WAU Business Forum Explores How Degrees Lead to Success in the Entertainment Industry
Written by: IMC Director Simonique Dietz
Takoma Park, Md. – Washington Adventist University (WAU) is set to host a compelling Business Forum that explores how a wide range of degrees can lead to successful careers in the entertainment industry. The event will feature a dynamic panel of accomplished professionals who have built notable careers in film, marketing, real estate, and event production.
The forum, titled “How Does Your Degree Work in the Entertainment Business?”, aims to inspire students and community members by offering insight into how academic backgrounds can be applied to creative and entrepreneurial ventures.
Kevin Hackenberg, an award-winning director, cinematographer, and producer, brings over 25 years of global experience in storytelling and filmmaking. Hackenberg has directed stars such as Neil Patrick Harris and Kevin Hart and worked alongside renowned directors like M. Night Shyamalan on films including The Sixth Sense. He is the founder of GK.video and Funny&Amen, a nonprofit focused on faith-based humor content. Hackenberg currently serves as board secretary for the International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers, collaborating with producers worldwide.
Rachel K. Fraser, founder of The Audacity, is an award-winning producer whose work spans film, television, and high-profile live events. Her credits include projects with Columbia Records, Adobe, Warner Bros. Discovery, and American Express. Fraser has produced several films that have premiered at Sundance, SXSW, and HBO’s Short Film Competition. Her 2022 short film Ro & the Stardust qualified for the 2024 Oscars and now streams internationally on Netflix. Fraser is also a recipient of the TrailBlazer Award from African American Women in Cinema and was part of Netflix’s Narrative Incubator for Women of Color.
Sherry Buenaventura, a DMV native and graduate of Towson University, is a seasoned marketing and sales professional with extensive experience working with NFL legends, Grammy-nominated artists, and A-list actors. Through her work with SDBElite and Maverick Pro-Football Real Estate Network, Buenaventura has successfully bridged brands, talent, and entertainment professionals, creating partnerships that drive growth and engagement. Beyond business, she is passionate about community service and mentorship.
Chad Morton is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of SMASH Entertainment, an award-winning production company will be our moderator. He has produced several feature films, including What Death Leaves Behind, and is now expanding into sports entertainment in partnership with NFL Hall of Famer Gary Clark. Morton also leads Morton Investments, a real estate firm, and co-founded Maverick Realty with his wife. His diverse ventures reflect a commitment to defining the future of entertainment.
The Business Forum will provide students and local professionals an opportunity to engage with these panelists, ask questions, and gain real-world advice on navigating the entertainment industry through various career paths.
By showcasing the journeys of these industry leaders, WAU hopes to inspire attendees to think creatively about their career possibilities and explore how their degrees can be applied in innovative and impactful ways.
For more information about the Business Forum, please email sdietz@wau.edu.
