Meet the GRIOT Team

Chief Executive Officer / Founder Griot Gateway Productions, Co-Founder Griot Gala 

Dionne is the Founder of Surge Marketing, one of the leading lifestyle marketing agencies in the entertainment space. With more than 15 years experience, she is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in the areas of strategic partnerships and alliances, branded entertainment properties and lifestyle marketing. Dionne has worked with some of the world's most recognizable talent properties and corporate brands. She has been instrumental in constructing brand partnerships and alliances between Chevy and Black Girls Rock and AT&T and Drake. She has brokered talent relationships and brand partnerships for Common, Nelly, Fabulous, Queen Latifah, Burger King, FedEx, Lincoln, Miller Coors, P&G and Target just to name a few. Dionne's expertise in brand partnerships has positioned her in the advertising industry as a leading brand strategist.

Managing Partner Dreamhouse MBG

GRIOT Gala Event Producer  

Annette has established a reputation in the fashion & entertainment industry for her exceptional work with event production, fashion and lifestyle branding.  Annette founded Dreamhouse MBG in 2008 and opened her first marketing and branding showroom at the famed Teri Jon Building in the New York City Garment District, with the desire to curate, develop and market upcoming brands, while bridging the gap between marketing and celebrity events. In 2010, Annette relocated to Los Angeles to work with the famed Jane Ubell-Meyer, CEO of Madison & Mulholland, who was known as the “Celebrity Gift-Bag Goodie Guru to the Stars” by Time Magazine and Fox News. Annette became a key member of the production and sponsorship team, while managing production for gifting lounges for  some of Hollywood's hottest A-list celebrity events and national award shows! Annette produced the 2018 and 2019 GRIOT Gala Oscar After  Parties, which were a resounding success! On February 9th, 2020, Annette will produce the 3rd Annual GRIOT Gala and it is sure to be spectacular!

Chief Financial Officer

GRIOT Gala Executive Producer  

Rickey is the Founder and CEO of World Fusion, LLC, an Entertainment and Marketing Company based in Los Angeles, California. Rickey is a well- respected and successful entrepreneur, who prides himself on spotting new show trends and in producing high quality content for interactive internet marketing and news worthy promotional events. With more than 20 years of experience in Marketing and Promotions, Rickey is a seasoned professional who is making moves in the Entertainment Industry and changing the game.