Jury

Whitney Headen didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, but after seven years of leadership experience at media companies like Viacom, iHeart, Defy, and ESSENCE Magazine, she realized that in order to see the impactful change she wanted, she’d have to build her own bridges. Witnessing resistance to industry-wide disruption throughout her career inspired Whitney to found the creative agency 19th and Park, where she’s currently CEO. The agency is known for thinking critically about the challenges facing the industry and turning them into opportunities for innovation. This approach has attracted major brands like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Samsung to entrust 19th & Park with their strategic direction and creative campaigns. In addition to her agency work, Whitney has made significant contributions to philanthropy, aiding in the distribution of over $10 million to charities focused on children's healthcare and education. Her leadership has earned 19th & Park a spot on Adweek's Creative 100 list and recognition from Fortune and Inc. as one of the Fastest Growing Companies. Whitney’s impact goes beyond her business ventures. Her commitment to empowering others has led to her inclusion in prestigious circles such as Ad Age’s The List, Forbes Top 1000 Entrepreneurs, and Ad Age Leading Women. Under her leadership, 19th & Park has provided employment opportunities to over 1,000 underserved creatives across various industries. Meanwhile, her passion for mentorship drove her to establish The Life Currency, a cross-media company focused on empowering young professionals. Through The Life Currency, Whitney has helped mentor over 100 members in their early personal development, creating a community that fosters both personal and professional