MEET THE PANELISTS
11am — What Is a Mentor and Why Does It Matter?
A simple introduction to mentorship, with real stories from industry professionals on how mentors help with learning, confidence, and decision-making
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Eileen Level, alumna of The New School IEI Fellowship, is a champion of the cinema-going experience, has been working in the film festival industry since 2014 and since then has launched PaleFO Cinema, amplifying voices through the cinematic arena which seeks to look forward to the evolution of the cinescape experience in NYCHA. Beyond this she managed the Education Department at New York International Children's Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying film festival bringing films that represent and celebrate unique, diverse, and historically excluded voices to thousands of students throughout NYC and Newark, NJ! In 2023 Level spoke at SXSW on the 90 minute Film School panel about her journey as a budding exhibitor and mission to quench cinema deserts. Later that year she founded AniTOMO Manga and Anime Convention, which has become one of the largest free manga and anime conventions in the country, designed to celebrate diverse perspectives from historically underrepresented communities.
Ventures under Project Level LLC:
A New York City–based not for profit organization
About PaleFO Cinema:
PaleFO Cinema acts as a conduit to encourage positive recreations in high-needs communities while addressing the diminishment of movie theaters. We aim to amplify marginalized voices and empower disenfranchised communities by leveraging the potential of the cinematic experience through participatory community film curation. The ultimate goal is to build a cinema where it doesn’t exist and a cinema culture where it is needed most, to support practices in creative expression, storytelling, civic-cultural involvement and community life.
Website: https://palefocinema.com/
About AniTOMO:
AniTOMO presents free or low-cost events designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity while celebrating both pop and traditional Japanese cultures. Its three core activities include the annual AniTOMO Convention, a free event that celebrates the cross-cultural exchange between Brooklyn and Japan, aiming to uplift diverse perspectives and historically underrepresented communities; AniTOMO Plus Ultra Tour, an outreach program inviting BIPOC student voices from high schools across Brooklyn to co-design the annual convention; and AniTOMO Pop Ups, interactive holiday-themed events that celebrate anime and manga in partnership with cultural institutions.
Website: https://www.anitomo.org/
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Linda Saetre is Co-Founder and CEO of Platocom, a digital infrastructure and data-center consultancy focused on cloud, AI-era infrastructure, and workforce development designed to meet the growing operational and skills demand driven by cloud and AI infrastructure expansion. She is a multilingual senior executive with more than 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning media, film, technology, and nonprofit work, and has led global initiatives across U.S. and international markets.
At Platocom, Saetre leads strategy across data-center services, cloud readiness and migration, data-warehouse strategy, broadband and last-mile infrastructure, and workforce programs aligned with real operational needs rather than academic theory. Her work centers on helping governments, enterprises, and development partners deploy resilient, scalable infrastructure while building local capacity to operate and sustain it.
Her career includes senior roles and collaborations with corporations, startups, domestic and international government agencies, D.C. policy and lobbying firms, Hollywood studios, and talent agencies. She is known for identifying structural gaps early and translating them into practical, execution-ready strategies, from award-winning media projects to broadband and digital-infrastructure initiatives.
Saetre has worked extensively in the United States and has represented U.S. interests across Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Canada. Her work consistently bridges policy, technology, and implementation, with a focus on transparency, operational readiness, and long-term sustainability.
12pm — Building Confidence & Belonging
Learn how to overcome self-doubt, speak up, and believe you belong.
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Adrianne Hampton is a Certified Master Coach based in New York with expertise in transformative coaching, leadership development, and professional growth. She is the CEO and Founded of AMH Global Group, President of Advanced Public Speakers (APS) Toastmasters and the Founder and Lead of an Administrative Professionals Organization within a Fortune 500 company, where she empowers professionals to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
With a passion for helping clients discover their life purpose and authentic leadership style, Adrianne brings energy, insight, and compassion to every coaching relationship. Her approach is rooted in intentional goal-setting, accountability, and mindset mastery—helping clients create cohesive life and career visions that lead to meaningful success.
An award-winning leadership and life coach, Adrianne has built a reputation for creating dynamic, engaging, and results-driven coaching experiences. Many of her clients have achieved measurable career growth, including promotions, leadership opportunities, and expanded professional influence as a direct result of her coaching.
Adrianne believes that every individual is born with unique gifts, talents, and purpose. Her philosophy centers on helping clients harness these strengths, overcome self-doubt, and take ownership of their personal and professional journeys.
Are you feeling unfulfilled, uncertain, or ready for more? Are you searching for clarity, direction, and renewed confidence? Adrianne partners with individuals who are ready to rise, reset, and lead their lives by design.
If you are ready to live with intention, step into your leadership potential, and create the life you deserve—on purpose—connect with Adrianne today.
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Jenae Green is a highly sought after event producer with over a decade of experience in the fashion and media industries. She has worked with some of the most prestigious names in the industry and is known for her unique holistic approach to event planning and production. With an extensive background in integrated marketing, Jenae specializes in bespoke events, experiential activations, large-scale productions, social media strategy, and influencer marketing. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences has driven her to work with some of the biggest names in luxury. From concept creation to execution, Jenae works closely with each of her clients to understand their brand vision and create events that align perfectly with their goals. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the industry's intricacies and boasts an extensive network of contacts. She brings an innovative approach to every project she takes on, delivering exclusive and unforgettable experiences that exceed client expectations.
HER BACKGROUND:
Jenae has held leadership positions at IMG Fashion Events & Properties, Bergdorf Goodman, Marie Claire Magazine, Essence Magazine and Calvin Klein. She has worked on some of the industries most iconic moments such as New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Miami Art Basel and the relaunch of MADE Fashion Week. Jenae’s expertise in luxury events led her to Paris to teach a Fashion Event Planning course at IFA Paris and she’s continued her work in education as an Adjunct Professor at the Kent State Fashion School in New York where she is also a member of the Fashion Advisory Board.
1pm — From School to Tech: Everyone Starts Somewhere
Join a friendly chat with industry pros! Explore your interests and see how your skills translate to a tech career
Liam Albright is a Ph.D. Candidate @ CORNELL FOR Human-Computer Interaction
Connect on Linkedin
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Liam Albright is a Ph.D. Candidate in Information Science at Cornell University with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). His research is broadly focused on how emerging technologies are affecting community workers in New York City. Currently, his work focuses on how generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) are affecting or could affect legal aid work.
Isaiah Murray is a Cornell Tech–trained information scientist
Connect on Linkedin
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Isaiah Murray is a Cornell Tech–trained information scientist whose path into tech grew out of an interest in cities, people, and the systems that shape how they work. In his current work, he helps people find their niche in tech, build in-demand skills, and navigate a workforce shaped by AI.