From Grambling State to the Global Stage: Tina Davis, President of EMPIRE, Returns for Full-Circle Moment at Dope Thinkers Only Conference

Houston, TX – August 12, 2025 — Kulur Group, in collaboration with Grambling State University’s College of Business and humanUPtions, proudly announces that Tina Davis, President of EMPIRE, groundbreaking music executive, and a product of Grambling State University, will return as a featured speaker at the inaugural Dope Thinkers Only Conference (DTOC) presented by MJ on Purpose, September 11–12, 2025.

Recognized as one of the most influential women in music, Davis has built a three-decade career shaping culture and launching stars, from her groundbreaking tenure as the first woman to lead A&R at Def Jam to her current leadership as President at EMPIRE, one of the world’s leading independent music companies. Davis found herself re-inspired by the company’s fresh approach to tech and the music world.

Her return to Grambling is more than an appearance – it’s a full-circle moment. After attending Grambling State, Davis secured her first music industry role as an executive assistant at Chrysalis Music Publishing, where she helped launch the company’s Black Music Division and worked with artists such as OutKast and Brandy.

She is also the President of Phase Too, Inc., a full-service management company known for discovering, developing, and launching the career of Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, and producer Chris Brown. Her appearance at DTOC reflects her ongoing commitment to empowering emerging creatives.

"Coming back to Grambling feels like coming home, and returning for a fireside chat at the Dope Thinkers Only Conference is a huge honor,” said Davis. “This school gave me the foundation to build a career I’m proud of, so it’s incredibly moving to stand in front of the next generation and hopefully inspire them the way I was once inspired.”

The Dope Thinkers Only Conference is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by equipping students and professionals with the tools, connections, and confidence to lead in marketing, communications, leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative industries.

Grambling State University’s President, Dr. Martin Lemelle, said, "Tina Davis’s journey reflects the very essence of what we strive to cultivate at Grambling State—bold vision, relentless drive, and the courage to shape culture on a global stage. Her return for the Dope Thinkers Only Conference is a testament to the power of our community to inspire leaders who redefine what’s possible."

“Tina Davis personifies what a Dope Thinker is,” said Nicholas Love, CEO of Kulur Group and Executive Director and Founder of Dope Thinkers.“Tina has elevated categories and culture through diverse and inclusive thinking. We're both products of Grambling's mass communications department, and to have the opportunity to have her in attendance for our inaugural Dope Thinkers Only Conference was a no-brainer.”

Davis will join an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and industry leaders, including:

●      Luke Cooper, General Partner, Latimer Ventures VC Fund

●      Kris Wright, VP, Nike, Jordan Brand Footwear & Merchandise

●      Denise Bennett, Head of Integrated Marketing, Ebony

●      Lincoln Stephens, Chief Brand Officer, TD Jakes Enterprises

●      Dr. Joslin Mar-Dai Pickens, Founder, Vegans on the Run

●      Celeste Warren, Former VP of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Merck and Founder of Destination STEM

DTOC is open to students, faculty, and professionals nationwide, offering transformational conversations, career-shaping workshops, and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.

For registration, partnership, or volunteer information, visit dopethinkers.org/conference