Drawing on archival research and cultural references, he transforms ideas into visually compelling campaigns defined by precision and purpose. As Creative Director of HAPPY TRIES, he leads projects from concept to execution, ensuring each image is anchored in intention. During his tenure in Los Angeles, he built a freelance portfolio that includes collaborations with Nike, Essence Magazine, and Hyundai, where his styling merges artistic vision with strategic impact to elevate brand presence. At JD Finish Line, he curates e-commerce looks that extend beyond commerce, connecting brands and audiences through imagery that resonates with them.
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Denisha FergusonFounder & Business Strategist, Indiana Fashion Foundation
WebsiteDenisha is an accomplished entrepreneur and business strategist with over 20+ years of experience bridging mental health research, logistics, and market innovation.
As a former Research Manager turned founder, she built platforms that connect talent, data, and opportunity—including founding Indiana Fashion Foundation & Indiana Fashion Week, an initiative spotlighted by Forbes and WWD for driving economic growth and creative industry development.Denisha holds an MBA and is recognized for her ability to bring clarity and creativity to complex ideas, transforming research insights into actionable business models. Helping entrepreneurs bring their vision to market.
As a wife, mother of two, and advocate for generational wealth creation, she integrates analytics and systems with visionary leadership to design solutions where impact, innovation, and investment intersect.
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Deonna CraigVisual Artist, GANGGANG; Director, BUTTER Fine Art Fair
WebsiteDeonna CRAIG is an Indianapolis-based visual artist, art instructor, and community leader whose work bridges creativity, culture, and advocacy. As the director of BUTTER Fine Art Fair, she serves as a visionary leader and curator, ensuring that BUTTER is more than just an art fair- it is a movement reshaping the art world.
A graduate of Cathedral High School and DePauw University, where she studied Communication and Sociology, Deonna brings a dynamic perspective to her work blending storytelling, history, and social awareness. Her distinctive style, often influenced by petroglyphs, ancient art, and the interconnectedness of past and future, reflects her deep curiosity about humanity and the mysteries of existence.
Deonna’s adventurous spirit fuels her artistic and entrepreneurial journey. She has traveled the world to pursue her passions of community building, teaching, public speaking, and visual art. She is a published artist with credits to dozens of outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Sports Illustrated. Her artwork has been featured in various museums and galleries such as Newfields, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis Children’s Museum, and the Indianapolis International Airport.
Deonna is the 2021-2022 Visiting Artist at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the 2020-2021 Virtual Resident Artist at The Madam Walker Legacy Center, and a 2022-2023 recipient of the Indy Arts Council’s Creative Renewal Fellowship.
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Deonna WeatherlyCEO & Filmmaker, Weatherhouse Company
WebsiteDeonna Weatherly is an Indiana-based award-winning director and cinematographer. With a Master’s in Media and a specialization in narrative storytelling, the majority of her video and film works are inspired by art and storytelling with themes including but not limited to race, gender, and sexuality. Deonna specializes in narrative fiction and documentary-style projects. In 2021, Weatherly founded her own production company, Weatherhouse Company, that focuses on providing safe spaces for women and people of color while creating visual projects, building community, and encouraging collaboration between creatives.
In 2022, born from her passion for both the youth and filmmaking, Weatherhouse Institute was created as a sector of Weatherhouse Company LLC dedicated solely to young filmmakers around Indiana. With an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, WHI provides learning and hands-on experience in the film & video industry for high school students and young adults under 24 years old. After seeing the success of WHI, Weatherly realized the young local filmmakers should have a bigger platform to showcase their hard work. So in June 2024, Weatherly had the inaugural year of the Indiana Youth Film Festival! At this festival, Indiana-based youth, ages 12-24, are able to submit their film to a professional festival created just for them!
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Destiny TaylorFractional Marketing Director, Pattern; Freelance Marketing; Wellness Founder, The Mama Green
Destiny Taylor is a Brand Marketing Strategist with an eight-year career leading social and influencer strategies for global brands including lululemon, Fenty Beauty, Amazon, and more. What began as a love for blogging evolved into a creative career that has taken her across the country and around the world, including Southeast Asia.
Beyond her corporate work, Destiny is the author of Golden Mantras (2023) and Prosperity Mantras (2024), both published with Running Press. She is also the founder of The Mama Green, a wellness collective where she hosts curated community events and helps individuals and corporate teams thrive through mindfulness programs and workshops. Through her business, she has partnered with brands like Nike, Naturium, and H&M to merge wellness with creativity and connection.
Still on her own journey, navigating the pivots, highs, and humbling lows that come with it, Destiny remains passionate about helping the generation behind her dream boldly, move intentionally, and define success on their own terms.
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Dion WalcottFounder, MARTKD
WebsiteDion Walcott is the Founder of MARTKD, a partnership agency focused on celebrating creatives and bridging communities through activations, resources, and collaborations.
Dion continues to empower creative communities by providing access to education, experiences, and career opportunities. Through MARTKD, he forges connections between brands and artists, merging corporate and cultural worlds. A dynamic speaker, strategist, and curator, Dion has collaborated with major brands like Reebok, Puma, the NBA, and Microsoft. His ethos centers on achieving success while fostering social good, standing by the belief that “You can do well and good at the same time.”
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Katie MarpleSustainable Wardrobe Stylist, Katie Marple Style
Wardrobe stylist with over a decade of experience in production, editorial, commercial, and personal styling. Past clients include Nike, NFL Network, and JD Sports. Now specializing in sustainable styling, sourcing exclusively from secondhand, overstock, and conscious brands.
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Kevin GrazioliExecutive Producer, Bayonet Media
WebsiteKevin, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, was born in Michigan and currently resides in Indianapolis. He frequently collaborates with marketing agencies, clients, and directors to bring projects to life. Kevin is passionate about diving into production budgets but also enjoys forecasting project and company financials. Kevin resides with his wife, two daughters, and a beagle, and he cherishes every moment spent with them. When he’s not in dad mode or on set, he enjoys rock climbing and geeking out about all things space. Kevin has finally achieved a life goal by distilling a batch of bourbon.
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Leah TribbettPhotographer & Video Producer, Leah Trib Productions
WebsiteLeah Tribbett is a videographer and photographer based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Since 2015, she has worked with an expansive list of clients—from global brands to local nonprofits—to showcase products and tell compelling stories through visual media. She has experience capturing a wide range of content, including headshots, product photography, and promotional videos.
Her goal with every project is the same: to collaborate closely with clients to produce a high-quality final product.
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Megan MurallesLiterary Agent Assistant, William Morris Endeavor
Megan Muralles is currently building her list as she trains to become a literary agent in the publishing industry. Before joining WME (William Morris Endeavor), she attended the NYU Summer Publishing Institute on a scholarship from Simon & Schuster.
At WME, a leading global talent agency, Megan assists two literary agents—Angeline Rodriguez and Ethan Bassoff. Their client roster includes New York Times bestselling authors and recipients of major honors such as the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Clients represented include Casey McQuiston, Nnedi Okorafor, Hideo Kojima, Melissa Febos, Lindsay Zoladz, and Butch Vig, among others.
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Olivia WestKeynote Speaker & Host, Olivia West LLC
WebsiteOlivia West is an award-winning host and keynote speaker. She serves as the dynamic In-Game Host for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball, WNBA/NBA All Stars, as well as Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league. With a magnetic energy that ignites the arena, Olivia connects fans and brands alike, making every event an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the court, Olivia serves as a keynote speaker and consultant around the topics of student success, personal development, and cultural competency. She’s the host of the Living In Victory Podcast where she shares thought leadership on personal development and interviews athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs on how they Live In Victory and WIN in multiple areas of life!
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Oluwayemisi SanniOwner & Fashion Designer, Stylenspire
WebsiteYemisi Sanni is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a Fashion Design Artist that considers each design a new opportunity to create a product that embodies her upbeat approach to patterns in brilliant hues, which stems from her love of indigenous Yorúbà textiles. She designs from the intersection of her cultural heritage and cosmopolitan identity, fusing these into designs that allow others to fully express the language of self in fashion form. Her fashion brand Stylenspire is an afro-contemporary made-per-order and demi-luxury brand inspired by the sartorial legacy of the Yorùbá people of Southwest Nigeria that focuses on making a connection between traditional and contemporary practices, promoting culture and community.
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Patrick ArmstrongPodcaster & Founder, Conversation Piece Productions
WebsitePatrick Armstrong (he/him) is a storyteller and creative entrepreneur. He is the host and producer of two award-winning podcasts: Conversation Piece, which explores the city of Indianapolis through the perspectives of its people, and The Janchi Show (pronounced: JohnChee), which amplifies and celebrates the Asian adoptee experience. Through conversation-based storytelling, Patrick provides new perspectives on the people, and the world, around us and empowers both individuals and organizations to meet each other, not with fear and judgement, but with love and affirmation.
Notable local clients include: Indianapolis Colts, Purdue University, Roche
Notable local podcast guests include: Congressman André Carson, Senator Andrea Hunley, Mali Bacon, 4200Kory
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Sarah BahrSenior Staff Editor, The New York Times
WebsiteSarah Bahr is a senior staff editor on the Flexible Editing desk at The New York Times, where she also contributes reporting across the Culture, Styles, Metro, and Times Insider sections. Her work spans theater, film, television, music, visual art, and pop culture, often offering behind-the-scenes insight into major stories.
Originally from Brownsburg, Indiana, Sarah began her career at The Indianapolis Star as an arts reporter and digital producer. There, she covered a wide range of stories—from interviewing a Kinsey Institute expert to profiling unique local figures. She joined The New York Times in 2020 as a reporting fellow and has since written more than 550 stories across 13 desks.
Her reporting includes investigations into diversity in cultural institutions, coverage of the U.S. Capitol art damage after Jan. 6, and a major story that led to leadership changes at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She has received awards from the New York and Los Angeles Press Clubs.
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Seth S. SmithExperience Curator, // Hello, World
Seth S. Smith is a Trinbagonian-American writer and game designer who advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through art, entertainment, and technology.
As the DJ and music artist SNDSMTH, Seth incorporates various elements from many art forms and experiences to create an unforgettable eclectic vibe in any medium he expresses himself in.
Seth is the founder, curator, and moderator of www.helloworldmixer.com, an inclusive social mixer for anyone who desires to support diverse representation and belonging in tech and entertainment.
Seth is the founder, creative director, and resident DJ for @DREAMBASHWORLD, a diverse and empowering space for eclectic fans of (Afrobeats, Amapiano, Soca, Dancehall, R&B, & Hip Hop) music, gaming, anime, cosplay, and art.
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Stephanie NugentDesigner & Owner, indyvin
WebsiteDesigner Stephanie Nugent founded indyvin in September of 2020, having used the COVID shutdown as an incubator for her lifelong obsession with vintage textiles and fashion design. A strong pivot away from her 30-year career in experimental dance-theater and what felt initially like a risky career move, five years later has become a deeply rewarding and fruitful “chapter two.”
She works out of her studio (The Stutz Building suite A364) in Indianapolis and regularly vends at designer craft and curated vintage markets in Chicago/Indianapolis, w/ select travel for markets across the US.
Her work has also been seen on the runway during Chicago Fashion Week and in trunk shows at Winifred Grace in Andersonville. She has been interviewed for artist profiles in Pattern Magazine and Mirror Indy. Her honors include a blue ribbon from the Randolf St Market’s panel of Designers, Editors, & Taste Makers, and a Creative Renewal Fellowship from the Indy Arts Council.
Upcoming events include participation in the 2026 Meet The Artist Showcase in Indy, a trunk show at Production Mode in Chicago, and serving as a guest designer and award panelist at Dominican University’s Fashion Designers’ Showcase.
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TJ Ali BowdenCreative Director, MrBeast Studios & Beast Industries
TJ Ali is an award-winning filmmaker and storyteller from Chicago with over a decade of experience leading creative campaigns for Netflix, VICE TV, Westbrook/Facebook Watch, and Paramount/CBS. Ali currently serves as Creative Director and Showrunner at MrBeast Studios, leading large-scale, audience-first productions and global philanthropy content. His short film The Lifted—created through the embraceLA John Singleton initiative—won Best Comedic Short at the 2022 Micheaux Film Festival after premiering at the Pan African Film Festival. In 2025, his debut feature Operation: Aunties, starring Tisha Campbell, Melissa De Sousa, and Amiyah Scott, premiered at #1 on AMC Networks’ ALLBLK. Ali was recently awarded the Denis Diderot Grant to attend the Château d’Orquevaux artist residency in France (Fall 2025) and is developing two feature films.
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WiLL E.Musician & Artist
Will E. (stylized as WiLL E.) is an American Grammy-nominated songwriter, singer, rapper, music producer, and studio engineer from Indianapolis, Indiana. Blending melodic R&B with hip-hop influences, WiLL E. has built a reputation as a multifaceted creative capable of shaping records from concept to final mix.
Throughout his career, WiLL E. has written for established R&B artists including Tank, Omarion, Ginuwine, and Tyrese, contributing to projects that balance emotional depth with commercial appeal. In 2014, he earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best R&B Album for his work on Three Kings, a milestone that solidified his credibility within the national R&B landscape.
A graduate of Full Sail University, WiLL E. holds a bachelor’s degree in Music & Entertainment Business and Recording Engineering. His educational background complements his hands-on studio experience, allowing him to navigate both the creative and business sides of the industry with intention and precision.
As an independent recording artist, WiLL E. continues to expand his presence beyond songwriting and production. He performed at the Butter Fine Art Fair in Indianapolis and was nominated for a 2026 Naptones Award for Best Rap Single. On February 13, 2026, he released his album FYV4, further showcasing his evolution as a storyteller and creative visionary. Whether behind the boards or in front of the mic, WiLL E. represents a new generation of artist-producers building sustainable careers through versatility, discipline, and distinct artistic identity.
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