Phil Cooke (PH.D.)
Media Producer / Writer / Speaker / Coach
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"Helping leaders navigate their career and calling in today’s distracted media-driven culture."

Phil Cooke, Ph.D. is co-founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles. Phil has produced media programming in nearly 70 countries, and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history with a client list that includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world.

His latest book is: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock Is Ticking.” He's been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.”  Find out more at philcooke.com.

Rev. Dr. Theodore Mensah Asare
Founder / President, Theovision International

Rev. Dr. Theodore M. Asare is the Founder of Theovision International. In 1989, he founded Theovision International in Ghana with the vision to make all hear God’s voice and be transformed. He is also the Founder of Christian Life Mission Church in Accra, Ghana.

Rev. Dr. Asare has served on the leadership of Orality network of the Movement of African Nationals Initiative (MANI) in Africa; the International Board of Trustees of HCJB Global, as a member of the Audio Scripture Engagement Task Force of International Orality Network (ION), a member of the Steering Committee of Africa by Radio (AbR) and also a member of National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) USA. In partnership with Moody Radio, HCJB Global, Trans World radio, Africa by Radio and National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Rev. Asare is making an impact through the emerging media in Africa.

Kathleen Cooke
Co-Founder, EVP Cooke Media Group & Influence Lab/Women
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Kathleen Cooke is an award-winning producer, actor, speaker, writer, and co-founder of the multi-award-winning media production company Cooke Media Group and the nonprofit The Influence Lab. She is the founder of Influence Women, an initiative of The Influence Lab, with branches in Hollywood and multiple U.S. cities, offering career development and a faith community for women in the film, television, music, and arts industries.

She was awarded a National Congressional Leadership Award in 2022 in Washington D.C and is the author of “Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected to God in a Distracted Culture.” She has appeared on top national and international radio, podcast, and television shows, including CBN and TBN, and her articles have been published by Avail Leadership, Charisma, Empowered, and Canvas Rebel Magazines.

John P. Ondo
President/Creative Director, Ondo Media
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John Ondo is well known for pushing the limits on content to command the audience's attention through his storytelling. John's career began in Christian broadcasting in 1982 and he has been awarded ten Tellys and four Emmy Awards for his work.

John’s unique skills with cameras, lighting and editing allows his projects to be turned around quickly with the highest quality and sharp focus on the story. His company, Ondo Media based in Columbus, Ohio consults ministries on their media production and training of their teams.

Laura Woodworth
Development Executive, Cooke Media Group‍
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Laura has 15+ years of production experience in award winning film, television, radio and new media including single cam and multi-cam projects and live events. Her professional strengths extend to project management, content development, traditional and digital marketing, and public and media relations.

An award-winning multi-platform screenwriter and producer-director, Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Studies and completed post-graduate work in UCLA’s Professional Program in Producing Film and Television.

Dan Wathen
‍Executive Producer, Cooke Media Group
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Dan Wathen is a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience, specializing in large-scale television events and award-winning documentaries. Renowned for his work with leading churches, ministries, nonprofits, and production companies, he excels in crafting compelling narratives and connecting deeply with audiences.

As an active member of the Television Academy (Emmys), he stays at the forefront of industry trends, constantly adapting his approach to reflect the latest technological advancements and audience preferences. Through his speaking engagements, Dan empowers organizations to maximize the impact of their media platforms, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after speaker and thought leader in media production.

Bernard Avle
General Manager, Citi FM & Citi TV
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Bernard Avle is the General Manager of Citi FM & Citi TV and the host of Citi FM's morning show - The Citi Breakfast Show, and The Point of View on Citi TV.  Bernard holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana and an MBA from Warwick University in the UK.

Bernard as he is usually called, has done pioneering work in using a commercial radio and TV platform to champion good governance and social accountability.  

The Citi Breakfast Show was adjudged the Interactive/Talk Show of the year at the BBC’s Africa Radio Awards in 2007, in Nairobi Kenya and Radio Program of the year 2013, 2015 & 2016 by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG).  It was also adjudged the best radio morning show (English) in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019, winning the award 4 consecutive times.

He is an Edward R Murrow Fellow of Journalism and a Chevening Scholar, Bernard is a Fellow of the fifth class of the Africa Leadership Initiative (ALI) – West Africa and is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.  Bernard was adjudged Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Journalist of the year for the year 2017.

He spends some of his time in visiting campuses nationwide and addressing student audiences on media, career, and citizenship.