THE PANELISTS
Taryn Elyse is a writer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur based in Richmond, Virginia. With a rich background in analytics, having received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics, and a passion for the arts, Taryn decided to move forward in building her creative empire.
In 2017, she drafted her first script and formed Monroe Studios, LLC, an independent production company with a focus on African American creatives and a desire to push the boundaries of film. After numerous revisions, countless hours of planning, and a few months of filming, that text evolved into the original web series, 'The Debt'. The series was named a Semi-Finalist in the Louisiana International Film Festival and premiered at the Charlotte Black Film Festival in April 2019.
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When she is not writing, Taryn enjoys volunteering in the community, event planning, and trying not to kill her family on The Sims 4.
Quianna Adams is an entertainment lover. She has more than three years of on-air broadcasting experience, along with experience in casting, video production and podcasting. Her work has been published on the WGMU Radio and Richmond’s CBS 6 websites. Adams graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and Journalism. She currently resides in Richmond, VA and works in corporate communications where she leads a corporate podcast and plans large-scale employee events.
In her free time, Adams focuses on her small business. She uses her love for music, film and television to promote her brand through social posts and commercials.
Walter C.A. Riddle has attended Northern Virginia Community College, the Shakespeare Theater Company, and the Coalition Theater for classical training as an actor. Stage credits include: “Sure Thing” and “Antigone”. He also landed a background role in Lion Gates Entertainment’s The Hunger Games. Walter looks forward to expanding his skills and range while working towards a professional acting career.
Talisha Williams is an actress and fashion model who has studied with Emmy Award Winner, David Webster. Notable works include: CW Richmond’s “The Heart”, Fresh Perspective Productions’ “Keystroke”, and Ralph & Co. Productions’ “The Ministry”. Talisha has also been featured in national television commercials. When she’s not in front of a camera, Talisha enjoys spending time with friends and family and going to the beach.