Press Releases
AOAGWLLC Named Official Public Relations Firm For “The Rise” Fashion Show by Poshe Productions
ATLANTA, GA - An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), the Veteran-owned global media and entertainment company known for its strategic precision and high-impact visibility campaigns, has been officially retained as the Public Relations firm for the highly anticipated fashion event, The Rise, produced by Michelle Lynch, Founder of Poshe Productions.
Set to spotlight emerging designers from across the country, The Rise Fashion Show will serve as a premier platform for rising creative talent, blending innovation, style, and cultural influence in one dynamic production.
Michelle shared her confidence in the partnership, noting that Raquel Riley Thomas "runs a tight ship on red carpets," a testament to AOAGWLLC's reputation for excellence in execution, media coordination, and talent management.
The Rise is expected to attract industry insiders, influencers, media, and fashion enthusiasts, positioning itself as a must-attend event on the Atlanta fashion calendar.
Danesha Smith to Serve as Panelist at HBCU Awarefest Atlanta, Powering Conversation on Entrepreneurship, Ownership, and Legacy
Entrepreneur and Danesha Smith will serve as a featured panelist at HBCU AwareFest Atlanta, taking place March 21, 2026, in Atlanta. As a McDonald's Owner/Operator and Clark Atlanta University alumna, Smith will share insights on entrepreneurship, business ownership, and legacy-building during the panel “From Vision to Ownership: Building Pathways of Entrepreneurship and Legacy,” highlighting pathways to wealth creation and opportunities for HBCU students.
Atlanta, GA – March 17, 2026 – Entrepreneur, business strategist, and transformational leader Danesha Smith will take the stage as a featured panelist at HBCU AwareFest Atlanta on Saturday, March 21, 2026, joining a distinguished group of McDonald’s Owner/Operators for a powerful discussion titled: “From Vision to Ownership: Building Pathways of Entrepreneurship and Legacy.”
Hosted at the Woodruff Library | AUC Promenade, the panel is presented by McDonald’s and will spotlight influential Black business leaders who have transformed vision into ownership while creating lasting community impact. The conversation will be moderated by Morehouse student and emerging entrepreneur Isaiah “Zai Steppa” Evans.
Danesha Smith, a proud HBCU alumna of Clark Atlanta University, brings to the panel a proven track record of building wealth, scaling businesses, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a McDonald’s Owner/Operator and a visionary committed to economic empowerment, Smith has dedicated her career to creating opportunities that extend far beyond business success.
“Ownership is not just about building a business, it’s about building something that outlives you,” said Danesha Smith. “My journey began with a vision, but it was shaped by discipline, education, and the courage to pivot when necessary. HBCUs gave me the foundation to think bigger, and now my mission is to help the next generation not only dream, but execute, own, and create lasting impact in their communities.”
The panel will explore critical themes including entrepreneurial mindset, navigating career pivots, the influence of HBCU culture, and the importance of legacy-building through community investment. Attendees will also gain insight into real-world pathways to business ownership, including opportunities within the McDonald’s system.
The event is part of the broader HBCU AwareFest experience, which runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes the McDonald’s Chef’s Remix Experience, interactive programming, and access to scholarship resources such as the Black and Positively Golden Scholarship, which will award $1 million to HBCU students for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Danesha Smith joins fellow panelists Lauren Mitchell and Donte Cleaves, alongside opening remarks from McDonald’s Owner/Operator Mark Mines, representing a collective commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and economic advancement within the Black community.
Through her work, Smith continues to drive a bold mission to create 1,000 new entrepreneurs by 2036, reinforcing her role as a leading voice in wealth creation, ownership, and generational legacy.
EVENT DETAILS
Title: From Vision to Ownership: Building Pathways of Entrepreneurship and Legacy
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Panelist Call Time: 9:30 AM)
Location: Woodruff Library | AUC Promenade
111 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
ABOUT DANESHA SMITH
Danesha Smith is an Entrepreneur, McDonald’s Owner/Operator, and business strategist known for her dynamic leadership and commitment to economic empowerment. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she has built a powerful platform centered on entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and mentorship. Through her work, she is on a mission to develop 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2036, equipping individuals with the tools, mindset, and strategies needed to create sustainable success and generational legacy.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or press credentials, please contact pr@aoagwllc.com
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Two-Time Emmy-Nominated Actress Shanti Lowry Signs with AOAGWLLC for Management Representation
Two-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and director Shanti Lowry has officially signed with An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC for management representation, marking an exciting new chapter in her dynamic career. Lowry is widely recognized for her iconic recurring role on The Game, now streaming on Netflix, and continues to expand her creative impact with projects including Persona, currently streaming on Paramount+.
Washington, DC — Two-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and director Shanti Lowry has officially signed with An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC, the award-winning global media and entertainment company, for management representation.
Lowry earned Daytime Emmy nominations in 2019 and 2020 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Digital Drama Series for her performance as Yolanda Rodriguez in Bronx SIU, solidifying her reputation as a powerful and versatile performer in television and digital media.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Lowry is widely recognized for her recurring role as Dionne Taylor on the hit television series The Game, as well as appearances in All American, Two and a Half Men, The Closer, and Girlfriends. Her film credits include Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, and numerous independent films and holiday features.
In addition to acting, Lowry has expanded her creative footprint as a producer and director, contributing to projects including Persona and Stuck Together, demonstrating her continued evolution as a storyteller both in front of and behind the camera.
“Shanti represents the kind of longevity, excellence, and creative leadership that defines true staying power in entertainment,” said Raquel Riley Thomas, Founder and CEO of An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC. “Her Emmy-recognized work, combined with her producing and directing experience, makes this partnership both strategic and exciting.”
“Signing with An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC feels like a natural next step,” said Lowry. “Their commitment to protecting talent, building brands, and creating opportunity aligns perfectly with my vision for this next chapter.”
Founded in 2011, An Officer and GentleWoman, LLC is a veteran-owned global media and entertainment company providing public relations, talent management, brand management, and production services. The firm represents leaders and creatives across entertainment, business, and media.
Sis to Sis Productions Announces VIP Movie Night and Red Carpet Premiere for Watch It, Starring Towanda Braxton
Sis to Sis Productions proudly presents an exclusive VIP Movie Night and Red Carpet Premiere for Watch It, a gripping psychological drama starring acclaimed actress Towanda Braxton. Set to take place February 4, 2026, at Look Dine-In Cinemas in Brookhaven, Georgia, the event will feature red carpet arrivals, an intimate screening, and a cast meet-and-greet. Executive produced by Hazel Simpson, Watch It explores the haunting realities of hidden trauma, resilience, and the quiet battles fought behind closed doors.
Atlanta, GA — Sis to Sis Productions proudly announces an exclusive VIP Movie Night and Red Carpet Premiere for the upcoming psychological drama Watch It, starring acclaimed actress Towanda Braxton. The highly anticipated event will take place on February 4, 2026, at Look Dine-In Cinemas in Brookhaven, Georgia.
Red carpet arrivals will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by an exclusive screening and cast meet-and-greet. The evening will be hosted by media personality Brandon Ellis and will welcome invited guests, press, influencers, and supporters of independent film.
Executive produced by Sis to Sis Productions, led by visionary producer Hazel Simpson, Watch It explores themes of abandonment, hidden trauma, and the psychological weight of silence. At the center of the story is a divorced mother navigating a complex emotional landscape where survival, strength, and the temptation of revenge collide. The film delivers a haunting and intimate portrayal of resilience in a world shaped by unspoken scars.
In addition to Towanda Braxton, the film features a dynamic ensemble cast including Daniel Taylor, Trionna Moore, Lawson Reis, Derrick Vidrine, Robin Dyke, and Micki Chan.
“This film was created to spark conversation and reflection,” said Hazel Simpson, Executive Producer. “Watch It speaks to the quiet battles many endure behind closed doors, and this premiere is an opportunity to honor the cast, the story, and the power of independent cinema.”
Tickets for the VIP Movie Night are limited and available via Eventbrite. Guests will enjoy an elevated cinematic experience and the opportunity to engage directly with the cast and creative team.
Event Details
Event: Watch It VIP Movie Night & Red Carpet Premiere
Date: February 4, 2026
Red Carpet: 6:00 PM
Location: Look Dine-In Cinemas
1004 Town Blvd
Brookhaven, GA 30319
Press & Media Inquiries:
An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC
Email: pr@aoagwllc.com
Executive Producers of #WorstChristmasEver Honored by U.S. Senator Jon Husted at Ohio Premiere
The Executive Producers of the new holiday film #WorstChristmasEver were formally recognized during the Ohio premiere, where representatives from the Office of U.S. Senator Jon Husted presented a series of distinguished honors to the film’s leadership team and several actresses who attended.
Columbus, OH — The Executive Producers of the new holiday film #WorstChristmasEver were formally recognized during the Ohio premiere, where representatives from the Office of U.S. Senator Jon Husted presented a series of distinguished honors to the film’s leadership team and several actresses who attended.
At the invitation of the film’s organizers, Steven J. Cook, Director of Constituent Services, Military & Veteran Outreach, and Military Service Academy Coordinator for Senator Husted, attended the premiere and delivered official acknowledgments on behalf of the Senator.
Mr. Cook presented the United States Flag, alongside a Senatorial proclamation and certificates of recognition, to:
Maurice Hall (Executive Producer)
Tony L. Patterson (Executive Producer)
Taja V. Simpson (Executive Producer)
Shanti Lowry (Actress)
Mo Ashley (Actress)
The honors celebrated the producers’ creative achievements, commitment to community engagement, and dedication to spotlighting impactful storytelling through film.
Following the presentation, Mr. Cook expressed his appreciation for the invitation and commended the seamless coordination of the event. He noted the excellent execution of the premiere and shared that he and his colleague Tracy thoroughly enjoyed both the pre-event activities and the film.
The Ohio premiere marks an important milestone for #WorstChristmasEver, which continues to expand its footprint with additional screenings and a growing national audience.
For media inquiries, interviews, or press opportunities, please contact Raquel Riley Thomas at raquel@aoagwllc.com.
