About Us

In response to entertainment industry workers’ need for clear access to information and resources in a constantly expanding industry, the Georgia Entertainment Association was created. Since 2011 our goal has been to give our fellow creatives in music, sports, theater, film, and television, access to more striking opportunities in the entertainment industry by bridging individuals and communities with similar ambitions. At GEA we aim to ensure that every member, volunteer, creative, and organization who encounters us leaves with more knowledge and connections than ever before.

In addition to our dedication to helping individuals achieve their goals, promoting diversity in the entertainment industry across all backgrounds, ages, and careers is another key objective. We have done so and continue to do so by working with organizations and individuals from around the globe. To us and our network, each new encounter is a chance to share and learn from the valuable perspectives diversity continues to bring to the entertainment field because at GEA we believe that we are better together.

Our Mission

Our goal is to establish the Georgia Entertainment Association as the premier culturally inclusive organization for entertainment industry networking and programming. We are dedicated to collaborating with culturally diverse and industry-specific entertainment organizations to offer our members expanded international networking opportunities.

As part of our initiative to connect and promote creatives we curate networking events, host musical showcases, connect organizations in Georgia and around the globe with one another and share employment, networking, interning and volunteering opportunities in the industry.

Meet The GEA Executive Team

Keymanna Paulas

Keymanna Paulas is the founder of management firm Keymanna Management.As an entertainment business professional, entrepreneur and seasoned talent manager Paulas has over ten years experience in event management, marketing and branding.

Paulas represents talent from various industries including radio personalities, songwriters, music producers, singers, business moguls, organizations and brands.

Anthony Jones

Anthony Jones Esq. is an accomplished entertainment attorney and entrepreneur.

He is the Chief Executive Officer for The Georgia Entertainment Association, where he works to rebuild the brand as a speaker and advocate for its members and the state's entertainment industry as a whole.

Lolade Leigh-Thompson

Lolade Leigh-Thompson is a writer, director, producer, actor born in Guelph, Ontario. Raised in Lagos, Nigeria.

For over 15 years, Lolade worked as a Project Coordinator and Project Manager for a major Canadian Telecom company. In 2024 she completed her second short film, a proof of concept for her feature film “Oh Deer!”.

Ali Roc

Founder and CEO of Rumors Publicity; Ali Roc has been able to help her clients build on the brands they have by strengthening their relationships with consumers while gaining both earned and traditional media recognition.

Ali and her team work hard to achieve the goals of their clients, maintaining and building brand recognition for companies like Xbox, T-Mobile and Coke, Ali has been growing her business since 2012.

O. Valerie Nicolas

With two decades of industry experience, O. Valerie Nicolas is a versatile powerhouse in entertainment production.

As co-founder of THORO Artists and principal of Ol' Soul Pictures, she's brought several TV and film projects to life such as the Netflix docuseries, "The Black Beauty Effect" and the award-winning short film, "Glitter Ain't Gold." Her expertise extends to production accounting for major studios and streaming platforms like NBCUniversal and Apple TV+.

Chiwuzo Ife Okwumabua

Chiwuzo Ife Okwumabua, known as Chi Ife, has over ten years of experience in arts administration and the performing arts. She has served as a producer, production manager, lyricist, and actress for national and international productions.

Her work is influenced by West African and Black American culture, including her original Afro-Futurism musical, A Song for Adaeze, which will be produced in 2025.