2024 PARTICIPANTS
VIP GRAND TASTING SPEAKER
VIP GRAND TASTING SPEAKER
VIP GRAND TASTING SPEAKER
WINEMAKER TERAH BAJJALIEH
Fresh from pouring her wines at a private reception hosted by the U.S. Department of State in honor of Arab American Heritage Month at Blair House, Terah Bajjalieh is a rising star in the wine industry—an independent winemaker committed to sustainable winemaking practices and to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is one of few Arab Americans producing wine in the U.S. and one of even fewer Palestinian wine producers. Born and raised in California, Bajjalieh has built an impressive career in viticulture and winemaking, studying at the International Culinary Institute in California before delving into the world of wine.
With numerous degrees and accolades—including a Master's degree in Enology and Viticulture from SupAgro in Montpellier, France, the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine & Spirits, and Level 2 Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, along with 13 harvests in renowned wine regions in five countries under her belt.
“As a woman of color and a member of the LGBTQ community, it has been heartening to see growing recognition of and support for independent winemakers from underrepresented groups,” says Bajjalieh.
COOKING CHALLENGE LIVE
VIP GRAND TASTING SPEAKER
COOKING CHALLENGE LIVE
In this "Chopped" style mystery box cooking challenge our two local networks will be battling it out LIVE for the Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest Cooking Challenge trophy. Watch PATRICK EVANS of KESQ go up against Mark Mester of NBC in an epic cooking battle you won't want to miss. Olivia Sandusky will be moderating and taking questions from the spectators. Judges include Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, Police Chief Andy Mills, TV Personality and Community Leader Scott Nevins.
FEATURED CHEF
VIP GRAND TASTING SPEAKER
COOKING CHALLENGE LIVE
CHEF ANDRÉ CARTHEN
"The Fit Chef" as featured in Kathy Ireland’s many books, including, “Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity,” and Co-Author of Janet Jackson’s, NY Times #1 Best Seller “True You” where he designed a healthy weight loss and meal plan.
“True You” takes Celebrity Chef André’s exquisite recipes and transforms them into something anyone can do if they have a desire to stay fit while eating the foods they love. Chef André is the only African American, appointed to the Nutrisystem Success Chef’s Council.
He is often asked to bring his culinary gifts to the media on popular radio & television programs like “Today Show,” “Access Hollywood”, “CNN”, “Soap Talk”, “EXTRA”, “Inside Hollywood”, “Black Hollywood Live”, “Sunday Dinner”, “Brave Heart Women”, “Healthy Women Healthy World”, “Get Real Live”, Breakfast Television / City TV”.
FEATURED SPEAKER
FEATURED SPEAKER
FEATURED SPEAKER
ANEKA BROWN DESIGNS
Aneka Brown was raised in Palm Springs and her design aesthetic has quickly become the new standard in luxurious lounge, resort, and cocktail wear. Brown designs for all shapes and sizes, and the bold prints and colors that dominate her collections celebrate her African American heritage while also being right at home amid the modernist sensibilities of Palm Springs.
Brown has highlighted her fashion and jewelry collections at Fashion Week El Paseo, Palm Springs Art Museum Fashion Show, and many others, garnering the attention of iconic celebrities such as Trina “Thumper” Park the first Black Bond Girl, Shari Belafonte, and Richard Pryor Jr just to name a few. Her fresh take on modernizing classic silhouettes is taking the fashion industry by storm.
" Live everyday of life like you’re on a runway.” -
Aneka Brown
FEATURED SPEAKER
FEATURED SPEAKER
FEATURED SPEAKER
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ETHYLINA CANNE
Hostess, comedian, columnist, actress, mid-century maven, Queen of Palm Springs....and TUPPERWARE LADY!!! Ethylina Canne is always the life of the party. She has received accolades from both party-goers and professional groups alike, including: Winner of "Desert Drag Race", "Best in Drag", Miss Congeniality "Queen of the Desert", "Everyday Hero" Award, GED Magazine "Outstanding Drag Diva", and Palm Springs Pride 2023 Community Grand Marshal.
Visit her booth at Equality Wine Fest to see all the Tupperware goodies.
FEATURED SPEAKER
FEATURED SPEAKER
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
CERTIFIED SOMMELIER JEN CARTER
With over twenty years in the restaurant business, Jen developed a passion for great food and wine while working at some of the best restaurants and wine bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Jen studied wine and event planning at UCLA, and became a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2007.
Jen will bring the WINE TRIVIA! Visit her booth at Equality Wine Fest for a tasting!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
DJ MODGIRL
Voted "Best DJ of the Desert" by numerous publications and community choice awards, Modgirl exudes the essence of Palm Springs. With a vintage outfit for every occasion, she curates eclectic mixes that make people move. DJ Modgirl's energy is infectious and audience engagement is her forte. Modgirl has played the pre-show for Madonna, Harry Styles, Paramore and others at the Acrisure Arena. Exclusive private party clients include Leonardo DiCaprio, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Bill Gates and the Pohlad Family. A fashionista, she's also created the upbeat soundtracks for fashion shows for Brunello Cucinelli, Trina Turk and at Fashion Week El Paseo.
STAGE EMCEES
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
STAGE EMCEES
OLIVIA SANDUSKY & MARK MESTER
NBC news anchors Olivia Sandusky and Mark Mester will join the fun on stage at the 2024 Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest with interviews, chef interactions, and some surprises. Olivia joined the news team in February, 2020 from KETK and FOX 51 in Tyler, TX. Mark joined the anchor desk last April, previously with KTLA in Los Angeles.
STAGE EMCEE
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
STAGE EMCEES
ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
Co-host of the GED Magazine Edition of PS Unwrapped with Chloe Carlson on NBC Palm Springs, Alexander Rodriguez, has spent many years in the entertainment industry, interviewing Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe winners from all genres of the biz. He is the Features Writer for Metrosource and GED Magazine, Podcast host of On the Rocks, Metrosource Minis, and U.S. of Gay. He'll be on the 2024 Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest Stage with trivia, interviews, and more.
