Motivational Nightlife is coming to the city that never sleeps. 

New York City 2.21.20

Presented by:   

#iTALKNYC EVENT IMAGERY

The Chocolate Factory, a venue unlike the rest. 

636 11th Ave New York, NY

#iTALKNYC SPEAKERS

James Pratt is an award-winning actor, and considered the most in demand auctioneer internationally for luxury homes. He is the recipient of various International accolades, including being awarded 2019 Top 5 Under 35 in Australia for Entertainment, 2019, Australian Auctioneer Of The Year Winner, 2018 REB Australian Thought Leader Of The Year Finalist, and in April James made history by becoming the first person in the world to auction live luxury real estate using cryptocurrency and block chain. 

James started his acting career studying at the prestigious acting school NIDA and has since gone on to work alongside some of the best in Hollywood including Q’orianka Kilcher, Sam Worthington and Erica Christensen. At present, he is host of the award-winning series Conversation Hollywood, Plays Michael in “Malibu Crush and is part of the executive team for Mogul Studios.

In addition to acting and producing, James is regarded as the most successful real estate auctioneer in the world for luxury and celebrity homes. At present, he holds over 42 records internationally, and in 2018, he signed a deal with reality show heavyweight Ebersol Lanigan and the Theco.com for his own TV show.

Ali Levine was born and raised in New York, Ali has worked for some of the biggest names in the Fashion industry including Fragments, Coach, Talbots and Target as part of development and design.

Ali relocated to Los Angeles, California where she fell head over heels in love with wardrobe styling. She is an expert when it comes to creating looks for her celebrity clients. From red carpet appearances, music videos to world tours, Ali a unique thumbprint that displays her talent as a Fashion.

Ali’s New York persona took the limelight, when she recently appeared with her husband on Bravo’s hit show, “Stripped.” As a TV correspondent, she’s covered red carpet events for Celebrity Page TV and makes regular National to Local TV appearances promoting herself as a brand. From Home & Family to KTLA to Nightline, Ali’s vibrant personality lights up the red carpet and tv appearances.

After Ali’s recent birth of her daughter Amelia Rei, Ali has transitioned to mompreneur and mommy influencer across the board. Belonging to sought after mommy groups such as; Hey Mama, Fashion Mamas and Millenial Mamas, her fashion sense plus real life day to day inspires many who follow her and cover her. Ali Levine is also known for her successful beauty/ fashion/ lifestyle podcast, “Things Were Too Lazy to Blog About”, ranking on the top ten list on itunes. Ali is currently launching due to much demand, her mommy podcast TBA. 

Shawn Leavitt recently joined Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSACMCSK), a global media and technology company, as Senior Vice President of Global Benefits for Comcast and NBCUniversal. In his role, Mr. Leavitt develops strategic plans for the research, design and development of Comcast and NBCUniversal’s benefits, including retirement, health and welfare, and health services. 

Mr. Leavitt joined Comcast from Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, where he served as Vice President of Global Compensation and Benefits, overseeing the team responsible for managing the total rewards programs for its travel, hotel and restaurants businesses. Prior to Carlson, Mr. Leavitt was Vice President of Benefits at Safeway, Inc. and has held senior human resources positions at The Coca-Cola Company and Knight Ridder, Inc.

Mr. Leavitt earned a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska. He frequently speaks on the impact of employee health and wellbeing on the success of an organization and strategies to engage employees in the management of their own health. 

Jalen James Acosta is an American actor, musician, filmmaker, inventor and entrepreneur of Dominican descend. Born in Queens, NY. Raised between Dominican Republic, Miami and educated in The School of Hard Knocks, Jalen James Acosta is a father, record producer, musician, philanthropist, dreamer and as of late, a technology inventor. A man who’s found answers by making tracks. Both physical footsteps and musical ones, he’s trekked down many roads, and picked up experience along the way. In the field of acting, he got his break in the 1999 BBC film “NAVY”. His first major music break came in 1999 when Jalen was invited to perform on stage with Enrique Iglesias. Remix features followed with Latin superstar Thalia, multi-platinum Mexican group Guardianes Del Amor and legendary Celia Cruz’s remix of “Carnaval” for dance clubs. In 2001 Mr. Acosta was chosen from thousands of applicants and auditions to host and perform at the Global Launch of Microsoft’s X-BOX and Windows XP, the company keynote address at the American Airlines Arena in Miami in front of 21,000+ Microsoft employees, media and founders of the company. Incidentally, 2 weeks later he found himself working as a standing for Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Mario Van Pebbles and Jeffrey Wright on the set of Michael Mann’s “ALI”. Acosta traveled across Europe with his band, a Dominican-inspired fusion of Bachata/rock/hip hop, Toke D Keda (aka Toque D Keda). From clubs to stadiums across Asia, Europe, the Americas and even down under, people enjoyed his music and packed his concerts. Jalen went on to be recognized as the best songwriter and producer of his internationally famed Latin group and is one of the people credited with pioneering and implementing Hip Hop into the Bachata genre. Toke D Keda was voted to Latin People’s 50 most beautiful, sold millions of records & toured the world. Jalen has had multiple credited roles on TV shows such as Burn Notice and made his Hollywood debut on David Rodriguez’ “Push”. Mr. Acosta Co-Founding Lime Lion Technologies, a (Holdings) company based out of Beverly Hills and Silicon Valley. Since starting his career, Jalen has been featured with top artists, being discovered and encouraged and influenced by the likes of Superstars Enrique Iglesias, Laz Alonso, Juan Luis Guerra, Lenny Medina, Gerard Butler, Dwayne Wade, Wood Harris, Seven Aurelius, Shakir Steward, Sean Combs, Magic Juan, Vladimir Dotel & Roy Tavare among others, he has appeared in over 50 advertising campaigns and major commercials for Fortune 500 companies such as Dewards, Bud Light, Burger King, Skittles & Coca Cola among other notables. He has been the voice behind the raps of major radio commercials for Nissan, Sprint and events such as Espn’s Volleyball World Championships (2002) in Argentina. He finished off 2014 with their production of his first feature film “Unrealistic”. In 2015 he produced several projects, which includes a short film and three PSAs for the City of Miami and Urgent Inc.

Ms. Preity Üpala, is a former Investment banker turned Multi media Entrepreneur and Hollywood Producer. Global peace dominates the forefront of the former Miss India International’s life purpose and it is what drives her to connect people together through a series of spiritual endeavors and media productions.  Her weekly spiritually radio show, “The Eternal Hour,” can be heard on I heart Radio.  She has been to over 75 countries and is currently developing a spiritually focused international travel series. She is also working on a new book, titled “The Eternal Gift“ which expands upon the many gifts that one can give themselves to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

She is an International public speaker and an astute political commentator who has participated in panels and spoken at various international platforms including the WEF, Women’s Economic ForumHORASISUniversity of Zurich, Raisina Dialogues and  Wellness 360 Dubai. She is also the Political Editor for The Observer, writing on Geo-politics, Conflict- resolution, Religion and Spirituality. Her Passions in life include Sanatan Dharma, Vedic philosophy and the Science of Consciousness. As a certified “Dharma Ambassador”, is available to speak on the topics of Purpos, culture, Spiritualism, Sanatan Dharma and Vedanta.”

Preity is passionate about Global cultural issues and involved is in several philanthropic activities. Her life “Dharma” is to be a Global thought leader, an Ambassador for good and a potential international liaison between governments.

Preity Holds a B.Tech and an Honors Research degree from University of Sydney, Australia. She was also selected to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the prestigious Krishnamurty Institute in India.  Preity lives in Los Angeles but travels all over the world for her work and spiritual pursuits.

Philly Freeway was/is distinctively gruff and pugnacious throughout his lengthy career, Freeway staked his spot in the post-millennial hip-hop landscape with an appearance beside Roc-A-Fella brethren Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek on Jay-Z‘s “1-900-Hustler” (2000). The Philadelphian rapper capitalized on subsequently increasing momentum with one of Roc-A-Fella’s most thrilling releases, the Top Ten pop hit Philadelphia Freeway (2003), which featured appropriately energizing productions from Just Blaze and the emergent Kanye West. Although he recorded only two more solo albums during the 2000s and broke away from Roc-A-Fella, Free continued to grow with a series of LPs throughout the 2010s, including the Jake One collaboration The Stimulus Package (2010) and the reinvigorated Diamond in the Ruff (2012). Think Free (2018), a homecoming of sorts, was licensed exclusively to Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation.

Jennifer Tapiero is a Celebrity Correspondent, Radio Personality, Producer and Cannoisseur hosting Hollywood red carpet premieres, celebrity charity events, music and cannabis  events and a popular weekly celebrity show Red Carpet Rundown, on Jeneration Radio on iHeart Radio. In 10 years, she has become one of the most recognized hosts in Hollywood, cultivating a breezy, no holds barred atmosphere in her interviews.Jen’s experience in front of and behind the camera has her poised and ready lead the Sparkz on camera staff. Recent appearances on the syndicated  Steve Harvey and Mel Robbins Talkshows.  She is now the head of operations at Sparkz a new media company and host of a brand new show Sparkz Talk Radio airing on K4HD.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify and other platforms. 

Jen Donnell’s wealth of experience supporting both executive leaders and high-functioning teams establishes her as an innovative thinker in the areas of leadership coaching, talent consulting, executive coaching, career planning, and life coaching.

Jennifer has a sharp business mind and cutting edge analytical skills yet, she is creative at heart, en grew up performing on stages in the U.S. and in Europe. She understands the power of the stage and how it can be leveraged to inspire audiences. Her depth of experience in music theory and performance psychology helps her to think outside of the box.  

Jennifer’s past employment relationships include HR Director for; Comcast, Persado LLC – New York, Ogilvy & Mather – New York, Amazon.com, and others. 

Jennifer holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Development & Human Resources from The Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. She also holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from The Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University. 

The International DJ Casper was born into a family full of liveliness and music. He began DJ’ing at neighborhood house parties known as “Dollar Parties”. It was here that DJ Casper’s fan base started and still continues strong to this day. Awarded “Best Club DJ” by Bobby (Dance) McLean and Christopher Redz Wayman, he utilized Dances as a starting point as he expanded his reach throughout Philadelphia and the tri-state area. Cas has since gained notoriety in the industry by opening up for artists such as Akon, Ryan Leslie, Young Jeezy, Omarion, Busta Rhymes, Diddy, and many more. More recently, Cas has landed numerous amounts of projects while working with many different clients. He was the DJ in the movie, “Brotherly Love” and also had a song featured in the movie, “Deadpool” called “No Clothes Zone.” He has been to many celebrity events and appearances, like the taping for MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, PHL Live Award Show, and more. Cas has produced songs for the TV show Empire, Star, Four Weddings, as well as Fox Sports News. While expanding his career as a music producer, Cas still DJ’s at major clubs and events. He has clients internationally and all across the US. He has residencies at many casinos in Atlantic City, NJ like Caesars, Tropicana, and Resorts, just to name a few. In 2012, Cas linked up with the A&R of DarkChild, Terry (Buzz) Brown. Then later that year Cas signed with Rodney (DarkChild) Jerkins as the DJ for DarkChild Records. In 2013, Cas has become the official DJ for 104.7 fm (KUDK) and Music Choice.

Our Sponsors

Truth Be Worn by Jill Marple McCabe

Philly Freeway to Perform Live!

(Signed to Roc Nation)

It’s not all about networking and inspirational content, we want you to sit back relax and enjoy the night too!

#motivationalnightlife

Walk the red carpet with host

Jennifer Tapiero!

Come dressed to impress, fashion forward & camera ready.

#iTalkredcarpet

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