Essence Magazine National Best-Selling Author, Joylynn M. Ross, has written over 40 books and publications in multiple genres under various pen names. She’s a former editor for several New York Times best-selling authors, such as Carl Weber and Nikki Turner, as well as for actor Christian Keyes, singer Olivia Longott, reality show celebrity Sheree’ Whitfield, and First Lady of Death Row Records Jewell.  Joylynn took a hiatus from the world of fiction to focus on authoring writing and publishing resources. But now she’s thrown her fiction pen back into the ring, co-authoring (under the name Joylynn M. Jossel) the three-book “Dating to Die” series with New York Times Bestselling Author and Producer of BET’s Family Business, Carl Weber. Joylynn has always married the literary arts with business, resulting in her company, Path To Publishing, being awarded SBA Microenterprise Business of the Year 2025 for the entire state of Nevada. To learn more about Joylynn’s works and brands, visit www.joylynnjossel.com, www.enjoywrites.com, www.joylynnMross.com, www.PathToPublishing.com, and www.ptppress.com.

Lisa Orban is an author, publisher, and founder of Indies United Publishing House, an ethical, community‑driven press dedicated to amplifying diverse independent voices. A lifelong storyteller and memoirist, Lisa’s work blends emotional truth, humor, and lived experience, inviting readers into narratives that are both intimate and universal.

Since launching Indies United, she has built a vibrant creative sanctuary for authors championing fair contracts, collaborative growth, and sustainable publishing practices. Her leadership has helped writers bring their stories into the world with clarity, confidence, and integrity since 2018.

Lisa brings her deep experience in narrative craft, story structure, and author mentorship to the Columbus F.A.P. Festival, as a judge for the book submission category, where she is honored to support emerging voices and celebrate the power of independent storytelling.

Al Battle, also known as Alfredo Battle, is an international filmmaker from South Central Los Angeles, raised in Columbus, Ohio, and currently based in the DMV. With over 15 years of production experience, he has worked with government agencies, corporations, universities, and high-profile clients, traveling internationally for years to capture compelling stories, including documentary coverage of cosmetic surgeries in the Dominican Republic.

As the CEO and Founder of AB3 FILMS LLC, AL is dedicated to helping businesses grow through impactful, innovative visual storytelling while remaining committed to community engagement.

A product of Detroit, Michigan, Ben relocated to Los Angeles in 2004. Getting his break in the very early days of reality and unscripted programming, Ben took his opportunity and ran with it, carving out a career as an editor on some of the most memorable reality programs of all time, including Hell’s Kitchen, Celebrity Rehab, A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila, Wipeout, Love Island, Deal or No Deal, Beast Games, and many more. Although it’s easy to look back smirk at some of the titles, the salacious days of reality television taught him how to truly craft stories, how to mold imperfect footage and utilize sound and music to increase drama, change pacing to add excitement or emotion, and ultimately how to find entertainment where not everyone can. All the skills of a seasoned documentarian. 

Over the years, Ben has had opportunities to lend his editing and story skills to more premium documentary series’ like Disney+’s PROP CULTURE, and Universal Film’s ACTION, to name a few. 

Operating as one of the more experienced and trusted unscripted editors in Los Angeles, Ben’s reputation as someone who elevates stories is something he’s proud of, and something he looks forward to further cementing in the coming years. 

Outside of his career, Ben is a passionate animal rights advocate, a proud vegan, a mildly annoying husband, and a long suffering Detroit Lions fan.

​Bryant, a versatile videographer and photographer known for his creative vision and cinematic style. He specializes in weddings, music videos, brand content, short films, interviews, and commercials. With a passion for storytelling and a sharp eye for detail, Bryant delivers high-quality visuals that capture emotion, elevate brands, and leave a lasting impact. Whether on set or behind the scenes, his professionalism and artistic approach bring every project to life.

Alfred Dove is a highly accomplished multi-disciplinary artist whose career spans acting,

dance, choreography, and arts administration. Holding degrees from Howard University

and the University of California, Irvine, Dove has established himself as a cornerstone of

the American dance community.

As the Administrator of the Ulysses Dove Estate, he ensures the legacy of iconic

choreographic works, collaborating with premier companies including the Alvin Ailey

American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Deeply

Rooted Dance Theater, Washington Ballet, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. His

extensive performance credits include Broadway national and international tours, with

notable appearances in Raisin, Geoffrey Holder’s The Wiz, and Judith

Jamison’s Mefistofele. A dedicated educator, Dove has staged productions and taught

performance arts at prestigious institutions such as The Ohio State University, University

Missouri Kansas City, and George Washington University. He also served as the Regional

Director of The Original Chocolate Nutcracker, a landmark program that served over

2,400 performers. Guided by his motto, "Let everything that has breath praise the

Lord," Dove is deeply committed to community outreach, finding his greatest satisfaction

in working with at-risk and incarcerated youth.

At just 10 years old, Rosalind “Rose” Phipps discovered her love for the arts—and it became her lifeline. Growing up in foster care, she used art to cope, dream, and create a future beyond her circumstances. Drawing, painting, poetry, and fashion design fueled her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

In December 2017, Rosalind and her daughter Amira launched Artfully Images, a photo booth rental company known for fun props, unique backdrops, and stress-free event entertainment. What started as a childhood passion became a purpose-driven business capturing joy through art and photography.

Rosalind believes in living boldly, loving yourself fully, and never letting go of your dreams. Her journey is proof that art, faith, and self-belief can turn vision into reality.

Cedric L. Blackmon is a U.S. Army Veteran, serial entrepreneur, music producer, podcast host, mentor, and motivational speaker. After overcoming homelessness, military service, incarceration, and rebuilding his life, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Production from Full Sail University with a 3.87 GPA and multiple cybersecurity certifications. Host of the "Can We Talk About It" podcast, Cedric inspires audiences through authentic conversations on resilience, faith, leadership, and overcoming adversity. He was recognized in Who's Who in Black Columbus in 2024.