April Reign

Activist, Business leader, Change agent, Connector, Consultant, Idea generator, Marketer, Parent, Writer/Editor

April Reign practiced law for nearly twenty years, honing her talent for public speaking, persuasive writing and effecting policy change, but it wasn’t until she walked away from her legal practice that she found her true passion. As the creator of the viral hashtag-turned-movement, #OscarsSoWhite, April has been challenging the lack of representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood and beyond since 2015. Reign sustains a movement that has resulted in the most permanent systemic change ever seen in the over 80-year history of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her name continues to be synonymous with this historic change, the results of which are reverberating throughout the entertainment industry and will do so for decades to come. As a companion to #OscarsSoWhite, Reign has created Akuarel, a multicultural media resource directory in which creatives on both sides of the camera, both sides of the curtain, and writers/journalists can self-identify amongst several categories, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and experience. Movie studios, TV networks, and media outlets can then search amongst a cross-section of these categories to find talented individuals for their casts, crews, and newsrooms. Akuarel provides the solution to #OscarsSoWhite and ensures that the news and entertainment media can no longer say that they are interested in working with marginalized communities, but don't know where to find them. Reign is an influential and sought-after media presence, having built an impressive global organic social media following over several platforms, as well as a network of recognized celebrities, creators, activists, and decision makers at the corporate level. Reign capitalizes on this network and her experience, using her voice to spark conversations and explore issues of race, politics and culture, helping structure ways to turn dialogue into action. April Reign travels internationally, speaking at academic institutions and conferences; is available for appearances at industry awards, festivals and events; and is highly sought-after for consulting with organizations regarding issues of diversity and inclusion.

The intersection of technology, art, and culture

Follow your purpose. Know your worth. Step out on faith. Let the Universe provide. Get out of your own way.

Oh, people know.