Influence & Inspire: Creator Brunch

Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Urban Roast Penn Quarter | 916 G St. NW Washington, DC 20001

**NEW VENUE — Urban Roast Penn Quarter**

Sponsored by Young Guarde

Celebrate creativity and connection at the Creator Brunch, a bright and bubbly event with bottomless mimosas and inspiring conversation. Six William & Mary alumni influencers and content creators will share the real stories behind building a digital brand: Aria Austin ’21 (@ariaaustin_), singer and classical vocalist; Brandon Battle ’19, M.A.Ed. ’20 (@bbattlecuts), photographer and cosmetologist; AJ Dronkers ’08 (@aj_dc), food and lifestyle creator; Carter Kale ’19 (@carter.kale2), lifestyle, fitness, travel and fashion creator; Jada Short Lambert ’17, M.B.A. ’22 (@jadashortcake), business program manager at Microsoft; and Salimata Sanfo ’22 (@sallistarr), model. Faith Odom ’22, M.B.A. ’26, associate director of alumni inclusive excellence, will moderate the panel, leading the conversation on authenticity, digital trends and building meaningful influence. After the panel, connect with fellow alumni in roundtable-style networking. All are welcome, whether you hope to grow your own platform, spark new ideas or simply enjoy Sunday with a creative twist.

Price: Young Guarde (2016-2022) & Guests: $30; First Three/New Grad (2026-2023): $20

Note

• Street parking is available first come first serve. There are paid parking garages nearby: 1001 G St NW, 901 F St NW, 608 10th St NW.
• The restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the Gallery Place Chinatown via the arena exit.
• Space accessible via stairs or elevator.