Judges

Isabel Bucaram

CEO of PerfectLink Media LLC

Isabel Bucaram is the founder and CEO of PerfectLink Media LLC, a marketing and advertising agency based in Miami, Florida. PerfectLink Media specializes in branding, marketing strategies and social media, web design, public relations, event planning, VIP relations, and corporate connections. The agency also excels in building relationships with foreign markets and governments, creating conferences, writing books with industry experts, producing cutting-edge promotions with Emmy-winning experts, and using AI to measure and create innovative campaigns.

Previously, Isabel was an Emmy-winning television executive and the Director of VIP Production Planning, Public Relations, and Marketing for the U.S. Hispanic market at CNN en Español. In this role, she managed the network’s VIP contributors, ensuring they delivered multiplatform content. Isabel provided strategic direction and advice to the executive management team through campaign strategies, research, and daily editorial planning. She was responsible for building and executing multi-level communication plans for the CNN en Español brand with measurable benchmarks.

Isabel worked closely with CNN’s Corporate Communications Department and CNN en Español Latin America. She provided local media with comprehensive, compelling, and timely information about CNN en Español’s activities, including programming, marketing, distribution, advertising activities, licensing, and events, to build and strengthen relationships with key media members, opinion leaders, and potential partners in the nonprofit sector. Additionally, she was the network’s primary liaison with Warner Bros Discovery to ensure relevant placement in U.S. Hispanic media. Other responsibilities of Isabel included managing the public relations social media campaign to promote the network’s efforts, crisis communications with the legal and S&P departments, and talent image management.

As a VIP Planning Producer, Isabel played a critical role in planning the most important news and personalities since 2010, bringing these stories to the homes of millions of global viewers every night. During her tenure, Cala, Longobardi, and Camilo, a daily primetime show that aired from 9 to 10 pm, established an unparalleled reputation for quality programming and exclusive interviews with top-tier guests. She worked with senior producers and participated in weekly editorial meetings to discuss editorial strategy. She analyzed sensitive guests with S&P, conducted pre-interviews, and planned interviews with sensitive guests for special projects at CNN en Español.

She was responsible for planning special events such as the Presidential Summit in Cartagena, Panama, and Peru, and the presidential elections in Argentina in 2015 and Ecuador in 2017, among others. She also plans and takes specific programs like Café CNN, Cala, and Camilo to different countries such as Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Bolivia, as well as various markets in the U.S. like Los Angeles, New York, and Spain.

In 2022, Isabel was part of the team that won a national primetime Emmy award given by the Television Academy as Senior Planning Producer for the outstanding Spanish-language interview with “Gerardo Gaya: Padre Coraje a la Mexicana.” In June 2022, she was recognized as one of the 100 Women to Know in America by the Global Female Media Company. In June 2021, the WEF (Women’s Economic Forum Iberoamérica) honored Isabel with the “Exceptional Women of Excellence in Media” award for her contributions and professional achievements.

In October 2020, Isabel was named an “Adoptive Daughter” by the National District Council in Santo Domingo for her leadership in the field of communications in Latin America and the city of Santo Domingo. In September 2020, she was part of the CNN en Español team that won the “Content Marketing Campaign” category at the 2020 THE FAXIES awards by Cablefax for the network’s anti-discrimination campaign, Proyecto Ser Humano.

In October 2019, Isabel was recognized with the Proclamation of the City of Miami, where October 10 was declared “Isabel Bucaram Day” in honor of her achievements and contributions to journalism and public relations. In September 2019, she received the Sparrow of Peace Award in Peru. In March 2018, Isabel received the “Exemplary Woman” award from the AMJG (Association of Women Judges of Guatemala) for her exemplary professional career as a Latina woman in the United States and her contribution to strengthening democracy in society.

In August 2017, the Municipality of Guayaquil, Ecuador recognized Isabel as an example for all Ecuadorian women for her impeccable professional career in communications. In May 2017, CAMACOL (The Latin Chamber of Commerce) awarded her the Excellence in Communications award. In 2016, the same organization honored her and her team with the Medal of Honor for their work in supporting the Ecuadorian community and for mobilizing CNN en Español’s Red Room, the network’s digital unit, from where they conducted interviews with VIPs for social media during a concert called Ecuador Aquí Estoy.

Isabel was also named one of the most influential Latinas in Miami, and her profile was included in the book 100 Latinos Miami. Her photo was exhibited in a gallery at Miami International Airport under the title A Journey of Success. In November 2011, Isabel received a proclamation from the Municipality of Guayaquil in honor of her professional development. She was also part of the CNN team that won the Peabody awards in 2010 and 2011 for the network’s coverage of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the Arab Spring, respectively.

Before joining CNN en Español, Isabel worked for Spanish Broadcasting System as Director of Marketing and Communications, where she was responsible for positioning all SBS properties, including 21 radio stations, Mega TV, SBS Entertainment, and Mega Films in the U.S. and Puerto Rico markets. She launched an initiative to establish open communication between SBS Radio, Mega TV, Mega Films, and SBS Entertainment to maximize benefits and exploit synergies between the various properties.

Isabel has been a supporter of several important community events locally and internationally, including beauty and fashion contests. She frequently participates in speaking engagements to empower women in society. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Catholic University of Santiago in Guayaquil, Ecuador, a master’s degree in Investigative Journalism from Florida International University, and has completed leadership and Rhetoric courses at Harvard. Isabel is fluent in Spanish, English, and French.

Leonard Burnet

Media Entrepreneur & Innovator| Author | Thought Leader in Multicultural
Marketing | Film and TV Distributor & Executive Producer

Renowned as a Media Thought Leader, Film and TV Executive Producer and Distributor, Author and Entrepreneur, Len Burnett brings over three decades of industry expertise to the forefront of urban media and multicultural marketing. A distinguished graduate of Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry, Len is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the media landscape.

With a prolific career, Len has successfully launched and led seven major magazines and media companies, demonstrating a remarkable ability to drive revenue growth and deliver substantial returns for investors. As a key member of the launch team for Vibe Magazine in 1993, working alongside Quincy Jones and Time, Inc, Len played a pivotal role in the magazine’s triumph, steering its revenue to over $40 million in just four years through strategic sales and marketing initiatives.

In 1999, Len co-founded Vanguarde Media, a trailblazing urban publishing company that introduced influential titles such as Savoy, Honey and Heart & Soul Magazines. His visionary leadership extended to the 2004 launch of Uptown Magazine, where he serves as Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Uptown Media Ventures. This venture, coupled with the innovative UPTOWN 360 Experience, stands as a unique multimedia platform offering marketers both traditional and alternative avenues to engage with this diverse and ever-growing audience of Affluent African Americans across every facet of their life.

In 2009, Len expanded his influence and Co-Authored, “Black is the New Green- Marketing to Affluent African American”, offering keen insights into demographic shifts and providing effective strategies for marketing to this growing, niche market. Continuing his commitment to the evolution of media, Len Co-Founded Hero Media in 2019, where he serves as Chief Revenue Officer. Hero Media, under Len’s guidance, is an ad tech, data driving, targeting solutions platform, delivering over 300 million multicultural impressions across the entire digital ecosystem. With over $15M in revenue, this digital, content, influencer and event platform provide advertising solutions for clients that target, the right consumer, at the right time across the digital landscape.

Beyond his impactful roles, Len Burnett is the Co-Founder, Managing Partner of Homestead Entertainment an emerging independent film and television distribution and production company. With a library boasting over 800 films, Homestead Entertainment is on a mission to provide finance, production, distribution, and digital content centered around multicultural creators and audiences. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, diversity and community building, Len continues to shape and elevate the media landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His strategic vision, coupled with a passion for empowering diverse voices, sets him apart as a true trailblazer in the ever-evolving world of media and entertainment.

Sandra Peebles

Journalist, Radio Host, and Entrepreneur

Sandra Peebles is a bilingual journalist, radio host, and entrepreneur who connects with South  Florida audiences every weekday on her talk show at América Radio 1260 AM. Founder of Peebles Communications, she draws on decades of experience in English and Spanish television news at Univision 23, NBC 6, and Telemundo 51. She helps professionals, politicians and public figures refine their speaking style so they project confidence, connect authentically and communicate with impact. Known for her authentic style and community focus, Sandra has  earned 14 Emmy Awards and proudly supports causes like Amigos for Kids, Autism Speaks, and Kakes 4 Kids. For Sandra, it always comes back to community, connection, and lifting others up through the power of communication.

Gabriella Roman

Community Programs Manager at Vizcaya

Gabriella Roman is a museum professional and educator with over a decade of experience creating community-focused programming and educational initiatives at leading cultural institutions. She holds a master’s degree in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Florida State University.

Throughout her career, Gabriella has specialized in developing innovative and accessible resources that connect diverse audiences to art, history, and design. Her work emphasizes cultural engagement, inclusion, and creative learning experiences that inspire and serve all communities.

Currently, she is the Community Programs Manager at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in Miami, where she leads intergenerational programming and community engagement initiatives. Gabriella’s leadership in the cultural sector reflects her dedication to fostering meaningful connections between people and place, making her a valued voice in evaluating creative work.

Michelle F. Solomon

Editor-in-Chief, ArtBurst Miami

Michelle F. Solomon is the editor-in-chief and arts writer/theater critic for ArtBurst Miami. A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from Emerson College, Boston, Mass., she received her Master’s degree from the State University of New York/Albany. Michelle’s career as an arts editor and writer spans almost three decades. She has been arts editor at major and mid-sized newspapers, including Executive Arts Editor of the Albany Times Union and Assistant Features Editor of Entertainment at The Detroit Free Press.

She is also managing editor/consultant for the Broward Arts Journalism Alliance, an arts platform she helped to develop for Broward County in 2023 and the editor for miamiartzine.com, an online arts platform funded by the Miami Beach Arts Trust.She was an on-air Entertainment Reporter and Digital Managing Editor for the  NBC affiliate in Detroit, and the first Digital Executive Producer of New Media at ABC affiliate, Miami’s WPLG-TV, Local 10, where she created the original true crime podcast, The Florida Files.

Michelle’s was nominated in 2022 for the Rabkin Prize for Visual Arts Journalism, received a 2023 Sunshine State Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for Beat Reporting — Visual Arts coverage, and was named the 2025 Arts Marketer of the Year by the Arts and Business Council of Miami. She is currently one of three finalists in two categories for the 2025 Society of Professional Journalist’s Sunshine State Awards for Arts Criticism and Commentary and for Arts Beats Reporting for South Florida arts coverage.

She is assistant professor on the faculty at Nova Southeastern University’s Department of Communication, Media and the Arts.

Stephanie Van Vark

CEO of StephanieCreates, Inc.

Stephanie van Vark has a passion for community that was informed by a small town upbringing. She is a small town girl with big ideas rooted in the Magic City where she settled after graduation. As the owner of StephanieCreates, Inc., she created GoingOvertown.org, the official site and outreach for Historic Overtown, Just Talking Business, the Entrepreneur’s podcast; and Jigsaw Parenting, a platform that un-puzzles parenting for parents from all walks of life. Additional services include digital media production and online publication, film and digital media writing credits. She is also an IMDB recognized made-for-DVD documentary screenwriter. Stephanie’s passion for service extends beyond production. She is a proud member of the P.S. 305 board who advocate for youth and schools. She is an active member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA) professional organization as well as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her hobbies include watching documentaries, travel, ballroom dancing and special moments with family, friends and her husband of 25 years.