Influence & Inspire: Creator Brunch

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

ZOOZ | 636 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

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: $60; First Three/New Grad (2026-2023): $50