Ten years ago, Culture Creators founder and CEO Joi Brown set a table for the people the industry hadn't yet quite noticed. Today, that table is one of the most consequential rooms in American culture. On Friday, June 26, Culture Creators will mark a decade of cultural leadership with the 10th Annual Leaders & Innovators Awards Brunch at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The event will bring together 400 of the most influential voices in entertainment, media, sports, fashion, business, and technology to honor the architects defining what comes next.
The milestone brunch, themed “The Future of Culture,†celebrates its ten-year run, which has reshaped how culture is recognized, resourced, and remembered. Widely known as “Culture's Biggest Brunch,†the event has become a barometer for the executives, artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs moving industries forward — often years before the mainstream catches up. To date, Culture Creators has generated 12.2M press impressions, 10.4B audience reach, and 550+ media features, while delivering a 30% average lift in brand engagement for cultural partners.
“Ten years ago, I wanted to build a room where the people moving culture could finally see each other,†says Brown. “A decade later, that room is an ecosystem — and the next chapter is about turning recognition into infrastructure for the people who will define where culture goes next.
“Culture Creators has always been about seeing people clearly—before the headlines, before the trophies, before the world is ready,†said Brown. “Ten years in, we've proven that recognition done with intention can shift careers, industries, and culture itself. The next ten are about scaling that impact: more access, more opportunity, and more platforms for the people who will build the future.â€
This year's awards brunch will honor a cross-disciplinary slate of cultural architects whose work is actively reshaping their industries. Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and Critics Choice Award winner Janelle James will receive the Film/TV Award; legendary entertainment executive and producer, Suzanne de Passe will be honored with the Icon Award (Film/TV/Music); multi-faceted comedy powerhouse Druski will be given the Innovator of the Year Award; fashion icon Bethann Hardison will be honored with an Icon Award (Fashion), Grammy award-winning producer label founder and entrepreneur Jermaine Dupri will received an Icon Award (Music), former NFL player and broadcaster Andrew Hawkins will be honored with the Sports Award; and Jason Lee will be given the Trailblazer Award for his fearless impact across media, philanthropy, and civic engagement.
Hosted by Xmayo, the brunch features a special performance by JayDon. The day's programming includes a beauty and gifting suite, a curated photo exhibition chronicling a decade of Culture Creators' history, and the public launch of The Next 10 — Culture Creators' forward-looking platform strategy.
For more information, visit the CultureCreators' official website.
