Kicks and Culture Career Summit

Join us for a one day conference designed to illuminate non-traditional yet viable career pathways in creative industries—specifically footwear and the performing arts. By connecting conference participants with industry leaders, educators, and performers, the event will challenge conventional career narratives and demonstrate that creative pursuits can lead to meaningful professional opportunities.

During this event, led by Osamase Ekhator, attendees will:

• Hear keynote speeches from industry leaders

• Gain a clear understanding of viable career pathways in footwear and the performing arts

• Learn about educational programs, certifications, and other credentials that support entry and advancement in creative fields
• See performances from national and local talent who have made a living with their craft

• Build connections with industry professionals for mentorship, networking, and potential employment

• Join breakout rooms hosted by industry experts in artist management, design, performing arts, marketing, DJ/producing, and product management

• Receive practical advice on how to build and sustain a creative career that is both fulfilling and financially stable

• Challenge limiting assumptions about creative work as a non-viable career option and leave with an expanded sense of what’s possible in the creative economy

About Osamase: 

Osamase Ekhator is the author of two critically acclaimed poetry books, "I AM YOU" (2022) and "Situationship" (2019), and the founder of "Best: A Creative Agency" which consults artists and companies on creative productions and brand management. He has an English degree from Boston College (‘17) and a Masters in Business from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (‘24). In the past, Osamase has had the pleasure of performing in front of a live TV audience at GBH’s “Outspoken Saturdays”; other performances have taken place at Boston’s Paramount Theater, ADWEEK, Pellas Gallery, Arnold Worldwide, and more. His work has also been published in AZURE, Cathexis NorthWest Press, Prometheus Dreaming Magazine, Penumbra Literary and Art Journal, and has been studied at the University of Bonn in Germany. He has also served as a keynote speaker at Northeastern University and Boston College.

Outside of poetry, Osamase has worked with Citizens Bank Financial Group, US Soccer Federation, Nike, and now, New Balance as a Concept Manager in Innovation. In 2026, Osamase was named as one of “25 Rising Stars Building The Future of Sports” by Corey Bernstine, Adjunct Professor at South Florida University.

Speakers and Performers:

Herv Gotti is a creative consultant with 11+ years of experience, he leads brand strategy and growth initiatives in fashion, lifestyle, and personal branding.

Dr. D'wayne Edwards is the President & Founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design.

Nay Speaks is a Boston-born, Atlanta-based rapper, poet, and Spelman College alumna, known for blending spiritual hip-hop, spoken word, and emotional honesty.

David Fontes is the Vice President of Footwear and Apparel Product Development at New Balance

Ariel Weekes is the Senior Brand Strategist at PUMA Group.

Leah Taveras is the Founder and CEO of Other1s.

Corey DePina is the Program Director at Zumix.

Keith Mascol is the Founder of the Triggered Project, Co-Host of the Living A Triggered Life Podcast.

Yessma is an award-winning Boston-raised spoken word artist, author, and cultural curator.

Neemz is a multidisciplinary Boston-based Palestinian-American artist, rapper, model, and creative director.

Afrobeats Dance Boston is a Boston-based dance company and LLC dedicated to teaching and performing contemporary African dance styles.

Christoper Dixon is a Founder and Footwear Designer who has worked with multiple brands - notably Nike and Timberland.

Amanda Shea is an Emmy-nominated, three-time Boston Music Award-winning Spoken Word Artist.

SuperSmashBroz are a well-known brotherly hip-hop & Afrobeats DJ/producer duo based in Boston consisting of Muyi Fre$co and Noma Nomz.

Jamal Thompson is a Global Entertainment Marketer at New Balance.

Sadiq Ervin is a Manager of Talent and multifaceted creative in the Greater Boston area with a primary focus on event production and cultivating live musical experiences.


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Advance registration is preferred for all Ed Portal programs and events. Walk-in attendees may not be admitted.

Parking is limited around the Ed Portal so we recommend taking public transportation.

Public transportation options:

We are about a 15-20 minute walk from the Red Line Harvard Square station or Green Line -B Harvard Avenue station.

Several MBTA buses also stop near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue: #66, #86, #70.

Parking information:

If you choose to drive to the Ed Portal please be prepared to utilize the two-hour on-street parking surrounding the Ed Portal or to park at Artesani Park and walk 10-12 minutes along Western Avenue to arrive at the Ed Portal. A limited number of parking spaces are available in the rear of the Ed Portal building on a first come, first serve basis. You may only use parking spaces in the rear of the Ed Portal building outlined in orange paint.

To help protect visitors and staff, members of the public are asked to stay home if they are unwell or have experienced signs of illness* in the past 24-hours.

If you require an accommodation for a disability, please call the Ed Portal ahead of time at 617-496-5022 or e-mail us at edportal@harvard.edu, and we will do our best to assist you.

* Signs of illness include: fever, chills or feeling feverish; a new cough (not related to chronic condition); new fatigue; muscle or body aches; sore throat; new nasal congestion or new runny nose (not related to seasonal allergies); nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.