Creative Director, The Sheppard Group

As part of Yum! Brands’ social impact work, we launched Ambition Accelerator, a national platform supporting young changemakers in mental health, sustainability, and education. The live pitch competition brought together youth finalists, cultural judges, and brand leaders in Los Angeles.

My role:

• Led creative production from concept through execution.
• Designed event flow and content strategy across expo and mainstage.
• Scripted the run-of-show and coordinated real-time audience voting.
• Directed talent and managed stage logistics to ensure seamless delivery.
• Integrated storytelling techniques to elevate youth voices and align brand with purpose.

The impact:

• Positioned Yum! Brands and Taco Bell as leaders in youth empowerment and social innovation.
• Engaged cultural judges including Vince Staples, Spanto (Born x Raised), and Olamide Olowe (Topicals CEO).
• Scaled the program nationally and internationally with $25K awards for young entrepreneurs.
• Delivered a full-circle impact moment when one of the finalists turned out to be a former student of mine.