POLLY PERRY

CEO and Event Director | Polly Perry Events

Polly Perry is the CEO and Event Director of Polly Perry Events, An Openmind Group and Co-Founder of the Afro- Caribbean Vegan Market.

As part of Toronto’s Black Queer entertainment scene for over 20 years, Polly is a respected pioneer of the scene. Her company is responsible for some of the most anticipated events such as Heat, Classic, Humble, the annual “ PURE” All White Dinner Boat Cruise, and annual Pride week productions.

In 2000, a time when there were limited options for the Black Queer Community to safely gather, celebrate, socialize and be themselves; Polly and her business partner founded Club Manhattan, the longest run weekly Queer Urban Event Space for POC in Canada.

Polly has used her extensive marketing and business background to create a brand that offers premier events for the LGBTQ2S community, hosted in some of Toronto’s most amazing venues.

In 2019, she co-founded the Afro-Caribbean Vegan Market to provide a safe accessible space for small businesses to market and sell their Afro-Caribbean inspired plant-based products, goods and services.

Over the years she has been a mentor, and has used her network and platform to share information, generate employment, and provide opportunities for entertainers and artists. She supports various causes and organizations via donations and by participation in the production of fundraisers and more.

@pollyperryevents

BENJI JOHNSON

Founder10 at 10 Music & Culture

Beni Johnson is a bonafide creative, momentum maker, and serial entrepreneur. For 12 years he has run his own graphic and web design studio, expanding recently into branding, marketing, and recording artist consultancy.

Simultaneously, he has been acknowledged amongst Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine for developing some of the most respected and unique cultural experiences throughout Alberta. He is most recognized for his work as founder of 10 at 10, Calgary’s premier hub for hip hop culture, music, black entertainment, and community. As an artist, his original spoken word poetry piece was used to create ATB Financial’s award-winning “Amplify” campaign.

As a rap artist he toured Canada and performed at SXSW (South by South West), before taking his current hiatus. However, you can still find him on stage, emceeing events or hosting parties. In his spare time, you can catch him on a basketball court or being a mentor to young professionals. He currently sits on the board of Music Calgary and the Chinook Blast sub-committee as a general advisor.

@what.beni.jay.say

DIANA WEBLEY

Senior Producer at Harbourfront | Festival Director Caribbean Tales International Film Festival

Diana Webley specializes in artistic direction, planning, programming, development and producing in the diverse city of Toronto and making pathways to produce abroad. She has worked extensively in the North American market to develop opportunities in mentorship, networking, collaborations and is currently working on expansion into the Global market.

Diana is the Senior Producer at Harbourfront Centre which produces over a thousand events featuring hundreds of artists each year with innovative cultural exchanges. In her 15 year tenure, She has occupied roles as Artistic Associate, Project Coordinator/Artistic Associate, and most recently accepted a new role as the Acting Manager in the Cultural Engagement Department at Harbourfront Centre.

She is also Festival Director for the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival and a part-time Professor in the Centennial College Arts Management Program.

www.facebook.com/diana.webley