The 2023 “A Mind Is…” New York Gala will recognize outstanding partners who are helping to advance educational opportunities for young people of color. Funds raised will ensure that more students have access to a life-changing college education.
Kevin Liles’ ability to create, build and lead some of the biggest and culturally relevant brands over the past 30 years cements his place in cultural history. His early experience as an artist and meteoric rise from intern to CEO & President of Def Jam was just the beginning. While leading Def Jam, Liles architected their expansion into video games and television in the late nineties, and later built the Artist Services division at the Warner Music Group during the aughts. Since that time, he’s taken on titles such as Co-Founder & CEO of 300 Entertainment, Chairman & CEO of the newly formed 300 Elektra Entertainment, and Head of 300 Studios, the company’s content and film division. In all, Kevin has cultivated one of the world’s most culturally influential entertainment companies and positioned it at the forefront of streaming.
Whether heading these preeminent entertainment companies, running his own KWL Management Company, or overseeing charities such as Kevin Liles For a Better Baltimore and The Make It Happen Foundation, he always remains on the cutting edge. In 2020, Kevin was named Billboard’s Hip-Hop Executive of the Year. He also holds a place on Variety’s ‘37 New Yorkers Making an Impact in Entertainment’, Billboard’s annual “Power 100,” received France’s highest civilian honor, the “Médaille de la Ville de Paris Award,” and authored the New York Times best-seller Make It Happen: The Hip Generation Guide to Success. With Kevin at the helm, 300 Entertainment’s roster acts have garnered a total of 4 GRAMMY® Awards, 13 GRAMMY® Award nominations, over 75B streams, 200 RIAA gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond-certified singles, multiple Shorty Awards, NAACP Image Awards, American Music Awards, BET Awards, as well as prestigious honors by Fast Company and Inc. Magazine.
Prabha is Group President, Growth & Strategy. In this role, Prabha oversees the enterprise growth strategy, innovation and leads a number of global functions: Global Marketing, Customer Development, R&D and Supply Chain, M&A’s & Sustainability. In addition, Prabha is responsible for Skin Health businesses.
Prabha has also served as President, Colgate Europe, President Africa Eurasia, Managing Director Colgate Palmolive India and numerous positions of increasing responsibility in various international assignments in the US, Latin America and Asia.
She has won many awards internally and externally. In 2011 she was recognized as the 50 Outstanding Asian Americans in Business by the Asian American Business Center. In 2012 she was ranked among the 20 Most Powerful Women In Business in India.
Currently Prabha resides in New York with her family.
Ralph Lauren Corporation
Accepted by Deirdre "Dee" Tejada; Head of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Social Partnerships & Philanthropy, Executive Development & Learning Read Ralph Lauren Corporation's Bio
Dee is a transformational leader with over 25 years of experience in the people & development and commercial space with a purpose to leave both people and organizations better than she found them. With a background in human resources and talent development, coupled with a passion for human progression and equality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was a natural fit.
Having an expertise in the full employee lifecycle, Dee is most passionate about linking DE&I strategies with corporate initiatives, activating diverse leadership programs, and creating inclusion and equity opportunities. Being able to positively impact the company, the communities we serve, and our society is her life-long mission.
Dee is also a Certified Executive Coach, working both within the Company and with private clients to achieve their highest potential. In her spare time, Dee works with nonprofits, primarily transitional housing facilities for women and satellite schools for young adults.
Emcee -Tiki Barber, NFL On CBS analyst and co-host of WFAN's Tiki & Tierney
Grammy nominated Singer & Songwriter Kenny Lattimore