Advisory Board.
Our Advisory Board is a diverse and inclusive group of individuals helping us to fulfill our mission.
Alicia Matusheski
Alicia Matusheski’s broad entertainment law knowledge covers the music, film and television and video game industries. Alicia counsels music clients regarding the commissioning or licensing of music, including drafting and negotiating recording agreements, high-profile celebrity talent agreements, licensing agreements, and advising clients regarding issues with performing right organizations and collection societies. In the film and TV space, Alicia has acted as production counsel for TV shows and independent films as well as represented distributors. Example matters include production services agreements, co-production agreements, distribution agreements, rights and clearances issues, development agreements, option agreements, and union and guild issues. She also regularly counsels clients on marketing and advertising matters, especially those that involve art and entertainment content. With more than 15 years of industry experience, Alicia has worked on both sides of the table, at times representing artists and at other times assisting companies, which helps her quickly anticipate the needs of her clients.
Alicia also has a traditional trademark and copyright practice with a range of clients, from finance to clothing to software and technology services. Her extensive experience in this area helps her guide clients on trademark searches, applications, responses to Office Actions from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and USPTO opposition and cancellation proceedings. She works with startups as well as large companies with portfolios of more than 1,000 trademarks and scales her advice accordingly. Alicia’s copyright law experience includes helping clients with the registration process for any type of filing (from music and books to computer software) and the recordation process with the U.S. Copyright Office. Alicia also assists on agreements regarding the acquisition of copyrights, including intellectual property due diligence
Ava Homa
Ava Homa is an acclaimed author, dedicated human rights activist, and faculty at California State University, Monterey Bay. Her debut novel, “Daughters of Smoke and Fire,” has captivated readers and critics alike, earning her the esteemed 2020 Silver Nautilus Award for fiction and placing her as a finalist for the 2022 William Saroyan Writing Prize. With lyrical prose, an authentic voice, and a deep exploration of the human experience, Ava Homa’s writing transcends boundaries.
Through her accessible narratives, she skillfully sheds light on complex social issues, igniting dialogue and fostering understanding. Her articles have appeared in the pages of esteemed publications including the Globe and Mail, BBC, Toronto Star, Literary Hub, and Literary Review of Canada. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Windsor in Canada.
Her collection of short stories, “Echoes from the Other Land,” which delves into the lives of contemporary Iranian women, garnered a prestigious nomination for the 2011 Frank O’Connor Short Story Prize. To learn more about Ava Homa and her work, please visit www.AvaHoma.com.
Bonnie Ayala
Bonnie is the Program Coordinator for Girls’ Voices Now, where she mentors young girls in the art of documentary filmmaking. Through her guidance, they discover the power of emotion in storytelling and learn how to navigate their own journeys to find their North Star.
Bonnie Ayala is a storyteller, makeup artist, and a beacon of hope. Her journey began as a teen mom at 13, a challenge that shaped her path and ignited a fierce desire to empower others. Now, Bonnie weaves her personal story of resilience and transformation into her work, inspiring teenagers to rise above their struggles and find strength in their own stories.
As a makeup artist for TV and film, Bonnie brings characters to life through her craft, but her true passion lies in connecting with young people. Bonnie’s mission is simple: to light the way for those lost in darkness, reminding them that their stories are powerful and their futures are filled with limitless possibilities.
Clancey Cornell
Clancey is a mental health professional, memory worker, and advocate for the arts. Since 2015, she has collaborated with grassroots arts initiatives in the Skid Row neighborhood to increase access to arts and cultural spaces in the community. Clancey manages the archives of the Skid Row History Museum, a project of the Los Angeles Poverty Department. She views archiving as activist practice to narrate stories that would otherwise go unheard.
As programs Manager for Women’s Voices Now between 2018-2020, Clancey contributed to WVN film collection development, community programs, and advocacy events. Currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work at the University of Southern California with a focus on Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Clancey remains connected to several community initiatives.
Erin Pedersen
Erin Pedersen is now in her mid-20s and has traveled through five continents to capture the stories and activism of women. In her free time, Erin teaches high school students how to create social-change documentaries, one of which was nominated for a 2025 Children’s and Family Entertainment Emmy Award! Erin’s day-to-day work is creating video game trailers as an Associate Producer for Hammer Creative. In addition, she works alongside high-profile clients on an annual basis such as NFL, PBS, Oscar nominees, VIP live events, and more!
Most recently Erin has created a documentary titled “Daughters of Abraham” that won the global award for women’s empowerment and religious freedom which she presented at the United Nations. Erin also worked on a documentary titled “All Things Metal” which was accepted to the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in NYC and shortlisted for a 2025 Oscar Award.
Georgii Speakman
Georgii Speakman is an entrepreneur, author and host. Speakman has lived in the USA for 11+ years (originally from Australia). Georgii has held a professional career for 18+ years, completed her first book, “My American Dream” (2023), completed an executive program in AI with UC Berkeley: Artificial Intelligence – Business Strategies & Applications, and has conducted over 70 interviews as a moderator/host.
Currently, Georgii is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Hannibal AI (Finalist, “Best New Startup”, Atlanta Startup Awards), which seeks to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence software development (As seen in MSN, Yahoo and Hypepotamus.)
Georgii established OUT.LI.ER in 2018, as a result of her passion for the intersection of technology (AI, web2 and web3), entertainment, music, talent, brands and new media. Speakman has managed talent (influencers and mid-tier celebrities), executed dozens of influencer and brand campaigns with talent (of all tiers) and worked on numerous go-to-market strategies for startups (AI, web2 and web3) – working mostly across business strategy and operations, strategic business development, marketing and PR strategy, partnerships, social media and creative services.
Jessica Peres
With a well-rounded career in marketing, a degree in journalism, and an eye for design, life’s journey presented Jessica with an opportunity to level up in Esports, while driving change and supporting our communities.
As a marketer, her work has been rooted in partnerships within esports, traditional sports, music, multicultural, small businesses, and nonprofits with an effort to drive engagement, business, and brand loyalty. She greatly values and recognizes the opportunity to be a role model for peers, mentees and employees alike, as well as remaining teachable as a humble and hungry student.
Presently a Senior Partnership Manager at Riot Games, it is Jessica’s goal to inspire others to action, create and execute strategic initiatives and influence change. Additionally, she aims to create a collaborative, innovative and learning rich environment across all interactions. When she is not creatively problem solving, you can find her at a ballroom/salsa dance studio, the beach, reading, writing or spending time with friends.
Katchie Ananda
Katchie Ananda is an international yoga and dharma teacher who has been teaching full-time since 1991. She is certified in Integral, Jivamukti, Anusara, and Ashtanga yoga by Richard Freeman. A committed student of Vipassana Meditation, she has practiced with Jack Kornfield since 2001 and is authorized to teach.
She often works with authors and activists and is dedicated to raising awareness about human and animal rights, and the environment. Her leadership in yoga and social change prompted Yoga Journal to name her one of five top yoga teachers making change in the world and she volunteered for many years at San Quentin Correctional Facility, teaching Yoga and Dharma to long-term inmates.
She has brought her humor and stories to conferences, festivals, and workshops all over the world and is loved by her students for her authenticity and wisdom. Katchie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Joshua and dog Naya.
Raheel Raza
Raheel Raza is President of The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow, founding member of The Muslim Reform Movement, Director of Forum for Learning, award winning journalist and author, public speaker, advocate for human rights, gender equality and dignity in diversity.
For over two decades she has been speaking and writing about issues that impact human rights. She addresses women’s rights, antisemitism, dangers of a radical Islamist ideology (especially on youth) and has been actively involved with interfaith dialogue to promote harmony and understanding. She was accredited with the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva for five years. Raheel is recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for service to Canada; she has been awarded the Medal of Courage by Simon Wiesenthal Centre, received an award from EMET, Washington; City of Toronto’s Constance Hamilton award and Urban Hero award.
Roopashree Jeevaji
Steven Geddes
Steven Geddes, J.D., is a teacher, coach, and writer. A graduate of UC Berkeley and a Marshall Brennan Fellow at Rutgers School of Law, his focus on public service lead him, ultimately, to find his calling in education. Currently, he chairs the Science Department at Fillmore High School, a Title I school serving a diverse population in rural Fillmore, CA, and is a past recipient of their New Teacher of the Year award.
His children’s book, Hope of Humans, was released in 2022. As an education specialist, Steven is honored to contribute to WVN’s mission in amplifying the voices of women and femme-identifying youth.
Thomas Dickstein
After several years as a technology consultant in the media and entertainment industry in Los Angeles, Thomas is currently pursuing a Master of Science in International Environmental Studies at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
His academic background in Media Studies at Pomona College informed his passion for Women’s Voices Now’s work promoting women’s rights through film. In his work with WVN, he hopes to marry his professional experience with his desire to make the world a better place.
Ouafae Bouzekri
Dr. Ouafae Bouzekri has taught in the English Department of the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences of the University of Moulay Ismaïl in Meknes, Morocco, for 20 years. She is also a founder with a group of fellow university teachers of a master program entitled “Communication in Contexts”. She instructs in the post-graduate Gender Studies program at Moulay Ismail University. Ouafae is a member of the executive committee of a research group at her university focusing on women’s issues called TANIT. For many years, Ouafae has been a member of the Association for the Protection of the Moroccan Family, which offers literacy programs in Arabic and English, and cooking and sewing lessons to help women improve their social background and to become financially independent. Since 2017 she has served as president of the Association, and has run workshops on domestic rape, awareness about reforms on gender/sexual based violence, and legal reforms related to women.
Ouafae has written several articles related to women and politics, and women and the body.
Sasha Haro
Sasha Haro is a Wealth Management Banker at U.S. Bank. She has been in the finance industry since 2004. On the day-to-day, she collaborates with a team of wealth professionals to provide a holistic approach to financial management that results in personalized strategies to help clients reach their specific goals. Sasha enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She also enjoys playing in an adult softball league and loves to cook.
Tierra Jones
Tierra Jones is a multi-talented star known for her exceptional prowess in the entertainment industry. As an accomplished actress, award-winning producer, and entertainment journalist, she captivates audiences with her remarkable versatility. Tierra’s exceptional talents have earned her well-deserved recognition, which includes the cover of CEO Los Angeles, the cover of Feature Magazine’s, Flaunt, vas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey, Popp Dapp, and much more.
Tierra starred in her first international movie, Hotspot, which is poised to be a film festival favorite. Tierra has 20+ film producer credits. Notably, her role, as an associate producer in the thrilling film Defense Contract, led to its well-deserved acclaim and multiple screenings at prestigious film festivals nationwide. In addition to her contributions to the film industry, Tierra is a skilled journalist and currently a writer for We Are Heritage Magazine, and former LA Correspondent for the Georgia Hollywood Review Magazine.
Beyond her filmmaking endeavors, Tierra is also a Registered Respiratory Therapist specializing in Neonatal Intensive Care, showcasing her unwavering commitment to helping others. As a proud mother, she embraces the joys of parenthood while effortlessly balancing her professional achievements. Tierra is also an activist and has volunteered for ACLUNY, GrowNYC, and Black Women March.
Tierra is an influencer, and is a brand ambassador for Sky Clothing IG @Sky and Diamo Jewels IG @diamojewels. You may follow Tierra on IG@tierrajonesofficial.
