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FEATURED CHANGEMAKERS
ZENDAYA
Actress / Humanitarian
Team Impact and its affiliate, Always In The Club Foundation, first began collaborating together by providing Marketing and Fundraising Services for ‘PHILANTHROPY UNITED’ with Zendaya and other Changemakes creating impact. We helped producers raise more than $4 million for charity.
Events included ‘unite4:humanity’ with Robert Deniro, Eva Longoria, and Alicia Keys, and ‘Fame & Philanthropy’ with Zendaya, James Cameron, Halle Berry, and Charlize Theron.
Pictured: Zendaya at the 2nd Annual unite4:humanity
Zendaya has lent her support to several charities and causes. In 2012, she became an ambassador for Convoy of Hope and encouraged fans to support Hurricane Sandy response efforts. The following year, she promoted other relief efforts. In 2014, Zendaya recorded John Legend's song "All of Me" with a portion of the proceeds going to the organization. The same year, she celebrated her 18th birthday with a campaign to help feed at least 150 hungry children in Haiti, Tanzania and the Philippines through feedONE, and in 2016, she celebrated her 20th birthday with a campaign to raise $50,000 to support Convoy's Women's Empowerment Initiative.
In October 2012, Zendaya performed at the medical Operation Smile benefit. She was UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat 2014 campaign spokesperson.
In July 2015, she visited South Africa with UNAIDS, the United Nations programme dedicated to preventing and creating access to treatment for HIV and AIDS. Then she also held a fundraiser with CrowdRise, with proceeds going to non-profit, community based, Ikageng charity in Soweto for a family of AIDS orphans. When Malcolm & Marie, filmed during the pandemic, was sold in September 2020, a portion of the proceeds was shared with Feeding America.
Zendaya supports campaigns to raise awareness about underserved communities, underprivileged schools and to financially support schools.
In September 2017, she partnered with Verizon Foundation as a spokesperson for their national #WeNeedMore initiative to bring technology, access and learning opportunities to children. She was also empowering them to pursue careers in STEM.
In March 2018, Zendaya teamed up with Google.org to give back to students at community school in Oakland funding an innovative computer science curriculum.
Zendaya is a feminist. In January 2017, she attended the Women's March on Washington to showcase her support of women's rights. She has previously discussed her experience as a black female in Hollywood.
She uses her social platforms to address racial justice, voting, body shaming, and bullying. She has been showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement on her social media accounts for years; she took part in the George Floyd protests in June 2020 and temporarily lent her Instagram account to Patrisse Cullors to share anti-racism resources and media.
Zendaya has been an advocate for voting over the years. In October 2016, she was one of the celebrities to participate in "Vote Your Future" initiative and appeared in a campaign video.
In September 2020, she encouraged her fans with Michelle Obama, and her "When We All Vote" nonpartisan[citation needed] organization, to check their voter registration ahead of elections. The next month, she shared a video while casting her vote to remind about voting again.
In October 2013, she took part in P&G's movement called Mean Stinks, and co-hosted the nationwide live-streamed assembly joined by almost 500 schools.
In September 2017, she was fronting, along with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costars, a PSA for awareness campaign Stomp Out Bullying.
Zendaya also supported American Heart Association, City Year, Communities in Schools, DonorsChoose.org, Children Mending Hearts, Toys for Tots, Friends for Change and Donate My Dress, among others.
Team Impact and its affiliate, Always In The Club Foundation, first began collaborating together by providing Marketing and Fundraising Services for ‘PHILANTHROPY UNITED’ with Zendaya and other Changemakes creating impact. We helped producers raise more than $4 million for charity.
Events included ‘unite4:humanity’ with Robert Deniro, Eva Longoria, and Alicia Keys, and ‘Fame & Philanthropy’ with Zendaya, James Cameron, Halle Berry, and Charlize Theron.
Pictured: Zendaya at the 2nd Annual unite4:humanity
Zendaya has lent her support to several charities and causes. In 2012, she became an ambassador for Convoy of Hope and encouraged fans to support Hurricane Sandy response efforts. The following year, she promoted other relief efforts. In 2014, Zendaya recorded John Legend's song "All of Me" with a portion of the proceeds going to the organization. The same year, she celebrated her 18th birthday with a campaign to help feed at least 150 hungry children in Haiti, Tanzania and the Philippines through feedONE, and in 2016, she celebrated her 20th birthday with a campaign to raise $50,000 to support Convoy's Women's Empowerment Initiative.
In October 2012, Zendaya performed at the medical Operation Smile benefit. She was UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat 2014 campaign spokesperson.
In July 2015, she visited South Africa with UNAIDS, the United Nations programme dedicated to preventing and creating access to treatment for HIV and AIDS. Then she also held a fundraiser with CrowdRise, with proceeds going to non-profit, community based, Ikageng charity in Soweto for a family of AIDS orphans. When Malcolm & Marie, filmed during the pandemic, was sold in September 2020, a portion of the proceeds was shared with Feeding America.
Zendaya supports campaigns to raise awareness about underserved communities, underprivileged schools and to financially support schools.
In September 2017, she partnered with Verizon Foundation as a spokesperson for their national #WeNeedMore initiative to bring technology, access and learning opportunities to children. She was also empowering them to pursue careers in STEM.
In March 2018, Zendaya teamed up with Google.org to give back to students at community school in Oakland funding an innovative computer science curriculum.
Zendaya is a feminist. In January 2017, she attended the Women's March on Washington to showcase her support of women's rights. She has previously discussed her experience as a black female in Hollywood.
She uses her social platforms to address racial justice, voting, body shaming, and bullying. She has been showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement on her social media accounts for years; she took part in the George Floyd protests in June 2020 and temporarily lent her Instagram account to Patrisse Cullors to share anti-racism resources and media.
Zendaya has been an advocate for voting over the years. In October 2016, she was one of the celebrities to participate in "Vote Your Future" initiative and appeared in a campaign video.
In September 2020, she encouraged her fans with Michelle Obama, and her "When We All Vote" nonpartisan[citation needed] organization, to check their voter registration ahead of elections. The next month, she shared a video while casting her vote to remind about voting again.
In October 2013, she took part in P&G's movement called Mean Stinks, and co-hosted the nationwide live-streamed assembly joined by almost 500 schools.
In September 2017, she was fronting, along with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costars, a PSA for awareness campaign Stomp Out Bullying.
Zendaya also supported American Heart Association, City Year, Communities in Schools, DonorsChoose.org, Children Mending Hearts, Toys for Tots, Friends for Change and Donate My Dress, among others.
ASHTON KUTCHER
Actor/Entrepreneur, Founder of THORN
Actor/Entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher helped our mission to educate and inspire our community of socially conscious entrepreneurs and humanitarians, while shedding light on the critical issues of trafficking through his work with nonprofit THORN.
Actor/Entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher helped our mission to educate and inspire our community of socially conscious entrepreneurs and humanitarians, while shedding light on the critical issues of trafficking through his work with nonprofit THORN.
REUNITED 90s MOUSEKETEERS
Always In The Club Foundation + MMC'89
The 'All New' Mickey Mouse Club debuted in 1989 promoting diversity & inclusion, youth arts & education, concern for the environment, and the importance of socially conscious entrepreneurship.
Founded by former Mouseketeers and supported by Create Impact, Always In The Club Foundation and the MMC'89 Social Impact Initiative were launched to promote a wide range of socially conscious efforts - helping those who need it most through projects, programs, and outreach campaigns featuring cast members of the now iconic show.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked to provide food and critical assistance to families throughout the country. In these efforts, they were part of campaigns that raised millions of dollars and provided over 14 million pieces of personal protective equipment to frontline healthcare workers.
The 'All New' Mickey Mouse Club debuted in 1989 promoting diversity & inclusion, youth arts & education, concern for the environment, and the importance of socially conscious entrepreneurship.
Founded by former Mouseketeers and supported by Create Impact, Always In The Club Foundation and the MMC'89 Social Impact Initiative were launched to promote a wide range of socially conscious efforts - helping those who need it most through projects, programs, and outreach campaigns featuring cast members of the now iconic show.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked to provide food and critical assistance to families throughout the country. In these efforts, they were part of campaigns that raised millions of dollars and provided over 14 million pieces of personal protective equipment to frontline healthcare workers.
RHONA BENNETT (En Vogue)
Author of "Saving Your Soul"
Rhona Bennett is a speaker, author, actress, 1/3 of the iconic R&B group, En Vogue, and former cast member of The 'All New' Mickey Mouse Club.
SAVING YOUR SOUL is a labor of love from Coach Rho. Create Impact™ has partnered with Rhona Bennett on her new book 'Saving Your Soul' that offers sound guidance and practical tools from her years of experience in the entertainment industry and beyond. Every creative person can benefit from these insights, including anyone looking for solid support in their life’s journey.
I believe in personal growth and contribution until I leave the planet." - Rhona Bennett
Rhona Bennett is a speaker, author, actress, 1/3 of the iconic R&B group, En Vogue, and former cast member of The 'All New' Mickey Mouse Club.
SAVING YOUR SOUL is a labor of love from Coach Rho. Create Impact™ has partnered with Rhona Bennett on her new book 'Saving Your Soul' that offers sound guidance and practical tools from her years of experience in the entertainment industry and beyond. Every creative person can benefit from these insights, including anyone looking for solid support in their life’s journey.
I believe in personal growth and contribution until I leave the planet." - Rhona Bennett
NIKKI DELOACH
Actress / Humanitarian
Nikki DeLoach is a veteran actress known for MTV's "Awkward," more than a dozen films for Hallmark Channel, The 'All New' Mickey Mouse Club, and guest starring roles on some of TV’s biggest hit shows, including NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI, CSI: NY, Cold Case, Mad Men, Without a Trace, and Grey’s Anatomy.
But her passionate work in philanthropy is the reason for our spotlight. Through our affiliate Always In The Club Foundation, we have been proud to collaborate with Nikki's extraordinary work on campaigns for Alzheimer's Association.
And we couldn't be more proud to spotlight her work with fellow Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake to help raise $5.5 million for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Their collaboration helped break a record for most money raised at a gala in the 121 year history of the hospital.
See link to learn more about that event.
Nikki DeLoach is a veteran actress known for MTV's "Awkward," more than a dozen films for Hallmark Channel, The 'All New' Mickey Mouse Club, and guest starring roles on some of TV’s biggest hit shows, including NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI, CSI: NY, Cold Case, Mad Men, Without a Trace, and Grey’s Anatomy.
But her passionate work in philanthropy is the reason for our spotlight. Through our affiliate Always In The Club Foundation, we have been proud to collaborate with Nikki's extraordinary work on campaigns for Alzheimer's Association.
And we couldn't be more proud to spotlight her work with fellow Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake to help raise $5.5 million for Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Their collaboration helped break a record for most money raised at a gala in the 121 year history of the hospital.
See link to learn more about that event.
QUINCY JONES
Music Producer
Quincy Jones received the Lifetime Achievement award for his philanthropic efforts at the City Gala 2017, administered and co-produced by members of Team Impact.
Quincy Jones received the Lifetime Achievement award for his philanthropic efforts at the City Gala 2017, administered and co-produced by members of Team Impact.
LORANA QUINTERO
Venture Capitalist, Golden Seeds
Golden Seeds is an investment firm that offers an environment in which many of today’s most exciting women-led businesses receive capital and connections to grow and successfully exit. We aim to achieve market returns for our investors while at the same time creating lasting impact.
Lorana is a start-up advisor and angel investor, supporting entrepreneurs across diverse industries. She is educated in civil engineering, business, and most recently, technology management from Columbia University.
Lorana’s education paired with her experience as an entrepreneur and business executive for Fortune 500 companies, gives her the unique ability to support innovation while not losing site of building sustainable businesses.
“I love supporting entrepreneurs as they invent and build the future. I greatly admire the strength and perseverance they all demonstrate and am privileged to be a part of their journey.” ~ Lorana Quintero
We are proud to have Lorana featured at our Changemakers Networking Event in Hollywood, CA.
Learn more about Lorana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loranaquintero/
Golden Seeds is an investment firm that offers an environment in which many of today’s most exciting women-led businesses receive capital and connections to grow and successfully exit. We aim to achieve market returns for our investors while at the same time creating lasting impact.
Lorana is a start-up advisor and angel investor, supporting entrepreneurs across diverse industries. She is educated in civil engineering, business, and most recently, technology management from Columbia University.
Lorana’s education paired with her experience as an entrepreneur and business executive for Fortune 500 companies, gives her the unique ability to support innovation while not losing site of building sustainable businesses.
“I love supporting entrepreneurs as they invent and build the future. I greatly admire the strength and perseverance they all demonstrate and am privileged to be a part of their journey.” ~ Lorana Quintero
We are proud to have Lorana featured at our Changemakers Networking Event in Hollywood, CA.
Learn more about Lorana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loranaquintero/
WALTER HART, JR.
Canine Companions
Walter James Hart, Jr. is the founder and president of Canine Companions, Ltd. Walter is an entrepreneur and owner of Hart’s Dog Training, Inc. since 1987.
Walter founded the nonprofit
501(c)(3) organization to apply his many skills and talents to meet needs of the community through canine support with integrity and compassion. As a professional canine trainer Walter not only loves animals, but also loves giving them a purpose to meet specialized needs within the community. Walter has focused on the elderly, the
disabled and the veteran community. Inspired by his grandfather, a stroke victim, he founded Canine Companions, Ltd.
The intention of this program is to train canines to be companion assistants, protectors, and service dogs to elderly, paraplegic, trauma victims, sight-impaired, hearing-impaired and other special needs humans who may not be able to afford these exclusive animals otherwise. Canine Companions, Ltd. is presently creating lasting change for
communities in four states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and California.
Walter was born in Gastonia, North Carolina and grew up in Detroit. He is a graduate of northwest Detroit’s school, Henry Ford High School, and later attended Southern University and Central Michigan University. Walter thrives on challenges and has overcome many adversities in his life. He finds passion and purpose in giving dogs and people a second chance. He brings with him a sense of
community, and a desire to make an impact as a public servant.
Walter has been endorsed by a wide range of organizations throughout the course of his career servicing community members in need. These organizations include: the Phoenix and Los Angeles Dream Centers, Agape International Spiritual Center, Pinal County Animal Care and Control, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Walter James Hart, Jr. is the founder and president of Canine Companions, Ltd. Walter is an entrepreneur and owner of Hart’s Dog Training, Inc. since 1987.
Walter founded the nonprofit
501(c)(3) organization to apply his many skills and talents to meet needs of the community through canine support with integrity and compassion. As a professional canine trainer Walter not only loves animals, but also loves giving them a purpose to meet specialized needs within the community. Walter has focused on the elderly, the
disabled and the veteran community. Inspired by his grandfather, a stroke victim, he founded Canine Companions, Ltd.
The intention of this program is to train canines to be companion assistants, protectors, and service dogs to elderly, paraplegic, trauma victims, sight-impaired, hearing-impaired and other special needs humans who may not be able to afford these exclusive animals otherwise. Canine Companions, Ltd. is presently creating lasting change for
communities in four states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and California.
Walter was born in Gastonia, North Carolina and grew up in Detroit. He is a graduate of northwest Detroit’s school, Henry Ford High School, and later attended Southern University and Central Michigan University. Walter thrives on challenges and has overcome many adversities in his life. He finds passion and purpose in giving dogs and people a second chance. He brings with him a sense of
community, and a desire to make an impact as a public servant.
Walter has been endorsed by a wide range of organizations throughout the course of his career servicing community members in need. These organizations include: the Phoenix and Los Angeles Dream Centers, Agape International Spiritual Center, Pinal County Animal Care and Control, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
JASON BURNHAM
Create Impact Board
Jason Burnham is the Director of Business Development and a Board Member of Create Impact.
Since 2014, Jason has worked closely with Rachel Carlsen, CPA and members of Team Impact to bridge ideas, organizations, and influential individuals through world-class impact campaigns to educate, inspire, and help move society to take action.
Jason has over 15 years of experience with Interactive Creative Marketing, collaborating with client marketing channels, product, and technology for top tier vendors like NatGeo, Ferrari & Adidas. Jason has added front-end Web Dev Production Skills to develop, create and manage subsidiary and related websites and web-based communications, in order to draw viewers to content and extend its value and reach, and communicate key brand messages. Jason is efficiently productive, organized and detail oriented.
Team oriented: Proven ability to lead as well as support and assist team from original client concepts to final implementation. Excellent client, customer service, and communication skills, both verbal and written. I am a diligent worker who loves to laugh and keep it fun while focused!
Jason Burnham is the Director of Business Development and a Board Member of Create Impact.
Since 2014, Jason has worked closely with Rachel Carlsen, CPA and members of Team Impact to bridge ideas, organizations, and influential individuals through world-class impact campaigns to educate, inspire, and help move society to take action.
Jason has over 15 years of experience with Interactive Creative Marketing, collaborating with client marketing channels, product, and technology for top tier vendors like NatGeo, Ferrari & Adidas. Jason has added front-end Web Dev Production Skills to develop, create and manage subsidiary and related websites and web-based communications, in order to draw viewers to content and extend its value and reach, and communicate key brand messages. Jason is efficiently productive, organized and detail oriented.
Team oriented: Proven ability to lead as well as support and assist team from original client concepts to final implementation. Excellent client, customer service, and communication skills, both verbal and written. I am a diligent worker who loves to laugh and keep it fun while focused!
DEEPAK CHOPRA
Humanitarian
Team Impact worked with The Chopra Foundation and other organizations to help raise $50,000 for India COVID-relief through our "Love in Action" virtual experience featuring Changemaker Deepak Chopra.
DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, MD, FACP, FRCP is founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation.
Chopra is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and serves as a senior scientist with Gallup Organization. He is also an Honorary Fellow in Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He is the author of over 90 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers.
For the last thirty years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution and his 93rd book, Living in the Light (Harmony Books) taps into the ancient Indian practice of Royal Yoga and offers an illuminating program for self-realization, bliss, and wholeness.
TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as “one of their top 100 most influential people.”
Team Impact worked with The Chopra Foundation and other organizations to help raise $50,000 for India COVID-relief through our "Love in Action" virtual experience featuring Changemaker Deepak Chopra.
DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, MD, FACP, FRCP is founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation.
Chopra is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and serves as a senior scientist with Gallup Organization. He is also an Honorary Fellow in Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He is the author of over 90 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers.
For the last thirty years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution and his 93rd book, Living in the Light (Harmony Books) taps into the ancient Indian practice of Royal Yoga and offers an illuminating program for self-realization, bliss, and wholeness.
TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as “one of their top 100 most influential people.”
JESSIE IMUNDI
Create Impact Board
Jessie is a passionate Executive Producer, content creator, prolific storyteller, creative leader and problem solver in the entertainment Industry. With extensive experience creating non-scripted original programming. Most recently identified by Governor Gavin Newson as a leading content creator in the areas of non-scripted television. Past work also includes working as an Integrated Executive Producer, and senior member of the team for culture-shaping, business-driving creative work that was flawlessly and efficiently executed at the highest standards. From Super Bowl commercials and multi-spot broadcast campaigns to online films and web series to experiential activations and internal videos.
Jessie is a passionate Executive Producer, content creator, prolific storyteller, creative leader and problem solver in the entertainment Industry. With extensive experience creating non-scripted original programming. Most recently identified by Governor Gavin Newson as a leading content creator in the areas of non-scripted television. Past work also includes working as an Integrated Executive Producer, and senior member of the team for culture-shaping, business-driving creative work that was flawlessly and efficiently executed at the highest standards. From Super Bowl commercials and multi-spot broadcast campaigns to online films and web series to experiential activations and internal videos.
BOBAK BAKHTIARI
Create Impact Board
Actor and entrepreneur Bobak Bakhtiari is descended from the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe (People Of The Wind, Grass). This rustic cherub in human form used to be known as The Man of A Thousand Faces throughout small towns in western Ireland. Fairly new to TV and Film, he has already shown an eclectic range of character work, from Kingpin Israeli Spy in the show Homeland to socially maladjusted CEO on Mike Judge's Silicon Valley. Regional stage credits have earned him Critics Circle Nominations, and free popcorn sometimes.
Actor and entrepreneur Bobak Bakhtiari is descended from the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe (People Of The Wind, Grass). This rustic cherub in human form used to be known as The Man of A Thousand Faces throughout small towns in western Ireland. Fairly new to TV and Film, he has already shown an eclectic range of character work, from Kingpin Israeli Spy in the show Homeland to socially maladjusted CEO on Mike Judge's Silicon Valley. Regional stage credits have earned him Critics Circle Nominations, and free popcorn sometimes.
HALLE BERRY
Actress, Humanitarian
Team Impact helped Halle Berry amplify her call to action by providing production, marketing, and administration support for events benefitting the Jenesse Center for Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention.
Team Impact helped Halle Berry amplify her call to action by providing production, marketing, and administration support for events benefitting the Jenesse Center for Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention.
KASIA KOZAK
Dancer, Author
Katarzyna Kozak, known as Kasia, is one of the most respected dancers, choreographers and coaches in America. She has been lighting up the scene and burning up the floor since she arrived in USA as a teenager. She had already created a minor stir in Europe, where she was Poland’s National Amateur Junior Latin Dance Champion and had performed well in World Amateur events.
While attending college in California, she found herself turning professional at the tender age of eighteen dancing with Donald Johnson. It turned out to be an excellent partnership. Juggling school assignments and competition schedules, Kasia and Donald competed successfully for six years, performing and teaching in almost every state and representing the United States in competitions in Europe and Japan. Together they accumulated many prestigious titles, including Open British Rising Star Champions, Show Dance Champions, and Latin Couple of the Year.
They were featured dancers in the movie, “Dance With Me”, starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne. Since Donald’s retirement from competitive dancing, Kasia continued her competitive carrier with Andrew Phillips and Louis Van Amstel adding quiet few prestigious titles to her resume. She captured the nationally televised Championship Ballroom Dancing title in Columbus, Ohio.
Today she is not only interested in pursuing her own dance career but she is looking to help the whole dance community. Her goal is to share her passion, her enthusiasm, and her knowledge of dance with as many people as she can. She wants to make dancing accessible to everybody and anybody that wants to dance. She is traveling throughout the country teaching high level competitors as well as their students. She is working on their technique as well as mental preparation. She is empowering and inspiring her clients. She is the master mind behind seminars for women called “High Heels Boot Camp” where she is working on making them stronger, more independent dancers as well as empowered human beings. Together with Diane Jarmolow Kasia has created “Move Like a Champion” program. This training teaches principles of dynamic alignment and functional movement through exercises and experimental anatomy. She is also an inventor of great teaching tool an “Attitude belt”. This particular device is designed to instantly bring awareness to where body should be in order to have a great posture and alignment .
Known for her spectacular technique and spitfire personality, Kasia exudes charisma and charm not only on the dance floor but also at the studio. Her love of dance is obvious to the audiences who adore her and cheer her every move. A dancer’s dancer, an audience favorite, ambitious, determined and not afraid of hard work, Kasia Kozak is one of the best in the country. Says she, “when you go out on the floor you want to win, but mostly you want to do your best and for that you have to give your all.”
Katarzyna Kozak, known as Kasia, is one of the most respected dancers, choreographers and coaches in America. She has been lighting up the scene and burning up the floor since she arrived in USA as a teenager. She had already created a minor stir in Europe, where she was Poland’s National Amateur Junior Latin Dance Champion and had performed well in World Amateur events.
While attending college in California, she found herself turning professional at the tender age of eighteen dancing with Donald Johnson. It turned out to be an excellent partnership. Juggling school assignments and competition schedules, Kasia and Donald competed successfully for six years, performing and teaching in almost every state and representing the United States in competitions in Europe and Japan. Together they accumulated many prestigious titles, including Open British Rising Star Champions, Show Dance Champions, and Latin Couple of the Year.
They were featured dancers in the movie, “Dance With Me”, starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne. Since Donald’s retirement from competitive dancing, Kasia continued her competitive carrier with Andrew Phillips and Louis Van Amstel adding quiet few prestigious titles to her resume. She captured the nationally televised Championship Ballroom Dancing title in Columbus, Ohio.
Today she is not only interested in pursuing her own dance career but she is looking to help the whole dance community. Her goal is to share her passion, her enthusiasm, and her knowledge of dance with as many people as she can. She wants to make dancing accessible to everybody and anybody that wants to dance. She is traveling throughout the country teaching high level competitors as well as their students. She is working on their technique as well as mental preparation. She is empowering and inspiring her clients. She is the master mind behind seminars for women called “High Heels Boot Camp” where she is working on making them stronger, more independent dancers as well as empowered human beings. Together with Diane Jarmolow Kasia has created “Move Like a Champion” program. This training teaches principles of dynamic alignment and functional movement through exercises and experimental anatomy. She is also an inventor of great teaching tool an “Attitude belt”. This particular device is designed to instantly bring awareness to where body should be in order to have a great posture and alignment .
Known for her spectacular technique and spitfire personality, Kasia exudes charisma and charm not only on the dance floor but also at the studio. Her love of dance is obvious to the audiences who adore her and cheer her every move. A dancer’s dancer, an audience favorite, ambitious, determined and not afraid of hard work, Kasia Kozak is one of the best in the country. Says she, “when you go out on the floor you want to win, but mostly you want to do your best and for that you have to give your all.”
JEFF HOFFMAN
Global Entrepreneur
We were proud to present Jeff Hoffman with a Humanitarian Award in 2021. Jeff is an award-winning global entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy Award winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award winning television show. He is an Executive Producer and stars in the groundbreaking new TV series GOING PUBLIC, a show where viewers worldwide can invest in the startups that Jeff is mentoring on the air. In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known successful startups, including Priceline.com/Booking.com, uBid.com and more.
We were proud to present Jeff Hoffman with a Humanitarian Award in 2021. Jeff is an award-winning global entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy Award winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award winning television show. He is an Executive Producer and stars in the groundbreaking new TV series GOING PUBLIC, a show where viewers worldwide can invest in the startups that Jeff is mentoring on the air. In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known successful startups, including Priceline.com/Booking.com, uBid.com and more.