WRITER & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Oneca is a senior People and Culture architect who transforms organizations. A Brown University and Institute of Culinary Education graduate, she combines operational rigor with hospitality frontline experience. From specialty food groups like Mekelburg’s to executive leadership at Fox Lifestyle Hospitality Group, Oneca has a proven track record of building scalable people systems. Her global reach includes managing the complex integration of BodyArmor and Powerade into The Coca-Cola Company, successfully aligning benefits and culture on a massive scale. As Writer and Executive Producer of Tough as a Mother, Oneca is architecting the foundational security hospitality workers deserve.

DIRECTOR & CINEMATOGRAPHER

Soren Christiansen is an award-winning filmmaker who specializes in the art of documentary storytelling. After a distinguished career as a copywriter and a decade-long tenure as a senior producer for CNN On Air Promotion, Soren founded SkySee Video to focus on narratives that capture the human condition. His work as a cinematographer and editor spans global brands and educational institutions, bringing a disciplined, cinematic lens to every project. Currently, he is lending his vision to Tough as a Mother, ensuring the documentary's visual narrative matches the weight of its mission.

LINE PRODUCER

Jim Threlkeld began in cel animation and rose to create cult hits like The Brak Show special and Ugly Americans. Studio work for Turner and commercials honed his fast, precise production for networks including Cartoon Network, PBS, and Nickelodeon. Now focused on interview-driven documentaries for Georgia Tech, Atlanta Ballet, and Emory Healthcare, he moved from animation assistant to directing features — most recently on underground cartoonist Denis Kitchen — blending technical skill with human-centered storytelling.

TALENT

Tasia is a seasoned hospitality executive and people strategist whose career is defined by the intersection of operational precision and experiential dining. She began her trajectory in executive recruitment for global financial institutions including Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan where she mastered the art of high stakes relationship management and diversity advocacy. Today, Tasia leverages that corporate acumen to curate immersive dining concepts that connect cuisine to community. As a leader, she operates on the belief that true luxury lies in intentionality, ensuring every guest experience has a lasting, soulful impact.

TALENT

Cindy Salas is a dedicated hospitality professional who has spent over a decade mastering the foundational rhythm of the industry. Beginning her career at fifteen, she worked her way through the floor to become a lead server, playing a pivotal role in launching high volume, design forward venues across New York City. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to the craft of service and an evolving perspective on the balance required to thrive in a demanding industry. Now bringing her extensive expertise to the dining room of a renowned Michelin starred restaurant, Cindy remains a steadfast advocate for excellence and resilience on the front lines of hospitality.

TALENT

Kimberly Valerio is a People and Culture leader dedicated to scaling high performing hospitality organizations through empathy and accountability. Currently serving as a Director of People & Culture, Kimberly partners with leadership to drive talent strategy and operational excellence across complex, multi-concept portfolios. With a background that includes managing international people operations and leadership coaching for rapidly growing hospitality groups, Kimberly has earned a reputation for solutions-oriented leadership that balances legal rigor with a deep commitment to organizational health.