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What is the AMA Series?
We are tapping into the Tatnall Network to create meaningful conversations with accomplished Tatnall Alumni. Our Alumni Guests will represent a broad swath of topics, but all questions are on the table.
These events are open to Tatnall Students, Parents, Faculty, Alumni, Parents of Alumni, and Special Friends.
These are not lectures - each AMA is designed as an open forum conversation, so anything can happen. We encourage all guests to participate and Ask (Them) Anything!
"I am a Nigerian-American fashion photographer and director, who creates new narratives for black bodies by using the Afrofuturist movement and aesthetic to turn POC into otherworldly beings and place them within beautiful sci-fi settings. Ask Me Anything."
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Munachi Osegbu '14
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022 @ 11:00 a.m.
Munachi Osegbu '14 - Artist, Fashion Photographer, Director
TAGS: Art, Artist, Photography, Fashion, Music Videos, Director, Afro-Futurism, New York City, Tisch School of Arts, Megan Thee Stallion, BET Awards
BIO
Munachi Osegbu is a 25-year-old Nigerian-American fashion photographer & director based between Los Angeles & New York City. He graduated from the photography & imaging program at NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts in 2018.
From a young age, he found himself experimenting with every visual and performative medium, until settling on photography and digital art when he began teaching himself Photoshop in 2010. Once he became interested in fashion imaging, he soon discovered the works of the iconic photographers of the 70s to the 90s, deepening his love for fashion. He strives to create an almost folkloric, suspended reality in all of his images, crafting stories from his own fears and desires that can be manifested freely to an almost obnoxious extent. Clients include New York Magazine, Converse, Nike, Rolling Stone, Depop, Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Studios, Nylon, PAPER Magazine, WWD, Wonderland Magazine, Roc Nation, 88rising, Nicopanda, Interscope Records, Epic Records, 300 Entertainment, and more.
In February 2019 Munachi made his debut as a director, and since then his videos have been viewed over 200 million times on YouTube. In December 2019, Billboard included his debut video – Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Big Ole Freak’ – on their list of the top 100 music videos of the decade. In June 2020, his video for Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Hot Girl Summer’ won the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2020 BET Awards.
Munachi Osegbu is a 25-year-old Nigerian-American fashion photographer & director based between Los Angeles & New York City. He graduated from the photography & imaging program at NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts in 2018.
From a young age, he found himself experimenting with every visual and performative medium, until settling on photography and digital art when he began teaching himself Photoshop in 2010. Once he became interested in fashion imaging, he soon discovered the works of the iconic photographers of the 70s to the 90s, deepening his love for fashion. He strives to create an almost folkloric, suspended reality in all of his images, crafting stories from his own fears and desires that can be manifested freely to an almost obnoxious extent. Clients include New York Magazine, Converse, Nike, Rolling Stone, Depop, Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Studios, Nylon, PAPER Magazine, WWD, Wonderland Magazine, Roc Nation, 88rising, Nicopanda, Interscope Records, Epic Records, 300 Entertainment, and more.
In February 2019 Munachi made his debut as a director, and since then his videos have been viewed over 200 million times on YouTube. In December 2019, Billboard included his debut video – Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Big Ole Freak’ – on their list of the top 100 music videos of the decade. In June 2020, his video for Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Hot Girl Summer’ won the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2020 BET Awards.
"I am a Los Angeles based artist who is renowned for painting African-American men and women submerged in glistening water. Ask Me Anything."
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Calida Garcia Rawles '94
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Friday, March 11, 2022 @ 11:00 a.m.
Calida Garcia Rawles '94 - Artist, Painter, Author
TAGS: Art, Artist, Painting, Illustration, Writing, Women, Black Women, Water, Water Dancer, California, Hyper-Realism, Poetic Abstraction, Tatnall Showcase, Arts Hall of Fame
BIO
Calida Garcia Rawles is a Los Angeles-based artist who is renowned for painting African-American men and women submerged in glistening water. Merging sharp hyper-realism with poetic abstraction, Calida's subjects are swarmed by a flurry of bubbles, ripples, and refracted light. For Rawles, water is a spiritually healing element for all people, yet she recognizes its historical connotations to racial exclusion and cultural fears. She uses the complicated duality of water as a platform to address identity politics while reimagining her subjects beyond cultural tropes.
Calida Garcia Rawles is a Los Angeles-based artist who is renowned for painting African-American men and women submerged in glistening water. Merging sharp hyper-realism with poetic abstraction, Calida's subjects are swarmed by a flurry of bubbles, ripples, and refracted light. For Rawles, water is a spiritually healing element for all people, yet she recognizes its historical connotations to racial exclusion and cultural fears. She uses the complicated duality of water as a platform to address identity politics while reimagining her subjects beyond cultural tropes.
At Tatnall, Calida was the lead artist in creating the massive London city-scape (circa 1785) for the Showcase Players’ production of Sweeney Todd in 1994, a 60x40 foot creation that can still be seen on the back wall of the Beekely Theater. After Tatnall, Calida attended Spelman College in Atlanta, where she earned a B.A. before moving to New York City to earn her M.A. from New York University. She is celebrated for creating the cover art for Ta-Nehisi Coates’s debut novel, The Water Dancer (a 2019 New York Times bestseller), and her works can be found in numerous public and private collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York. Calida is also the author and illustrator of the children’s book Same Difference.
COMING SOON...
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Scott Beale '94
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Dr. Larry Lincoln '64
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Previous AMA Recordings
I am a Hollywood screenwriter who wrote "King Richard" starring Will Smith and was recently nominated for an Academy Award. Ask Me Anything!
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 @ 6:00 p.m.
Zachary Baylin '98 - Screenwriter, "King Richard"
TAGS: Film, Cinema, Screenwriting, Writing, Actors, Acting, Tennis, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Art, Perseverance, Creativity, Ambition
View Recording!
BIO
Zach Baylin is a Hollywood screenwriter and cofounder of Youngblood Pictures, best known for his recent screenplay King Richard starring Will Smith and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. The film depicts the story of Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, and the girls' rise to tennis stardom. The film premiered in 2021 to critical acclaim and Zach was nominated for a Critics Choice Award this season for Best Original Screenplay and is in the conversation for Oscar consideration.
At Tatnall, Zach was a proud member of Showcase and a star football player. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University's Film and Media Studies Program in 2002, before moving to New York City. He has worked in the props and arts departments for dozens of film and television programs including Boardwalk Empire, Mildred Pierce and The Blacklist. He is now working on the script for Creed III starring Michael B. Jordan for MGM Studios.
Zach Baylin is a Hollywood screenwriter and cofounder of Youngblood Pictures, best known for his recent screenplay King Richard starring Will Smith and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. The film depicts the story of Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, and the girls' rise to tennis stardom. The film premiered in 2021 to critical acclaim and Zach was nominated for a Critics Choice Award this season for Best Original Screenplay and is in the conversation for Oscar consideration.
At Tatnall, Zach was a proud member of Showcase and a star football player. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University's Film and Media Studies Program in 2002, before moving to New York City. He has worked in the props and arts departments for dozens of film and television programs including Boardwalk Empire, Mildred Pierce and The Blacklist. He is now working on the script for Creed III starring Michael B. Jordan for MGM Studios.
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Zach Baylin '98
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“Hi, I’m sad alex, a happy Tatnall graduate who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. Ask Me Anything!"
Friday, December 10, 2021
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST
Zoom Webinar
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST
Zoom Webinar
Alex Saad '09, Musician, Artist, Creator
TAGS: Music, Musician, Performing Artist, Performance, Drawing, Painting, Media, Internet, Entertainment, Los Angeles, California
BIO
Alexandra Grace Saad graduated from Tatnall in 2009, where she was known as a prominent Singer and Showcase star. She began playing piano at Age 5 and wrote her first song at 12, titled "Bad Day". After Tatnall, Alex matriculated to Loyola University Maryland, where she studied physics and eventually discovered she wanted to pursue a career in music. Her subsequent focus on music production led to her relocation to Los Angeles to begin her career.
Alex released her debut single, "fire", on January 26th, 2016 under the stage name "alxxa". She was featured in high-traffic Spotify playlists and earned critical acclaim from sites like Vanyaland, Nylon, and Perez Hilton. She eventually signed with Red Bull Records and began performing under the stage name "sad alex", which spawned commercial success and launched a new direction for her career.
Alex currently resides in Los Angeles, though she returns home frequently to see her family. Check out her music at sadalex.com!
Alexandra Grace Saad graduated from Tatnall in 2009, where she was known as a prominent Singer and Showcase star. She began playing piano at Age 5 and wrote her first song at 12, titled "Bad Day". After Tatnall, Alex matriculated to Loyola University Maryland, where she studied physics and eventually discovered she wanted to pursue a career in music. Her subsequent focus on music production led to her relocation to Los Angeles to begin her career.
Alex released her debut single, "fire", on January 26th, 2016 under the stage name "alxxa". She was featured in high-traffic Spotify playlists and earned critical acclaim from sites like Vanyaland, Nylon, and Perez Hilton. She eventually signed with Red Bull Records and began performing under the stage name "sad alex", which spawned commercial success and launched a new direction for her career.
Alex currently resides in Los Angeles, though she returns home frequently to see her family. Check out her music at sadalex.com!
I built a career off of taking risks, blazing a trail, and "being a Hot Mess". Ask Me Anything!
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST
Laird Performing Arts Center
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST
Laird Performing Arts Center
Chris Klemens '12, YouTuber, Comedian, Podcaster, Photographer
TAGS: YouTube, Social Media, Entertainment, Los Angeles, California, Internet, Influencer, Culture, Photography, Podcasting, Personal Brand
BIO
Chris Klemens made his mark on the Tatnall stage as a four-year member of our illustrious Showcase performances. After the customary freshman year on tech, he was a leading role in three consecutive casts, where he cultivated his love for performing art. After graduating, Chris matriculated to NYU, where he pursued photography and also began a budding career on YouTube as a side hobby. That "hobby" quickly turned into a full-time job, prompting Chris to move to Los Angeles where he would build a successful career as a comedian, content creator, podcaster, and YouTube icon.
Chris' channel features a combination of comedy skits, travel vlogs, and interviews with celebrities and people on the street. Through his "hot mess" persona, Chris has built a highly successful media business out of his content. His YouTube enterprise boasts over 1.2 million followers, known affectionately as "Klementines", and he also designs popular "Middle Child" branded merchandise. Recently, Chris began a podcast which has opened up new avenues for conversation and exploration into his craft. He hopes to continue developing his talents as a stand-up comedian and may be looking to return his performance art to the physical stage.
Chris Klemens made his mark on the Tatnall stage as a four-year member of our illustrious Showcase performances. After the customary freshman year on tech, he was a leading role in three consecutive casts, where he cultivated his love for performing art. After graduating, Chris matriculated to NYU, where he pursued photography and also began a budding career on YouTube as a side hobby. That "hobby" quickly turned into a full-time job, prompting Chris to move to Los Angeles where he would build a successful career as a comedian, content creator, podcaster, and YouTube icon.
Chris' channel features a combination of comedy skits, travel vlogs, and interviews with celebrities and people on the street. Through his "hot mess" persona, Chris has built a highly successful media business out of his content. His YouTube enterprise boasts over 1.2 million followers, known affectionately as "Klementines", and he also designs popular "Middle Child" branded merchandise. Recently, Chris began a podcast which has opened up new avenues for conversation and exploration into his craft. He hopes to continue developing his talents as a stand-up comedian and may be looking to return his performance art to the physical stage.
"I am a Cybersecurity Expert who worked for the Department of Homeland Security to make our nation more resilient. Ask Me Anything."
Thursday, January 28, 2021
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST (Zoom)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST (Zoom)
Michael Echols ‘83, CEO, MAX Cybersecurity
TAGS: Cybersecurity, Homeland Security, Business Development, Risk Management, Cyber Education, Politics, Government, Washington DC, Corporate Leadership, Author
BIO
Michael A. Echols is a senior cybersecurity executive and critical infrastructure protection strategist working with senior corporate leaders and government officials to make the nation more resilient. He is leading a revolution to stand-up and support Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAO). As such, Mr. Echols leads a global effort to harmonize cyber threat information sharing. Previously, Mr. Echols managed cyber resiliency programs for the Department of Homeland Security while assisting in the advancement of risk reduction. As the point person for the rollout of President Obama's EO 13691, he developed a national program for risk management and cyber education.
At DHS, Mr. Echols chaired activities optimizing national programs, cybersecurity strategy, interagency coordination, public safety, and counterterrorism across federal agencies and the private sector. Mr. Echols Chaired the Communications Sector, IT Sector and managed the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
Mr. Echols' leadership has resulted in value creation and models for Government and Industry partnerships across the Communications, IT, and other critical sectors. He has aligned risk management strategies between operations, policy, and tactical to support the evolving hazards to the nation. He plays a key role in developing the programmatics, and manages the broad array of Presidential advisory, sector partnership initiatives, policy issuances, congressional testimony, and technology assessments required to increase the return on investment of Government / Industry cyber efforts.
Prior to joining the Government as a Federal employee, Mr. Echols advised federal officials and served DHS as a consultant on matters related to CIP, outreach, threat information management, protection of national networks, national security, emergency communications, and disaster management.
Michael A. Echols is a senior cybersecurity executive and critical infrastructure protection strategist working with senior corporate leaders and government officials to make the nation more resilient. He is leading a revolution to stand-up and support Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAO). As such, Mr. Echols leads a global effort to harmonize cyber threat information sharing. Previously, Mr. Echols managed cyber resiliency programs for the Department of Homeland Security while assisting in the advancement of risk reduction. As the point person for the rollout of President Obama's EO 13691, he developed a national program for risk management and cyber education.
At DHS, Mr. Echols chaired activities optimizing national programs, cybersecurity strategy, interagency coordination, public safety, and counterterrorism across federal agencies and the private sector. Mr. Echols Chaired the Communications Sector, IT Sector and managed the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
Mr. Echols' leadership has resulted in value creation and models for Government and Industry partnerships across the Communications, IT, and other critical sectors. He has aligned risk management strategies between operations, policy, and tactical to support the evolving hazards to the nation. He plays a key role in developing the programmatics, and manages the broad array of Presidential advisory, sector partnership initiatives, policy issuances, congressional testimony, and technology assessments required to increase the return on investment of Government / Industry cyber efforts.
Prior to joining the Government as a Federal employee, Mr. Echols advised federal officials and served DHS as a consultant on matters related to CIP, outreach, threat information management, protection of national networks, national security, emergency communications, and disaster management.
"I graduated from an HBCU, where I earned a prestigious Marshall Scholarship to live and study abroad before medical school, Ask Me Anything"
Friday, January 29, 2021
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST (Zoom)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST (Zoom)
Michaella Moore ‘16, Marshall Scholar, London, England
TAGS: Study Abroad, Living Abroad, HBCU, Scholarships, Medical School, Summer Scholars, UPenn, Perelman, Boys and Girls Clubs, Diversity, Equity, and Community"I graduated from an HBCU, where I earned a prestigious Marshall Scholarship to live and study abroad before medical school, Ask Me Anything"
BIO
In 2016, Michaella was awarded the Delaware state Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America before graduating from Tatnall School. She matriculated to Howard University, where she continued developing her passion for global health equity and the dismantling of health disparities within the black diaspora. While at Howard, she was accepted into the Perelman Access Summer Scholars program - a linkage program guaranteeing her early admittance to the Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. She also received a highly prestigious Marshall Scholarship to study abroad in London, England, where she is working towards a Masters Degree in Medical Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.
This fall, Michaella will return stateside to begin her medical studies at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her aspirations are to become a practicing physician and advocate for underserved communities. She intends to expand her career to a global stage, informing health policy on national and international platforms in efforts to increase access to advanced, quality, and personalized care.
Michaella is also a serving member of Tatnall's Diversity, Equity, and Community steering committee.
In 2016, Michaella was awarded the Delaware state Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America before graduating from Tatnall School. She matriculated to Howard University, where she continued developing her passion for global health equity and the dismantling of health disparities within the black diaspora. While at Howard, she was accepted into the Perelman Access Summer Scholars program - a linkage program guaranteeing her early admittance to the Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. She also received a highly prestigious Marshall Scholarship to study abroad in London, England, where she is working towards a Masters Degree in Medical Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.
This fall, Michaella will return stateside to begin her medical studies at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her aspirations are to become a practicing physician and advocate for underserved communities. She intends to expand her career to a global stage, informing health policy on national and international platforms in efforts to increase access to advanced, quality, and personalized care.
Michaella is also a serving member of Tatnall's Diversity, Equity, and Community steering committee.
The Tatnall School
The Tatnall School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in PK3 through Grade 12 located in Wilmington, Delaware.