TERRIE SILVERMAN
Terrie Silverman has a longstanding history with the LAWTF, as a Board Member, Teaching Artist, and previous recipient of our Rainbow Award for her efforts in non-traditional and multicultural theatre works. Ms. Silverman is the Producer and Host of Gorgeous Stories, one of the longest-running shows for Storytelling & Solo-Performance in L.A. – 25 years & counting! As an award-winning writer, performer, director, and dramaturg, Terrie will be bringing experience, guidance, and innovation to Empowerment Weekend.
KIRSTEN LAUREL CAPLAN
As a board member for LAWTF, Kirsten is beyond passionate about our mission. After three decades of teaching, singing, dancing, directing, and acting in the theatre, she recently joined SAG-AFTRA when her singing contributions made it to the silver screen in the Oscar-nominated film, A Complete Unknown. At Empowerment Weekend, you can expect the incredible kind of strength, skill, and supportiveness developed over a thirty-year career.
FAY HAUSER-PRICE
Fay Hauser-Price is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary performing legend! In film and TV, she has appeared in “Shameless,” Jordan Peele’s “Weird City,” Norman Lear’s “Guess Who Died,” “Candyman II,” “ER,” “Good Times,” plus recurring roles on “Roots II” as Carrie Barden and “The Young and The Restless” as Selena Wiley, earning an Outstanding Cast Emmy win. Her theatre credits include Viola in “Twelfth Night,” Dussie in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and the national tour of “Purlie.” At Empowerment Weekend, you can expect Fay to bring artistry, inspiration, and decades of versatility to the event.
PHILLIP SOKOLOFF
As well as being an actor and producer, Philip Sokoloff is the most active theatrical publicist in Los Angeles. He represents over 100 live attractions and multiple independent films annually. Praised for his extensive knowledge and exceptional professionalism, Philip has also served as LAWTF’s publicist for more than twenty years. As part of our “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” Panel at Empowerment Weekend, Philip can help you combine strategy with your passion and help you learn how to showcase your art.
JC CADENA
JC Cadena is an actress, producer, singer-songwriter, and humanitarian, alongside serving on LAWTF’s board of directors. She is also a company member with The Robey Theatre Company and works as a producer for the award-winning organization. She studied acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, is fluent in Spanish, is a SAG-AFTRA member represented by Baron Entertainment in Los Angeles and Atlanta. With Empowerment Weekend approaching, you can expect JC to bring not only experience and insight, but also to show the power of inclusivity in bringing about change.
CANDYJOE DAHLSTROM
CandyJoe brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘experience.’ Holding an Associate’s Degree in Film and Television from Glendale Community College, she’s an actor, dancer, graphic designer, makeup artist, costume designer, and stage manager! After working in stage management for LAWTF’s 32nd festival, CandyJoe is currently working on creating her very own solo performance piece scheduled to debut in 2026. Having co-founded the independent theater company Lifechild, CandyJoe will offer true behind-the-scenes mastery to your Empowerment Weekend education.
ERIN COLEMAN
Looking for someone who can deliver dedication, professionalism, and elevation to your art? Erin Coleman has been working in the industry for more than fifteen years and specializes in mentoring artists and storytellers, bridging the gap between training and professional success. As a founding member of Future Artists of Los Angeles, Erin is dedicated to fostering creative opportunities and empowering developing artists. Come and learn more from her at Empowerment Weekend!
REJYNA DOUGLASS-WHITMAN
Rejyna Douglass-Whitman is a leading voice within the arts industry, advocating for Trans rights and marginalized voices with stories to tell. In 2025, she wrote, produced, and starred in Trans Mom vs. Family Court, a sold-out, award-winning solo play based on her real-life custody battle during her gender transition in the 1990s. Her performance received standing ovations at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and launched her into festival touring, public speaking, and media appearances. Join Rejyna and many more at Empowerment Weekend to learn from her compassion, authenticity, and creative vision.
NICOLE SOUL
Nicole began her comedy career in stand-up venues nationwide before honing her skills at the Upright Citizens Brigade, where she received the UCB Diversity Scholarship. Her acting training and comedic versatility have led to notable performances, including her viral role as “London” on CLEO TV’s *Tough Love*. As an award-winning writer, comedian, and TV host, Nicole Soul is recognised for celebrating Black brilliance, joy, and resistance through her projects and her candid, humorous approach to mental health. As the moderator of our “Branding Your Artistic Voice” Panel at Empowerment Weekend, she will offer valuable insights into artistic ingenuity.
LYNNE JASSEM
Panelist on “Branding Your Artistic Voice”
With a career spanning over 65 years, we’re delighted to have Lynne Jassem at our Empowerment Weekend! Lynne offers a unique perspective as a truly international artist. She has toured the USA and Canada, performed her solo show Rhthym Annoymous across Germany, and her 26 performances of From Como to Homo received 5-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Lynne will bring her lifelong experience in writing, directing, choreography, and acting to Empowerment Weekend, and we’re so excited!
JANNICA OLIN
A Swedish-born actress, Jannica Olin has worked extensively in TV, film, and theatre across three continents. After losing all her hair to alopecia in 2014, Jannica wrote and presented the TEDx Talk: Welcome To My New Normal, and is redefining what our idea of beauty, normal and perfect is supposed to look like. Her one-woman show (IM)PERFEKT has multiple award wins and stays true to Jannica’s message of embracing and celebrating who we are and what we look like.
VANESSA CRUZ
Vanessa Hernández Cruz is an independent, multi-disciplinary performer and Disability Justice activist and creator. As a Chicana Disabled woman herself, Vanessa is committed to providing and improving radical accessibility and strives to make dance a space where marginalized bodies can not only thrive, but also lead. Blurring the boundaries between dance, visual art, and writing, Vanessa will bring her passion for visibility, identity, and intersectionality to Empowerment Weekend
NAVENE SHATA
After making the huge leap from a career in pharmaceuticals to the world of creative arts, Navene Shata is now an actor, producer, and storyteller here in Los Angeles. As a first-generation Egyptian-American woman and having been crowned Ms. California 2025, Navene is on a mission to help girls everywhere step into their inner royalty, embracing their power and being fearlessly themselves. Whilst honoring the ancient power of her heritage, Navene uses her quick wit, unstoppable energy, and fierce intelligence to uplift everyone she steps into a room with.
SONA LEWIS
Sona Lewis is a dancer and choreographer of Kathak, an Indian classical dance style that is over 2,000 years old and translates most appropriately to “storytelling.” In India, she trained professionally for fifteen years under Guru Muna ji, a recipient of the President of India Award. Sona has dedicated her life to learning, teaching and sharing the joys of Kathak, and she will be bringing that drive, passion, and knowledge to Empowerment Weekend.
Arturo Gonzalez
Arturo is a Mexican-American dancer, artist, and educator. In addition to performing in multiple works by Hae Kyung Lee, Deborah Brockus, Chisa Yamaguchi, and others, Arturo dedicates his time to teaching his skills to under-resourced students in the LA Unified School District, aiming to use his artistry to inspire the next generation of performers. Arturo works with the LA Music & Art School nonprofit, committed to creating a more inclusive community for all, and we are delighted to have him at Empowerment Weekend.
JANA KRUMHOLTZ
Jana Krumholtz is a performer whose epic career spans TV, theatre, and concerts nationwide. She has performed with stars like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and The Jonas Brothers, and appeared at the VMAs, SNL, and many other events. Jana wrote, directed, choreographed, and produced her one-woman show, debuting at Hollywood Fringe 2023 and showcased at LAWTF 2024. Fiercely proud of her Jewish heritage, she will be a panelist and facilitator at the “Ancestral Power & Cultural Legacy” workshop during our Empowerment Weekend.
DIMPLE MALHOTRA
Panelist on “Artists in The Face of Personal and Collective Challenges”
Dimple is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam Scholar-Artist who has integrated the ancient wisdom of the Natya Shastra with modern psychology to create Applied Natya Therapy. Her approach has greatly aided those with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues like depression and PTSD. She promotes women’s education, empowerment, and mental well-being through research in arts and sciences. Dimple has directed numerous dance and theatre works, including solo shows like “Main Amrita”, “Rape Unreported,” “Kali Darpanam,” and “Aatm Rati”, touring India and abroad.
VERONIQUE MACRAE
ROZ BROWNE
Roz Browne has created two solo shows, “Fried Clams with Bellies” and “You look like a Roz.” She also produced an ensemble show titled “The Merry Wives of Comedy,” performed before sold-out audiences in Martha’s Vineyard and Los Angeles. Roz draws from her childhood, relationships, and observations to bravely weave entertaining tales. She exemplifies creativity with humor, drama, and good old-fashioned storytelling, whether performing in Las Vegas in honor of the incomparable Robin Williams or appearing in Hollywood for the legendary Dick Gregory’s Walk of Fame ceremony.
CLARINDA ROSS
Clarinda is an accomplished actress, playwright, director, and educator who currently directs the Advanced Actors Workshop at the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy. Her plays have been produced at multiple Equity theatres and published by Applause Theatre Books, The Kenyon Review, and the Coachella Review. Her debut play, “From My Grandmother’s Grandmother Unto Me,” has just received its thirtieth production. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing for Performance from UC-Riverside/Palm Desert, served on the National Council of Actors’ Equity, was a SAG-AFTRA delegate, and is now a SoCal Ambassador for the Dramatists Guild of America.
VANESSA ADAMS-HARRIS
Vanessa Adams-Harris, a Muscogee (Creek) Indian with African American and European roots, is an artist, filmmaker, playwright, and human rights advocate. She is the Outreach Alliances Director at The John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, Vice-Chair of the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, and President of the North Tulsa Historical Society. She speaks on Oklahoma history and race, both nationally and internationally, promoting reconciliation through the stories of African American and Indigenous peoples. She co-presented at the 2018 Women Are Sacred Conference and has received peacebuilding training in Switzerland and from Father Michael Lapsley’s Institute for Healing Memories.