The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Celebrates the Next Generation at the 2026 Student Production Awards

Atlanta, GA - The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) proudly hosted its 2026 Student Production Awards on Saturday, honoring outstanding student achievement in television and media production across the region.

Held in Atlanta, the annual event brought together emerging creatives, educators, and industry leaders for an inspiring celebration of storytelling, innovation, and excellence. The evening was masterfully led by Emmy Award winning journalist and CBS Atlanta anchor Sharon Lawson, who served as Mistress of Ceremony.

Under the leadership of veteran journalist Donna Lowry and the Southeast Chapter Board of Governors, the production highlighted the depth of talent rising from high schools and colleges throughout the Southeast region. The awards are part of NATAS’ ongoingmission to cultivate the next generation of media professionals while recognizing excellence in student-produced content.

The 2026 NATAS Southeast Student Production Awards ceremony showcased an impressive range of talent across both college and high school divisions. Out of nearly 270 applicants, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) led collegiate honorees with 11 awards, followed by the University of South Carolina and Furman University. Among high schools, The Westminster Schools earned the most awards, with 10, followed by Central Educational Center with 8. Winners represented a diverse group of institutions from across the region, highlighting excellence in journalism, storytelling, and production. From in-depth news coverage to creative storytelling and technical achievement, this year’s recipients reflect the strength of the next generation of media professionals. All high school winners are automatically entered in the National Student Production Awards. Last year, a school in the Southeast won at the national level.

Throughout the program, presenters took the stage not only to announce nominees and winners, but to pour into the next generation. Each shared personal reflections from their own journeys in media, offering powerful responses to the question:“What would you tell your 18-year-old self?”

Their insights emphasized resilience, discipline, and the importance of perseverance in an ever-evolving industry.The ceremony recognized a wide range of categories spanning news, storytelling, cinematography, editing, and technical production.

A full list of nominees and winners is available on the Southeast Emmy official website.The Southeast Emmy® Student Production Awards remain a cornerstone initiative, bridging the gap between education and professional achievement while celebrating the voices shaping tomorrow’s media landscape.

For more information and to view the complete list of nominees and winners, visit the official Southeast Emmy website. About The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter: The Southeast Chapter of NATAS promotes excellence in the television industry by recognizing outstanding achievements, fostering professional development, and celebrating leadership in creative and technical innovation.

Follow on

Instagram: @southeastemmy

Website: southeastemmy.com

Media Contact:

Email: raquel@aoagwllc.com

Danesha Smith to Serve as Panelist at HBCU Awarefest Atlanta, Powering Conversation on Entrepreneurship, Ownership, and Legacy

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

.

Two-Time Emmy-Nominated Actress Shanti Lowry Signs with AOAGWLLC for Management Representation

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.