Speakers:

Nikki Young

Owner of PrimmaDonna Productions

– Creating an inclusive & accessible experience from script to screen –

9:30 a.m.

Bio: Nikki Young was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. Young is currently the Edutainment Director for Morgan’s Wonderland and owns her own production company, PrimaDonna Productions. Young graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater in 1999. Since graduating, Young has appeared in multiple stage shows, movies, and several guest appearances throughout her career. Young has over 25 years of professional experience in the film and theater industry and prides herself in teaching the next generation of actors. She has taught hundreds of classes throughout camps, churches, private sessions, and film sets. In addition, Young has an extensive background within the entertainment industry and in public relations. Young has over 25 years of experience in public relations, where she has done event planning, strategizing, campaigns, and media relations for many of San Antonio’s top firms.

Samantha Najera

CEO of HeartFire Media LLC

-Content Creators and Comedy Tik Tokers-

11 a.m.

Bio: Samantha Najera is the CEO of HeartFire Media LLC in San Antonio, TX, creator of San Antonio’s “Badass of the Week,” and Co-Founder of the “Bean & Chisme” web show. Heartfire Media is a creative marketing and public relations agency that provides a wide range of services ranging from video production to brand development. Najera has over 15 years of experience working in media, including radio, TV, and film. Najera earned her degree in Communications from the University of the Incarnate Word and was awarded the opportunity to serve as an intern for Turner Studios in Atlanta, GA. After a career in news with KSAT 12 in San Antonio and ABC 40 News in College Station, TX, Najera launched HeartFire Media LLC in 2012. Najera has had the opportunity to work with many clients, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, University Health Systems, and many more. Najera and her agency have won several awards, including the Silver Addy Award by the American Federation for the production of a San Antonio Scorpions TV commercial, and in 2014, the company was voted “Best Start-Up in SA” by the San Antonio Current. Since then, she has won numerous more Silver Addy Awards for commercials and jingles she has created. Najera is also a very active member of the San Antonio community. She is an alumnus of the Leadership San Antonio Class 40 and currently serves on the Board of the Westside Family YMCA and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children-Texas. While she is a very busy person, she enjoys spending time with her daughter Ava Grace, her dog, Franky, and family and friends.

Jessica Avitia

Learning Specialist in Learning and Leadership Development at UT Health San Antonio

–  The Evolving Nature of Learning, Communications, and Engagement in 2022 –

12:45 p.m.

Bio: Jessica Avitia is a Learning Specialist in Learning and Leadership Development at UT Health San Antonio and an adjunct at St. Phillips College and OLLU teaching Composition I and II, technical writing, and oral communications courses. Since 2017 Avitia has held many roles within the industry, such as a Content Editor, Course Designer, Technical Writer, Educator, and Learning Specialist, which she currently holds. Avitia is an OLLU alum graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in English; she also received her Masters of Arts in Technical Communication from Boise State University in 2019.

Josey Porras

Theatre and Voice Actress for Disney

– 3, 2, Now what?: Theatrics Q & A –

2 p.m.

Bio: Josey Porras started her artistic journey in 2012 doing local theater in San Antonio, and in 2014 graduated from OLLU with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. Porras was first seen on the main stage at the MAGIK Theatre and later joined their touring department performing children’s fairytales. In tandem, you could also find her performing other mainstage shows at The Classic Theatre, The Public Theatre, the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, and Bexar Stage Improv Theatre. Now, Porras can be found performing throughout the different venues at SeaWorld San Antonio while balancing her career in film, commercial, and voice-over work represented by Bankston Talent Agency. In addition, Porras loves to cosplay, create cosplay content for TikTok and Instagram, and advocate for self-care on social media in her free time.