Learn from people who do the work.

Phil Bradstock works to strengthen the local film industry while supporting and growing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem in Phoenix.

Proud dad, USMC combat veteran, award-winning innovator, leader, and optimist, PJ Way believes technology provides opportunity. He has served as an executive leader delivering technology solutions across diverse communities, and has worked as an observer, participant, evaluator, and contributor of ideas across many industries and environments. PJ has addressed the challenges of access, digital equity and inclusion, and the digital divide, which today includes digital literacy as technology grows across Web3, blockchain, and digital ecosystems. He supports the ethical development and deployment of technology to advance education, healthcare, economic development, and prosperity.

Ricardo Jimenez leads the Phoenix Animation Expo, which empowers animation professionals and enthusiasts to unite in celebration and exploration of the animation world. Through curated programs and events, the Expo creates a space for networking, continuous learning, and personal growth, so that individuals can take their passion for animation to the next level. More than a place to showcase work, it is a gathering of creative minds who share ideas, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections.

Raquib Abduallah is a U.S. Navy veteran, CE-credited underwriter, and Certified Financial Analyst serving as Executive Producer and Commercial Credit Underwriter at BFG Holding, PLLC. His work spans commercial underwriting services, equity and debt capital structuring, subcontracting for entertainment and media finance projects, film and TV financing advisory, and commercial underwriting for equity partners and family wealth offices.

Don Balanzat is an educator, technologist, and musician. He is the founder of Chaotic Curiosity, an emerging technology studio in Mesa, Arizona focused on VR/AR, AI, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces. He builds immersive experiences and cutting-edge software across industries and believes this is the best time in human history to be a creator. His studio built Afrobotica, the first conversational AI character to run entirely offline inside planetarium domes alongside astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor. He also spent four years leading XR and AI engineering in commercial spaceflight and nearly seven years as a physicist at Arizona State University, where he taught thousands of students. He has given dozens of talks and workshops at the intersection of emerging technologies.

With over 35 years of music-scoring experience for major and independent film studios, Christopher Caliendo is an Emmy-nominated composer, orchestrator, and conductor (MFA, UCLA). Notable honors include being the first composer Sony Pictures commissioned to rescore an existing film, a two-time Heritage Award winner scoring for 20th Century Fox, and the first composer in Vatican City, Italy to be twice commissioned by Pope John Paul II. He serves as a Board Member of the Chandler International Film Festival and a Juror for the Irish Film Festival Academy Awards.

Khris Dodge is a musician, conductor, arts administrator, producer, and entrepreneur whose career has been built at the intersection of artistic vision, community engagement, and collaboration. He serves as Executive and Artistic Director of the Tucson Jazz Festival, conductor of the Tucson Pops Orchestra, and owner of Khris Dodge Entertainment, producing and presenting concerts and entertainment throughout Arizona and beyond. Through the Tucson Jazz Festival, he has developed partnerships among artists, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, tourism and civic organizations, sponsors, and community leaders. He also serves on the Board of Directors and Professional Development Committee of the Arizona Presenters Alliance.

Melissa Watson Erickson is the founder of The Funding Studio, a national fiscal sponsor and fundraising consultancy that helps artists, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs access philanthropic capital. The Funding Studio is known for its unique approach that integrates fiscal sponsorship with high-impact fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, and hands-on organizational support tailored to creative projects.

Paul Munsen is the Founder and CEO of Tucson Loves Music, Southern Arizona's growing hub for live music and community connection. Drawing on his software engineering background and passion for music, he transformed Tucson Loves Music from an event-listing website into a full digital music platform connecting musicians, venues, fans, students, educators, and community partners. Kathy Sinnott, Managing Partner, brings leadership experience from community service and higher education, helping lead the company's growth by developing strategic community relationships, guiding educational initiatives, and creating opportunities for students, musicians, venues, businesses, and community partners.

Tony Pham is CEO and Founder of TKMV STUDIO, a visual design studio based in Chandler, Arizona that combines animation, illustration, and design with the power of storytelling. The studio represents the stories of people, communities, and neighborhoods in work ranging from books to animated content, and helps local businesses elevate their voices through branding and marketing. Tony also leads Branching on Discovery.