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. He is a Frank N. Magid and Associates (FNMA) Senior Consultant. His clients include 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. 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.

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.

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

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.

Melissa Mahtani is an Executive Producer at CBS News, where she leads the strategic expansion of the CBS News Confirmed unit across all platforms. Her work focuses on combating misinformation, with a particular emphasis on the growing challenges posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content.

Prior to joining CBS, Melissa was an award-winning Senior Producer and Reporter at CNN, bringing over 17 years of global experience across major media hubs including London, Paris, and New York. Throughout her career, she has produced for a range of top-tier networks, including CNN International, CNBC, France 24, and ITN.

A multimedia innovator, Melissa has consistently been at the forefront of emerging media, shaping content across television, digital, mobile, and social platforms. From breaking news coverage to developing content for Facebook, Instagram, and podcasts, her work reflects a deep understanding of how to engage audiences wherever they are.

She has conducted high-profile on-camera interviews, contributed to digital publications, and moderated panels on current affairs and business issues. Melissa has also played a pivotal role in shaping the social media strategies around major events, including CNN Town Halls, CNN Heroes, and the United Nations General Assembly.

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.