YAF-NEXT Event

This year the NEXT event is inspired by DIGITAL EXPRESSIONS. The theme references community, connection, and craft in the world of remote learning and working environments. As we integrate into this new path on how we conduct our work and personal lives, we want to showcase different individuals and organizations that are already making an impact on digital platforms and connecting back to our communities.

We all care about what happens to our city, so let's work together to be a part of what happens NEXT!

This year’s presenters include:

Erica Williams, The Design Bloc

Erica is the founder of The Design Bloc, a digital platform for students and young professionals. Erica is a design business coach and mentor for The Design Bloc’s 16,000+ online global network.

Ramune Bartuskaite, Women [Re]Build

While pursuing her master’s at the University of Pennsylvania, Ramune co-founded PennDesign Women in Architecture and was a recipient of the Alpha Rho Chi Medal. As a Lithuanian immigrant and a first-generation graduate, Ramune is fascinated by the urban environment which is home to people of various backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and agendas.

Bobbie Bryant, The Marketects

Bobbie is the president of The Marketects, a full-service marketing agency in St. Cloud, FL. The Marketects provide services such as internet marketing, web design & development, event management and business strategies.

Phillip Lantry, The Osceola 100 Society

Phillip is the co-founder and president of The Osceola 100 Society, an organization with a mission to provide 100,000 dollars annually in endowment funding to local Osceola County nonprofits for projects related to improving education, the arts, the environment, families, health and wellness.

Natalie Casey, Inside Voices | Black Thoughts

Natalie has been a licensed Interior Designer since 2006. She joined BAM Orlando in 2019 in efforts to help young children explore alternate career paths that are not prevalent in their social circles. She is passionate about design and art in all forms and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Architecture at Orlando’s City Lab.

Mayur Patel, Artist

Designer by trade, Artist by nature. Exploring any space in between. From a life grounded by strong cultural ties to a Motherland where Mayur is a foreigner and a Birthplace where he is a stranger, Identity was always an ever-shifting concept. He utilizes the digital world we live in to foster relationships and create unique opportunities in hopes to show those similar to him the power of our Identity.

Kari Whaley, Full Sail University

Dr. Kari Whaley is an international speaker and researcher. She is a Course Director in Personal Development and Leadership at Full Sail University. Kari has developed a strong background in community leadership through roles with the Osceola County Historical Society, the School District of Osceola County, Valencia College, and the Peace and Justice Institute.

Chris Husein, Electronic Arts

Chris is a Lead Experience Designer for EA Sports. He has over 7 years of experience in the video game industry, working on AAA titles such as NCAA Football and Madden. He leverages his expertise as a User Experience Designer (XD) in the video game industry and understanding of user motivation to drive digital engagement.