Bernie Lawrence-Watkins is a seasoned transactional attorney at the law firm of B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, PC, concentrating in the areas of Music, TV & Film, Technology, Licensing, Copyright, Trademark, and Business Transactions. Her clients include Grammy® Award winning music producers, artists and songwriters, some of who have sold over 10 million units in sales. She also represents major label record executives, Deejays, independent record labels, managers, music and film/television production companies, screenplay writers, and clothing designers. Ms. Lawrence-Watkins has over twenty years of experience in drafting and negotiating complex agreements ranging from licensing, employment, corporate transactions, to product endorsement and influencer deals in connection with entertainment and corporate brands like McDonalds, Burger King, Wing Stop, Sprite, Just Eats, Cîroc and Apple Music. Ms. Lawrence-Watkins’ sharp negotiating skills have earned her clients over millions of dollars in revenue. She periodically appears as a guest lecturer and panelist at colleges, law schools and conferences nationally and internationally. In 2007 Ms. Lawrence-Watkins co-founded Gather For Good, an annual networking and fundraising event seeking to raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. From 2009 to 2013, she served as a volunteer lecturer for Literacy Action, a United Way Organization, and taught grooming and interviewing techniques to adults seeking to re-enter the workforce. In 2012, she became a STEM community partner/volunteer to TAG-Ed. Through the years 2015 through 2023, her firm partnered with the Atlanta John Marshall Law School, Georgia State University College of Law, and Emory University to provide externship opportunities to law students seeking to learn the practice of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University College of Law.

Professional with experience in leadership positions, consulting, advisory, and project management in the public, non-governmental, central banking, and development banking sectors, in national, international, and multilateral institutions. Educated at high-quality universities for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Fellow of international leadership programs and managerial skills enhancement initiatives. Experience as a lecturer and juror for university research projects. Engaged in social causes and community initiatives as a manager and volunteer. Ability to engage with high-level stakeholders and grassroots communities. Bilingual.

What does an antiracist future look like? I've dedicated my career to imagining liberated futures and dismantling social structures that uphold inequity. Working with community groups and large bureaucratic organizations toward collaborative and collective solutions for racial justice. Advocating for values-driven leadership, shared authority, and reciprocity.

Lexi J. Robinson is a results-driven social impact leader with a proven track record of using financial technology and data-driven initiatives to advance economic equity and support inclusive growth. Skilled in creating and executing strategies that bridge the wealth gap and promote small business development through strategic partnerships, amplifying thought leadership through high-visibility platforms, and determining opportunities to leverage innovative fintech solutions and insights to advance equitable outcomes, globally.