Arts & Culture Writer
Chair of Marketing & Communications, ACE Chamber
10th Symphony, Co-Founder
Chanelle Kim is the creative strategist & co-founder of 10th Symphony—a boutique music studio creating bespoke compositions for film, advertising, and artistic collaborations. Alongside her husband, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Norman Kim, she cultivates partnerships between artists, filmmakers, brands, and the creative community while championing opportunities for Las Vegas musicians and emerging talent.
Through 10th Symphony, the duo develops original music and cinematic brand storytelling for luxury and nationally recognized campaigns, with creative work connected to Ralph Lauren, Toyota Super Bowl campaigns, Mercedes-Benz, Disney, and basketball tributes honoring Kobe Bryant—alongside an extensive history of film, advertising, and cultural collaborations across luxury, entertainment, and national brands.
Prior to co-founding 10th Symphony, Chanelle led branding, creative direction, and growth initiatives across entertainment, hospitality, beauty, and luxury consumer industries, with campaigns featured on QVC, E! News, Hallmark Channel, and NewBeauty.
For musical partnerships & collaborations: chanelle@10thsymphony.co
Southern Nevada Outreach Directory, Office of Governor Joe Lombardo Small Business Outreach and Advocate
Advisory Board, Asian Chamber of Commerce
Sonny is currently part of Governor Joe Lombardo's team as the Southern Nevada Outreach Coordinator. He currently meets with city, county, and town leaders as well as advocacy groups and industry organizations. He was previously the Director of Small Business Advocacy where he created and executed the business plans for the office's directives, mainly to help small businesses navigate through the State of Nevada.
Spokesmodel
Actress
Dancer
Entrepreneur
Chekesha Van Putten is an Award–winning Dancer, Actress and Entrepreneur with a background spanning television, film, and creative technology. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began her career in the entertainment industry in front of the camera before moving to Las Vegas and expanding into building and scaling companies that support talent, content, and digital communities.
She is the Founder and CEO of Castango, an on-demand talent marketplace and known for bridging the worlds of technology, multi media entertainment, and community impact. Chekesha is a dedicated advocate for the arts, performing talent, and the development of a strong, sustainable entertainment ecosystem in Nevada.
Candidate for Nevada State Assembly
2 Olympic Tours
White House Circus Arts Industry Roundtable Panelist
Two ~Time World Acrobatic Champion, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member
Shenea Stiletto (Shenea Booth) is a USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame inductee, world-champion acrobatic gymnast, and internationally recognized circus performer based in Nevada. She continues to perform at the highest level of the live-entertainment industry, including ongoing work with companies such as Cirque du Soleil.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Circus Arts Guild of America, where she leads national efforts to advance safety, workforce protections, and policy recognition for circus and specialty performance professionals.
A survivor of USA Gymnastics, Shenea brings lived experience to her advocacy, which has reached the federal level, including engagement with members of Congress and the White House, as part of broader efforts to modernize policy for the creative and live-entertainment workforce.
As a board member of the ACE Chamber, Shenea offers a unique perspective at the intersection of live entertainment, small business, and public policy, with a focus on strengthening Nevada’s creative economy while supporting the workers and businesses that drive it.
2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, SBDC
Owner, PodWorx
Owner, Livestream Las Vegas
Owner, Vegas Video Coop -
Musician - Trumpet
Head of Sports Entertainment at ArtCee
Telecommunications Consultant
Patrick is the proud owner of PodWorx Studios, specializing in internet broadcasting, podcasts, TV channel development, and live streaming video production. He also offers studio rentals and consults on studio builds.
Among his best memories and accomplishments, he was a marching member of the San Francisco Renegades, 2002 and 2003. Finished 10th in World Championships in '02 and a 6th place finish in '03.
He is a seasoned telecommunications consultant with a strong background in planning, designing, procurement, and installation of comprehensive network solutions for phone services. His expertise lies in overseeing large-scale, intricate industrial projects, particularly in the deployment of Cisco Call Manager, Unity Connection, and Emergency Responder systems across diverse locations nationwide.
https://podworx.com/
https://livestreamlv.com
Nevada Chamber Orchestra
Educator
Advocate
Gerald Reid, a multifaceted individual, has seamlessly woven his passion for music into a rich tapestry of experience that spans culinary arts, music education, and the orchestral realm.
Born out of a belief in the therapeutic power of music, Gerald’s journey has been marked by decades of dedicated service and a commitment to nurturing both minds and souls. Having dedicated an impressive 32 years to the Clark County School District, Gerald chose to continue his private teaching in Las Vegas.
His commitment to music education extends beyond borders, as evidenced by his active role as a member and manager of the Rome Festival Orchestra in Rome, Italy, since 2001. In his ongoing pursuit of musical excellence, Gerald is presently contributing to the development of the nonprofit Nevada Chamber Orchestra in Las Vegas, further solidifying his dedication to fostering musical appreciation within his community. Gerald’s academic achievements mirror his diverse professional journey.
He holds a Master’s in Education with an emphasis on leadership from Nova University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Chapman University in Orange, California. His academic journey also includes an Associate of Arts from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, and completion of studies for a Master of Music in Education from UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sound Engineer
Musician
Cultural Affairs Manager, City of Las Vegas
Jonathan Meza serves as the Cultural Affairs Manager for the City of Las Vegas Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs overseeing all of the performing arts, cultural centers, and arts education programs.
With a 15 year trajectory in government and stage performance, Jonathan continues to heavily advocate for the arts. Stemming from a family of performers, both of his grandfathers on each side earned livelihoods as musicians, where his passion for music and stage originated.
Jonathan also has a technical background as a sound engineer having worked with some of the industry’s top performers in Hip Hop and R&B to Regional Mexican Music. In his spare time, Jonathan continues to foster his love for the arts as a musician, writing and recording his own music.
Filmmaker
Advisory Board, ACE Chamber
Marketing Committee
Produces innovative arts, culture, and philanthropic initiatives. Featured filmmaker and entrepreneur at the 2024 Vegas Eccentric Arts Fest. Recipient of Clark County's Pearson Documentary Grant and Research Coordinator for Boyd Productions (Las Vegas City Council). Graduated from the College of Southern Nevada with academic honors and an AAS film degree.
Executive Producer of the 4x NATAS® student-winning film "Catharsis" (2023 PSW Emmys®). Presented with public service recognitions from Senator Valerie Wiener and Congressman Steven Horsford. Interviewed on media outlets such as Vegas PBS’s Nevada Week and the Film Goals Podcast. Guest Speaker at the L Makeup Institute and Brown Academy of International Studies. Volunteer of the Harrison House Museum and civil rights organization NAACP #1111.
His motto is "La vida es lucha, servicio y arte (life is struggle, service, and art)."
https://youtu.be/v6W2bTGbJxk?si=Itm1vK32cJ2k7RF4
Historic Westside doc tells history through art project
Visual Effects Supervisor
VFX Producer
Jacob Eaton has worked in VFX since 2010, acting as a bridge between filmmakers and studios for films like A STAR IS BORN, ANNABELLE COMES HOME, HELLRAISER, and FLY ME TO THE MOON.
Having studied visual effects since his Bar Mitzvah, Jacob has a true love of VFX and continually applies his passion to the department.
Find me on IMDb
Teaching Artist NV Thespian State Director
Artistic Director, Theatre West Virginia
Actress
Arts Advocate
Sharon Chadwick is a professional member of the Educational Theatre Association and is currently the Nevada Thespian State Co-Director. She is also a member of EdTA’s Advocacy Leadership Network and serves on several national committees to further excellence in educational theatre.
AANHPI Strategic Relationships Leader
Vice-Chair (Former) for the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs
Blucat Group, Co-Founder
Angelica Villarta is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in entertainment, brand development, and strategic relationship management. Starting her career in entertainment, she performed as a singer across multiple states and countries, while also working as a voice-over artist, talent manager, and freelance casting director for national TV shows and internationally recognized recording artists.
Over time, her growing network and expertise led her to transition into relationship management, where she has worked with financial institutions, marketing firms, and nonprofit organizations, advising on strategic partnerships and community engagement.
Angelica co-founded Blucat Group, a brand development firm specializing in experiential design to create immersive, impactful brand experiences. Through Blucat Group, she combined creative direction, strategy, and relationship management to help businesses enhance their market presence and build lasting connections with their audiences. Angelica’s broad expertise spans civic engagement, event management, and legislative affairs, enabling her to craft high-impact strategies that strengthen both public and private sector ecosystems. She is also passionate about mentoring others in public speaking, advocacy, and outreach, making a significant impact through her work in community service and public affairs.
https://www.blucatgroup.com/
ACE Chamber, Board Treasurer
Bookkeeper
Financial Advisor
Sylvia Johnson, owner of In the Black Consulting LLC, is a seasoned tax and business consultant based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in innovative tax-saving strategies and business structuring solutions to optimize profitability and position businesses for long-term success.
Sylvia works closely with her clients to implement tax-efficient business structures, retirement planning, and expense-reduction strategies, helping them retain more earnings while streamlining operations.
Sylvia’s expertise spans diverse industries, including real estate, law, healthcare, construction, and creative fields like arts and film. Her passion for the arts drives her commitment to helping artists and creatives recognize their role as business owners. She understands their unique financial challenges—like managing inconsistent income streams or identifying deductible expenses—and helps them establish sustainable systems that balance their creative pursuits with sound business practices.
Through programs like the Certified Value Builder, Sylvia helps business owners increase their company's value and prepare for strategic exits when the time is right. She combines her technical knowledge with a deep appreciation for her clients' goals, empowering them to take control of their financial futures. Sylvia’s dedication to client education ensures they achieve their tax and financial goals and gain the confidence to make informed, strategic decisions.
Business Consultant
Arts Advocate
Terry is a seasoned Business Consultant with a diverse perspective on business integration and people Operations. She delivers thoughtful questions and insight to help drive informed decisions, leveraging data and analytics.
Having experiences in multi-billion dollar companies across the globe has cultivated her business acumen. In addition, she has worked within legal, management services, pharmaceuticals, utilities, start-ups, government, hi-tech, corporate retail, and CPG, as well as high-tech and higher education. As a member of corporate Operations teams, she has worked on strategy planning, systems implementations, transformations, and global M&A and divestiture projects.
She currently serves on the Board of Advisor for Opera Las Vegas. Terry is a passionate theater-goer and lover of live music. She has spent time backing SE Asia and living in Parma, Italy. She can be immersed in community projects or stargazing when not working, always radiating positivity and laughter.
Mark Wayne is a seasoned creative director, producer, and entertainment consultant with over 20 years of experience across television, music, and live production. Currently serving as a Live Director at Hope Church LV in Las Vegas, he made his directorial debut with the sold-out gospel musical The Big Payoff and Love Me Right.
Throughout his career, Mark has collaborated with high-profile figures and organizations including Iyanla Vanzant, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Regina King, Jermaine Dupri, Teddy Riley, and Shaunie O’Neal, among others. His work spans television production, live events, artist development, and strategic consulting.
Known for his ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities, Mark has led projects and partnerships across the entertainment and faith-based sectors, working with artists, athletes, and major media platforms. A trusted advisor to many, he brings a 360-degree perspective of the industry—combining creativity, strategy, and cultural insight to deliver impactful results.
Driven by a mission to inspire through faith, love, and purpose, Mark continues to create meaningful experiences that elevate both audiences and collaborators.
ACE Chamber, Co-Vice President
Owner, EatMoreArt Vegas
Owner, Axis Lights
Director, Asylum Theatre
Sarah O'Connell has led The Asylum Theatre as its nonprofit Artistic Director since 2003 after relocating to Las Vegas from the San Francisco Bay Area to establish AxisLights Inc., an entertainment lighting company. An award-winning international theatre artist, she has realized dozens of world premiere productions and holds a Master of Drama in Directing from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
In addition to producing theatre, Sarah is an adjunct professor and creative economy consultant for UNLV's College of Fine Arts, and the former Executive Director of Henderson Symphony Orchestra. She was also honored with a 2024 Vegas Icon Visionary Award (VIVA).
She founded EatMoreArtVegas.com in 2015, a platform dedicated to the development of Southern Nevada's arts community and creative industry.
eatmoreartllc.com
axislights.com
asylumtheatre.org
eatmoreartvegas.com
Nevada Film Office, Deputy Director
Actress
Danette Tull is the Deputy Director of the Nevada Film Office (NFO), a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). A dedicated advocate for Nevada's creative industries, Danette uses her expertise to promote the state’s diverse locations as ideal settings for feature films, television, documentaries, and a variety of other media projects. Her commitment to supporting productions of all sizes—from independent films to large studio features—has made her a trusted resource for filmmakers seeking Nevada as their production destination.
ACE Chamber, Founder and Board President
Founder and CEO, Entertainment Connects dba ArtCee
HR and Business Consultant, addHR
Business Advisor, SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at UNLV
Rachel has a diverse background as a musician, stage and musical director, published author, corporate talent acquisition, executive search, business advisor, HR consultant, systems engineer, and in the nonprofit world.
Her experience in non-profit keeps her committed to servant leadership, with the simple idea that we find purpose and fulfillment while making a difference when we serve the greater good. She has worked at director levels with American Heart Association and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PTO President for Coral Academy STEM Charter Schools (5 campuses), and was 2019 Walk Chair for Autism Speaks, Las Vegas. She has also been active with local business chambers - Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, AAPI Chamber, and Pacific Rim Chamber (NV Representative).
Rachel works as a Business Development Advisor with the Nevada Small Business Development Center and UNLV's Office of Economic Development. She is also the Founder and President of Entertainment Connects LLC dba ArtCee, an all-in-one platform designed for artsy people to manage their brand, showcase their portfolio, find opportunities, and fund their creative projects.
https://entertainmentconnects.com
https://artcee.co
