From Likes to Livelihoods: Crafting Careers in Social Media Content Creation
A Desi-American dating show that reaches over 200K people, a South Asian dance team that’s collaborated with Marvel, Desi-inspired fashion, and lifestyle brands with a global footprint – and they all started on social media! With the social media advertising market soaring to an incredible $207 billion in 2023, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are giving artists and entrepreneurs a new and exciting space to shine both creatively and financially.
Join our panel discussion moderated by Rupak Ginn on Saturday, October 14 at 11:30 am as we meet the brilliant minds behind the above-mentioned ventures to explore how exactly they did it and where things are headed from here.
Aditi Mayer is a visual storyteller and climate activist whose work explores the intersections of style, sustainability, and social justice. A frequent speaker on topics of social and environmental justice, Mayer’s thought leadership has led her to international forums like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford; the Global Fashion Summit, and multiple international Fashion Week stages. Her work has been celebrated by Vogue, New York Times, i-D, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, and more. She serves on the council of State of Fashion and Intersectional Environmentalist, and was named a National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow in 2020, continuing her body of work about stories of resistance around the globe.
Raghu Alla is a Director and Executive Producer, best known as the visionary founder of PopShift Media – a prominent multi-channel media company and respected brand agency. With an unyielding dedication to excellence, Raghu Alla harnesses the influential power of social media to skillfully narrate captivating stories from the distinctive viewpoints of second-generation South Asian Americans. His dynamic leadership and forward-thinking strategies have firmly established PopShift Media as a prominent player in modern media and storytelling, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape.
Ami Desai has worked in television and digital media for over 10 years. She developed her love for storytelling through producing and hosting for various outlets, like CNN and the OWN Network with Oprah Winfrey. She gets her energy and passion from connecting with and empowering people from her social media platforms by creating engaging content around motherhood, lifestyle, and approachable beauty.
Chaya Kumar and Shivani Bhagwan are the creators and founders of BhangraFunk and BollyFunk (BFunk). Their viral YouTube dance videos (with over 700 million cumulative views) feature students from their sold-out classes in Los Angeles and have quickly become a worldwide phenomenon. Kumar and Bhagwan have collaborated with the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, and received co-signs from many other Bollywood superstars like Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Kapoor. Their #FunkFam movement has generated an enormous fan base around the world and has resulted in professional collaborations with Marvel, Nike, and Hulu, among others, and has allowed them to teach workshops internationally. Their positive class environment fosters a conversation about dance being for all ages, all levels, all shapes, and all colors. Through dance, BFunk passionately tackles larger social themes and issues that exist within their community.
Moderator
Rupak Ginn is a Los Angeles based, New York raised actor, host, and writer. Currently the host and co-creator of PBS’ food and travel show Spice Road, he has performed in seven seasons of USA’s Royal Pains, The Stone Witch off-Broadway, and various other film and television roles. Connect with Rupak @rupakginn on Instagram.
