Widely recognized as “the bridge between continents,” Sonia Tucker brings decades of experience in cultivating meaningful global connections through media, training, and client engagement. She has led transformative programs that strengthen news delivery and storytelling by elevating the skills and relationships that power media worldwide.

As an innovative and transformative leader, Sonia Tucker believes that media no longer has boundaries, and that the connection between consumer and brand can be amplified through cultural trends, partnerships, emerging technology and media channels.

In 2022, Sonia founded Global Media Connection with a bold mission: to empower professionals and organizations around the world by enhancing their media and business expertise while connecting them with elite leaders and innovative opportunities.

Before launching GMC, Sonia played a pivotal role at CNN, where she created the CNN Fellowship, developed the CNN Bootcamp and co-founded the CNN Academy—programs inspired by Ted Turner’s vision to share journalistic excellence with CNN’s global partners.

A former marketing and content executive with Comcast- Dianne Bissoon brings 18+ years in the television, media and entertainment industry she was recruited by Cable & Wireless to launch its TV service, Lime TV, in 16 Caribbean islands. It was the region’s first IPTV service. She is one of the pioneers of the region’s first subscription-based OTT platform designed for Caribbean filmmakers. Ms. Bissoon has consulted for Warner Discovery- CNN International and coordinated boot camp academies for university students majoring in journalism, communication and public relations.  As well as journalism academies for off air television stations globally. Currently she is Head of Content Acquisition and Development for Global Media Connection overseeing content strategy for both linear and digital rights such as OTT and FAST TV. Bissoon was the co-creator and producer of TV series Walk Sacred, filmed on location in the U.S., Caribbean, and South Africa.

Jim LeMay advises and consults broadcast executives and journalists around the world. His clients include CNN, Cox Media Group, Meredith Corporation, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and the NBC O&O group.

In addition, Jim works with businesses and media platforms in emerging countries at the invitation of the U.S. State Department. Jim has provided media training both virtually and
in-person to the following countries: Papua New Guinea, Bahamas,  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Argentina, Uganda, Czech Republic, Bolivia, Peru, and Bangladesh.

He previously served as Deputy Managing Editor at CNN for ten years and managed the CNN Newsource D.C. Bureau. His work covered every major national and international story during that time.

Ben is a Digital Marketing Technologist with over 20 years of experience. Ben has helped shape the evolution of digital marketing — from the early days of static websites to today’s complex, data-driven ecosystems. As a founder of The Coca-Cola Company’s Global Hub Network, he built best practices and KPIs that connected marketing, public affairs, and global campaigns. He was the Social Strategy lead for global campaigns including the Olympics and World Cup.

Ben develops custom, multi-channel strategies that give brands a clear line of sight across all the realms of digital marketing. His clients include Fuze Tea and myTop, among others.

Beverly Shepard is an accomplished media specialist, with decades of experience in communications strategy, content management, and brand enhancement. Her background includes journalism, marketing, and public relations. She holds a law degree, bringing an analytical approach to her passion for storytelling.

Beverly was a legal affairs reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She has served as president of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists.

Her experience includes work with Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While at CDC, she contributed to the agency’s signature Tips From Former Smokers® national media campaign.

Beverly holds an accreditation in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America.

She served 10 years in the Georgia State Guard, holding a position as public affairs branch chief.

Meredith Dean is a digital branding & career consultant, community builder, travel & lifestyle content creator (3 million+ impressions on social media), university educator, former journalist, speaker & entrepreneur focused on DEI initiatives.

She’s the CEO and Founder of The Dean’s List, a digital branding & career consulting firm that has helped over 350 clients around the world level up their personal brand through online portfolios, social media coaching & workshops, career counseling & more.

She has also collaborated with Google Travel, the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, AC Hotels, and Bumble Bizz and previously worked for CNN, Fox 5 Atlanta, and Ryan Seacrest Studios. Most importantly, her uplifting culture stands on the core values of collaboration, the celebration of diversity, and human empowerment

Glenda Umaña is one of the most recognized and valued Latin American journalists. She is known for her charismatic, honest, objective and respectful style that has won the sympathy of a global audience.

With 30 years on the screen, 18 at CNN En Español, Glenda has been passionate about broadcast journalism and has covered the most relevant events of the past 20 years.

She offers live broadcasts, moderations, speaker opportunities, interviews, reporting, media analysis, documentaries, and training workshops for media, students, government officials, candidates for presenters, and television reporters.

Marylynn Ryan is a distinguished broadcast journalist with 38 years of experience in the industry. She is a two-time Peabody Award winner and has also earned a National Emmy Award and a prestigious DuPont Award for her outstanding contributions to journalism.

Currently, Marylynn serves as Vice President of News at Georgia Public Broadcasting, where she leads a dynamic team of reporters, podcasters, and digital journalists dedicated to covering the stories that shape the state of Georgia.

Prior to joining GPB, Marylynn spent 25 years at CNN, where she held a range of senior leadership roles, including Vice President and Southeast Bureau Chief. Throughout her tenure, she served as a Talk Show Producer, Executive Producer, and Managing Editor in CNN’s newsroom, contributing across multiple networks—CNN, HLN, and CNN Financial News.

Marylynn’s career is defined by her editorial excellence, leadership in broadcast news, and her unwavering commitment to delivering trusted, impactful journalism.

Courtney Kealy is an accomplished radio and television journalist who has covered globally impactful events ranging from major conflicts to cultural revolutions. In addition, she has covered some of the most turbulent years in U.S. history, including racial justice protests, impeachment proceedings, and domestic policy creation.

Courtney is skilled in networking and identifying news as it happens.
Currently based in Washington, D.C. and New York City, she has spent time in Beirut, Jerusalem, Baghdad, and Istanbul.

Courtney trains our clients in concrete researching, writing, editing, scoring a speech, and nailing the delivery with an impactful narrative. You come away from her sessions with the skills to easily modulate your voice to deliver your message while holding the attention of a live audience or owning that live shot.