Setting the Trend

Over three decades in the California State Assembly, including nearly 15 years as its longest-serving Speaker, followed by two terms as San Francisco’s first African American mayor, made Willie Brown one of the most influential political figures of his generation. His fedoras and impeccably tailored suits earned him another title: the best-dressed man in San Francisco.

Brooke Jenkins is San Francisco’s 31st District Attorney, first appointed in 2022 and re-elected by voters in 2024. A Bay Area native and graduate of UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago Law School, she began her career as a prosecutor in the office she now leads and has dedicated her work to advocating for victims and making San Francisco a safer place to live, work, and visit.

Beatrice is an Italian actress and model based in San Francisco, passionate about bringing authenticity, confidence, and a strong presence to both screen and fashion.

Diarra Anderson is a multidisciplinary creative, model, and the mind behind DNA Studios, a space for curated experiences and stylized atmospheres. Her background spans UX research at Facebook and Uber, modeling for global and boutique brands, and experiential event production.

Alex leads the Hotel Council’s advocacy for San Francisco’s hotels and the broader hospitality community. He was named a 2025 San Franciscan of the Year for his work championing the city’s hotels and community. An attorney and former prosecutor, Alex speaks five languages, and his writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Hill, the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGATE, and the San Francisco Business Times. Fun fact: he’s a licensed real estate broker, a former actor, and a lifelong fashion enthusiast.

Lawrence Beamen leads ECOVATE Inc, developing innovative biodegradable products for premium gyms, hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops—helping businesses eliminate costly laundry operations while dramatically reducing environmental impact. Seven years ago, Lawrence founded Fitted, a premium textile company with offices spanning San Francisco, Burlingame, and Los Angeles. A former psychologist, recording artist, producer, and third-degree martial artist, Lawrence has performed for Rosa Parks, Pope John Paul II, and US presidents.

Jonathan Davis, General Manager of Macy’s Union Square, is a passionate retail leader dedicated to building strong teams, creating memorable customer experiences, and delivering sustainable business growth.

With a background in Data Science and a Master's in Analytics from UC Berkeley, Ari brings a unique perspective to the runway. Working at the intersection of technology and creativity, she moves effortlessly between the analytical world of AI and the expressive world of fashion. For her, both are about pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and redefining what's possible.

Franco Finn is an internationally recognized live event host, hype man, TV & radio personality, and professional auctioneer. He is best known as the long time "Hypeman" for the Golden State Warriors and most recently, the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to national TV and radio appearances across NBC Sports, NFL Network TV, ESPN Radio, and The Food Network’s Guy's Grocery Games, Franco has led experiential campaigns and live activations for brands including Google, Apple, Disney, Nike, Coca-Cola, Virgin, and Alaska Airlines. He has also helped raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations and celebrity foundations nationwide.

Rodney A. Fong is a fourth-generation native San Franciscan who serves as President of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and is the third-generation representative of the Fong family to own the world-famous Wax Museum Entertainment Complex at Fisherman's Wharf. He has extensive leadership experience across civic, tourism, and philanthropic organizations, including serving as President of the San Francisco Port Commission and Chair of SF Travel Association, while spearheading major initiatives like Yes SF to revitalize downtown San Francisco through sustainable innovation partnerships with global companies.

Papia Banerjee Gambelin is Managing Director of State & Local Government Affairs for the Western U.S. at United Airlines, bringing more than 25 years of government affairs and communications leadership across aviation, utilities, energy, transportation, retail, and housing. She has served on numerous boards, with a focus on housing, environmental issues, and community development.

Chazz Marie is a model, actress, and emerging recording artist with a passion for fashion, beauty, and creative expression. 

Erika Padilla represents Build Group, where she works across estimating, business development, and special projects, helping drive innovation and technology in the construction industry. Proud of her Mexican-American identity and Spanish and Italian heritage, she draws on her multicultural roots, background in design, and passion for fashion, modeling, and music to bring a unique creative perspective to everything she does.

Charleston Pierce is a native of San Francisco, a mentor, and an a educator for the San Francisco Unified School District. Creator director for local merchandisers and a model coach and industry consultant for new talent.

Marisa Rodriguez is CEO of the Union Square Alliance, a downtown association dedicated to enhancing San Francisco's Union Square District — 27 city blocks representing 3% of the city's total assessed value. Brought in to catalyze the district's post-pandemic turnaround, she has elevated the Alliance's role as a destination marketing organization and reshaped the narrative of the square to attract visitors. A visionary, solutions-driven leader, she has crafted a forward-thinking strategy — from flexible zoning that attracts new business to clean-and-safe solutions for the district's 12,000 hotel rooms — to transform Union Square into a thriving urban neighborhood.

Nicole leads convention sales for SF Travel, driving citywide group business and the long-range sales and marketing of Moscone Center and the city’s other major convention facilities. Her 30+ year hospitality career began at PIER 39’s Blue & Gold Fleet, where she split her time between marketing and working as a deckhand. Before joining SF Travel in 2021, she spent 20 years with Marriott, including leading sales at Marriott Union Square, Marriott Marquis, and Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf. Her hobbies include keeping up her fashionista status with her very trendy children, hiking with her two dogs (Bear and Baylee), and traveling with her family - anywhere and everywhere!

Kelly Reehoorn is Director of Hotel Market Management for California at Expedia Group, where she leads a team focused on partner success and traveler value. With more than 14 years at Expedia Group and experience across the travel industry, she excels at coaching high-performing teams, optimizing commercial performance, and strengthening strategic partnerships. A University of Washington graduate, Kelly enjoys life in San Francisco and family adventures.

Ella Sogomonian is a media professional with more than a decade of experience reporting and hosting in the Bay Area. She is also the founder of the communications firm, Ella Vision.

Gia Vang  is an Emmy award-winning television news anchor and reporter with nearly 20 years of experience in markets across the country. Currently,  Gia is a TV news anchor and reporter for NBC Bay Area.  Gia  is the first news anchor of Hmong descent in a major U.S. news market. She is the daughter of Hmong refugees from Laos. Gia  was raised in south Sacramento along with her eight siblings.  She graduated from Sacramento State with a degree in journalism. Gia  is also the co-founder of the Very Asian Foundation, a journalist-founded non-profit that turned a racist voicemail into a positive movement in 2022.