Dream Con Celebrates Women in Entertainment

The women shaping today’s entertainment landscape are redefining how our stories are told on the big screen. This Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting three powerhouses whose work continues to inspire fans and communities alike.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has built a career rooted in versatility and bold choices, starring in everything from character-driven indie films to action-heavy blockbusters. She brings a distinct presence to the screen that helps challenge expectations and expand representation.

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White many fans recognize her as Valkyrie in the MCU, but Thompson’s range goes far beyond superhero epics. She gravitates toward projects that center complex, often underrepresented voices, including her roles in Hedda, Creed, Passing, and Sylvie’s Love - to name a few. Recently, Thompson starred in the new Netflix thriller His & Hers.

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Off-screen, Thompson is a vocal advocate for inclusion across Hollywood, using her platform to champion BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ representation throughout the industry and speaking openly about the importance of health equity and access for BIPOC women

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Did you know? Thompson is also a musician and has collaborated with artists behind the scenes on film soundtracks, most notably on Creed and Creed II.

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Cassandra Freeman

Cassandra Freeman has built a career defined by powerful performances across television and film. She brings authenticity and depth to every role with a particular gift of commanding attention and leaving a lasting impression.

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Freeman is widely recognized for her portrayal of Aunt Viv in Bel-Air, the Peacock reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where she took a beloved classic character and reimagined her with modern nuance and complexity. When shaping this role, Freeman looked to Janet Hubert’s original portrayal, but also drew inspiration from Jada Pinkett-Smith, crafting a role that honors the legacy while standing on its own. 

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Her work on Bel-Air, alongside credits in Inside Man and The Last OG, reflects her ongoing commitment to layered storytelling and authentic portrayal of Black women on screen.

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Did You Know? Cassandra co-founded Creatricity, which she describes as "LinkedIn had a baby with IMDB," to help BIPOC creatives connect.

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Zinzi Coogler

Zinzi Coogler is a producer whose work sits at the intersection of cultural significance and authentic storytelling. Operating behind the scenes, she plays an essential role in shaping narratives that resonate on a global scale while remaining grounded in genuine, specific human experiences.

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Coogler is best known for her work on Sinners, which has become a cultural phenomenon and a defining moment for representation in mainstream blockbuster cinema, as well as Anthem, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Creed III. 

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As co-founder of the production company Proximity Media, she continues to champion projects that uplift diverse voices and push the industry forward.

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Did You Know? Coogler is a highly accomplished certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and worked at the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy, and Referral Agency (DCARA).

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