THRIVE, ACTIVATE & ELEVATE // SPEAKER LINE-UP
PRIYA MANN (MASTER OF CEREMONIES)
ANCHOR/REPORTER // WDIV-DETROIT
Priya Mann is passionate about connecting with people and sharing their stories. Born and raised near Toronto, Ontario, she knew from an early age that she wanted to be a reporter. Focused and determined, Priya graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and completed a Post Graduate Diploma from Humber College in Advanced Journalism.
She began her career as a volunteer reporter for Rogers Television Peel, in Mississauga. In 2008, her first job took her out West, to CFJC News in Kamloops, British Columbia. She worked as a video journalist - shooting, writing and editing her own stories. Priya won a prestigious RTDNA award for her story "Remembering Afghanistan." She then moved to Windsor and worked for CTV Windsor until promotion took her to London, Ontario and then to CTV Kitchener. In 2013, Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 as a reporter and fill-in anchor.
Priya is a dedicated vegetarian, loves to read, do yoga and watch documentaries. She has a cockapoo named Zen, who is not yet inspired by his name.
SPEAKER LINE-UP
JAREK CARETHERS
CREATIVE INNOVATION LEAD // TIK TOK
Jarek is a seasoned leader in Media, Tech, and Marketing, known for his ability to craft communications that resonate on a deep human emotional level. Currently serving as the Creative Innovation Lead at TikTok, Jarek specializes in bridging the gap between brands and consumers through compelling narratives and transformative storytelling. His career, spanning over a decade, has been dedicated to creating impactful and culturally resonant experiences that connect with audiences beyond the surface.
Beyond TikTok, Jarek's experience extends across various roles in media and technology, where he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in digital marketing. His work is driven by a profound understanding of the emotional connections that powerful storytelling can forge, enabling him to lead campaigns that not only engage but also inspire. A forward-thinking leader, Jarek is passionate about innovation, strategic partnerships, and ensuring that every communication he crafts touches the heart of its audience.
GREG HAWKINS
GLOBAL HEAD OF DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION // THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
Gregory is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in supplier diversity, multicultural marketing, and dealer network diversity. He recently joined Goodyear, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role at Stellantis, North America. During his tenure at Stellantis, Gregory served in various capacities, culminating as the program director for the National Black Supplier Development Program. Under his leadership, he launched a program, first of its kind in the nation, designed to support diverse businesses through education, networking, business development, advocacy, and access.
Gregory’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. His contributions to supplier diversity have earned him notable recognition, including an accolade from the New York Stock Exchange and the designation of Crain's Detroit Notable Champion of Diversity. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the Ruth Ellis Center, reflecting his commitment to community and diversity initiatives. Gregory's dedication to fostering inclusive business environments and promoting diverse supplier networks underscores his significant impact in the field.
AJAY KAPOOR
EXECUTIVE, GLOBAL PERFORMANCE DRIVEN MARKETING // GENERAL MOTORS
Ajay Kapoor is a serial entrepreneur and award-winning corporate executive focused on driving transformation from startup to scaled enterprises. Currently an Executive at General Motors, where he leads Global Performance Driven Marketing reporting to the Global CMO. Responsible for creating the enterprise modern marketing machine with oversight of demand gen (B2C, B2B, and B2G), analytics & insights, marketing AI / ML, marketing technology, data / operations, and privacy & consent strategy. The first half of his career were startups, cofounding multiple companies; while the last decade was spent as an executive leader driving large-scale transformation at Procter & Gamble, SharkNinja, and Helen of Troy.
He spends his time as an investor and advisor to a variety of startups, was a Founding Trustee to the Awesome Foundation, Executive Team of Startup Leadership Program, and co-founded GrowDetroit, a non-profit focused on reimagining the economic and social ecosystem of Detroit and broader middle America. He is a board member at Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA Global). Ajay has been recognized as P&G 40 Under 40 (2019), DBusiness 30 in Their 30’s (2022), Crain’s Notable Leaders in Marketing (2023), a Global Shaper by World Economic Forum (2023) and Adobe’s Executive Experience Maker of the Year (2024).
JAY NORMAN
DIRECTOR GLOBAL CREATIVE STRATEGY // SPOTIFY
CO-FOUNDER AND CMO // ARTCLVB
Jay Norman is a creative leader, CMO and co-founder, with over 15 years of experience in crafting campaigns that seamlessly merge culture with human emotional experiences. As the Global Director of Creative Strategy at Spotify, Jay has collaborated with a diverse range of international brands, organizations, and artists to produce genre-defying and culturally resonant work. His impressive portfolio in the agency world includes leading campaigns for notable brands such as Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Country Crock, Bertolli, JBL, Harman Kardon, McDonald's, NFL Films, Republic Records, Universal Records, and Popsicle. Jay’s passion for blending creativity with strategy led to the co-founding of the award-winning content shop, Verse + Hook, which has been instrumental in shaping iconic campaigns for brands like Pepsi and Kingsford. Under his leadership, Verse + Hook has also played a pivotal role in integrating artists and musicians into advertising campaigns for major brands such as Jeep, Bacardi, PayPal, NFL, and ESPN, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional media and delivering impactful, memorable content.
JESSE PEREZ
DIRECTOR, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY // GALE
Jesse Perez is a seasoned leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) with extensive experience across multiple high-profile organizations. Currently serving as the Director of DEIA at GALE Partners since January 2023, Perez has pioneered the company's first DEIA strategy and committee, launched an "Always On" social media series, and revamped the interview process to eliminate bias. Key initiatives also include a comprehensive DEIA training series and coordinating major cultural events, significantly boosting employee engagement and organizational inclusivity.
Prior to GALE, Perez was the Director of DEI at Ogilvy, where they collaborated with senior leaders to develop robust DEI strategies and managed global DEI teams to ensure inclusive marketing campaigns. At Twitter, as a Senior Program Manager, Perez led events and communications for the IDEA team, focusing on attracting and retaining diverse talent and enhancing external IDEA messaging.
During their tenure at Google, Perez managed diversity events and partnerships, developed strategies to increase Latinx outreach, and executed over 20 events annually. They also improved hiring processes and candidate experiences as a Program Manager for Online Candidate Channels.
Earlier roles include leading recruitment teams at Kohl's, providing technical support at Apple, and delivering exceptional customer service at Starbucks. Jesse holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
RAJ REGISTER
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER // STELLANTIS - NORTH AMERICAN
Appointed in June 2024 as Chief Marketing Officer, North America, Raj Register is responsible for the company’s North American marketing, social and digital media, website, analytics and paid media operations efforts in support of the automotive company’s iconic brand portfolio, which includes Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep® and Ram.
Register joins Stellantis at a pivotal time in its transformation, as the company introduces a host of electric vehicles to the U.S. market. Her team will be responsible for the media and marketing efforts that highlight and celebrate the strength of the U.S. brands and products, including the highly anticipated all-new, all-electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S and the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. Both vehicles are set to arrive in U.S. dealerships across in late 2024.
Register joins Stellantis from Sysco Corporations where she served as vice president, chief marketing officer. Prior to that, she held a series of roles with increasing responsibility at Ford Motor Company where she was head of U.S. battery electric vehicle marketing, head of global brand and experiences, and served in product development, sales, service and engineering.
Register holds an B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech University, a M.S. in Engineering Management from Wayne State University, and an MBA from Duke University.
GOD-IS RIVERA
FOUNDER | MARKETING, STRATEGY & INSIGHTS CONSULTING PARTNER
Throughout her trailblazing career as a marketing and strategy expert, God-is has served as a marketing executive and industry innovator who fosters proven results. Her illustrious career includes her time at Twitter for over 4 years culminating in 2022, where she drove strategy to make sure that campaigns and programs were connective, inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities Twitter served. Prior to joining Twitter in 2018, God-is was Director, Inclusion & Cultural Resonance for VMLY&R. Earlier, she held lead channel strategy roles at VMLY&R, global agency iCrossing, and Austin-based T3.
God-is was named an Ad Age "Woman to Watch" and Adweek "Disruptor", listed as #28 on the Root 100 Most Influential African-Americans list, BET's Top 100 Most Innovative and Influential Business Executives, and by Fortune Magazine on their esteemed 40 Under 40 list of influential people, and in 2023 she was recognized by ColorComm as one of the most influential 28 Black Women in Communications. Also in 2023 she was also recognized by her hometown, the Bronx Tourism Council, and was inducted in the Bronx Walk of Fame for excellence in the field of marketing. In November of 2023 God-is also was chosen to be inducted into the American Advertising Federation's esteemed AF Hall of Achievement Class of 2023.
As of 2024 she has been active as an independent consultant with top global brands and organizations around the World.