We support diverse artists and creators who use their talent, innovation, imagination and humanity to tell stories and take society on a powerful journey.
WE SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURS AND CREATORS WHO USE THEIR INNOVATION, IMAGINATION AND HUMAN EXPERIENCES TO TAKE SOCIETY ON POWERFUL JOURNEYS.
2024 Spotlight
Nicki Micheaux
Actor Writer Director
Wocstar Media is proud to have selected
Nicki Micheaux
Wocstar Media is pleased to announce that it has selected actor, writer, director, Nicki Micheaux as 2024 Wocstar Spotlight. We’ve grown to love the characters, Nicki brings to life as an actor. Currently on NCIS Los Angeles and previously on In The Dark, The Shield, Six Feet Under and Lincoln Heights. Together with the Wocstar Media everyone has the opportunity to support her as she expands her creative talent for writing and directing.
Nicki embodies the type of creative entrepreneur who uses their talent to take people on powerful journeys. Nicki wrote the script and the beautiful poems and directed the film “Summer of Violence” because she wanted to tell the story of the a pivotal summer she had. At the same, she is giving voice to a black coming of age story that is full of the intensity of every good summer, the beauty, the heat, the love, and the innocence of youth.
Now you along with Wocstar Media’s Foundation have the opportunity to support Nicki Micheaux as she brings powerful, compelling and entertaining BIPOC stories to life.
About Nicki Micheaux:
Nicki Micheaux is a mastermind when it comes to bringing a character to life. She has proved she's more than just a pretty smile by creating a successful acting career based upon her ability to transform her characters into real people. A recognizable face on TV, she's currently recurring in NCIS Los Angeles. Micheaux has had memorable turns on In The Dark, The Shield, and Six Feet Under. She spent 4 seasons as Jen Sutton, a strong, independent, and supportive wife and mother on the ABC Family series, Lincoln Heights, which garnered her two NAACP Image Award Nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, Micheaux has expanded her creative vision, moving towards writing and directing. The first of two short films she directed was A Violent End and then came VEIL which landed her a position in the prestigious ABC/Disney directing program. There, Nicki was fortunate to earn valuable mentoring opportunities with famed director Kevin Hooks best known for Prison Break. Armed with knowledge about the craft from the directing program and more than 20 years of acting experience working with the top artisans in the entertainment industry, Nicki is poised to bring her coming-of-age script, Summer of Violence, a product of Sundance Writing Collab, to the big screen.
Micheaux is the mother of two children and an Ambassador for Moms of Black Boys United.
Join us today by donating to Wocstar Media Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible.
2024 Spotlight
Ron Simons + SimonSays Entertainment
Four-time Tony Award®-winning producer
Wocstar Media is proud to have selected
Ron Simons
SimonSays Entertainment
We’ve grown to love the characters, Ron Simons and his award-winning production house, SimonSays Entertainment brings to life on Broadway stages. After the success of for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf and its seven Tony Award® nominations we are delighted to support their next slate of productions.
Now you along with the Wocstar Media’s Foundation have the opportunity to support Ron Simons as SimonSays Entertainment brings powerful, compelling and entertaining Black stories to Broadway.
About Ron Simons:
Dr. Ron Simons stands as a trailblazing force in the entertainment industry, boasting an impressive six Tony Award nominations and four wins. As the visionary Founder and CEO of SimonSays Entertainment, he champions diversity on Broadway and in film, exemplified by the company's mission, "Tell Every Story®."
Dr. Simons, nominated for his 6th Tony Award for “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf”, leads SimonSays Entertainment with a rare mix of business savvy and creative insight. His strategic planning and development extend to critically acclaimed Sundance films, including "Night Catches Us" and "Mother of George," alongside Broadway hits like "Ain’t Too Proud" and "The Gershwin’s’ Porgy & Bess."
Beyond his numerous awards and accolades, including Columbia College’s esteemed John Jay Award, Dr. Simons is an esteemed educator, shaping the future of the industry at prestigious institutions like Columbia University School of the Arts and the Sundance Film Lab.
Dr. Simons works tirelessly to drive the diversify into the ranks of Broadway producers through mentorship of many promising new talent.
Join us today by donating to Wocstar Media Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible.
CONNECTING HUMANS
ONE STORY AT A TIME.
OUR TEAM
GAYLE JENNINGS-O’BYRNE
Executive Director, Wocstar Media Foundation.
Chief Executive Officer, Wocstar Capital and Co-Founder and General Partner, Wocstar Fund. Instructor at Wocstar Academy and Co-Founder, Ally Capital Collab.
Over 30 years of Wall Street, technology, philanthropy, training, and professional speaking experience. Named one of “1o Women Changing the Landscape of Leadership” by the New York Times, March 2021, one of the top Black venture capitalists by Business Insider, February 2024, and one of the top “10 Women of Influence” by Venture Capital Journal, July 2022.
Melodie GATZ
Council Member, Wocstar Media Foundation
Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Offices & Legacy Global. She consults with family offices and foundations across the nation and internationally, advising on administration, finance, risk management, controls, planned giving, alternative assets, and international transactions and activity.
Over the years, Melodie has mediated resolutions for organizations, families, and individuals in solving tax, bankruptcy, legal actions, planned giving, and ethical trust violations. She has solved complicated tax problems for donors and charities and provided education on the valuation, acceptance, and investment of non-cash and alternative assets.
VICTORIA BERT
Creative Director and Chief Content Officer, Wocstar Media
A seasoned media professional and journalist with over 30 years in storytelling and production across many prominent networks and production companies including CBS, Food Network, and Paramount Television.
As a member of influential organizations, including the Producers Guild of America, NYWIFT, Women in Media, and the National Association of Black Journalists, Victoria is not just a voice in the industry; she is a force for change, driving Wocstar's mission to empower underrepresented voices and bring diverse, powerful narratives to a global audience.