Rising Stars
The Future of Licensing
The Rising Star Award recognizes the next generation of leaders for their commitment, passion and contributions to the licensing industry. Since 2012, Rising Stars are nominated each year from across the international brand licensing community with winners being recognized during the Licensing International Excellence Awards Ceremony. As a member of Rising Stars network of licensing professionals, recipients will enjoy:
Complimentary Access to the Certification of Licensing Studies Program
Feature Article in Licensing International’s NewsLinks
Free Entry to the Licensing Expo Opening Night Party at Licensing Expo 2021
25% Discount to Licensing International events (on top of the member discount, regardless of current membership status)
Free Copy of The Power of Licensing by Michael Stone, Chairman and Co-founder of Beanstalk
Free Copy of Business of Licensing by Greg Battersby and Danny Simon
Year of Mentoring with a Seasoned Licensing Professional
Opportunity to Mentor Future Rising Stars
Rising Star Criteria
Age
35 years old and under
Experience
Minimum three to maximum seven years of experience in licensing
Commitment
Demonstrates a commitment to and passion for the brand licensing industry
Development
Seeks additional professional development opportunities to improve skills
Innovative
Has shown innovation in their work
Leadership
Demonstrates leadership capabilities
Past Rising Stars
Mariana Orvañanos
La Panadería Licensing & Marketing
Nick Manzo
Seltzer Licensng Group
Leon Maratchi
Cartoon Network
Peter Cross
Broad Street Licensing Group
Mimi Nicosia
CPG, Nickelodeon
Mandy Bardisbanian
Hot Topic
Meghan Mernin
Epic Rights
Sally Russell
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Fernanda Coutinho
Beanstalk
Danielle Tanton
DHX Brands, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Scott Halpern
WWE
Yuki Jinza
Laura Ashley Japan Co.
Curtis Matthews
Striker Entertainment
Ryan McDonald
NFL Players Association
Lauren Montemaro
Beanstalk
Will Ochoa
Turner
Claire Pierce
Meredith Coporation
Becky Quinn
Sesame Workshop
Naomi Rosenzweig
Berkshire Fashions
Nancy Sanieoff
Brand Central
Andi Scher
Richmond Management Group
Nicole Silberstein
License Global magazine & Conference Director, NYC Licensing Summit

Samantha Yang
Shanghai Skynet Brand Management Corp

Ivonne Feliciano
Sesame Workshop

Kelley Davison
Added Extras

Lauren Fields
Brand Central LLC

Marisa Marionakis
Cartoon Network

Will Depippo
Sesame Workshop

Caitlin Gutekunst
Mind Candy

Andrew Ostrom
Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Jess Richardson
WWE

Anthony Shaut
Spielman Koenigsberg & Parker LLP

David Tovey
Mind Candy
