Arinolayemi (Yemi) Atinuke ADEGBONMIRE

VP, Legal & Associate General Counsel Cineverse
Wake Forest University

Yemi Adegbonmire is an attorney with many talents. This Baltimore native with Nigerian roots earned a master’s degree in public health science from Johns Hopkins University and went on to become a public health analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After securing a law degree from her alma mater, Wake Forest University, Adegbonmire’s early start in entertainment was in The Walt Disney Company’s ABC Television Group. She decided to challenge herself and left ABC to begin a solo practice. She was able to grow her practice representing a variety of creative clients, from writers and entertainers to Red Monkey brand custom leather apparel.

Adegbonmire currently serves as vice president, legal and associate general counsel at Cineverse, a global streaming technology and entertainment company. She has held the position since October 2023. A leader in the tech and streaming space, Adegbonmire’s innovative thinking has been instrumental to the company’s success. Whether maintaining the legacy business or the acquisition of multi-million-dollar IPs, her leadership has guided the company through the complexity of the cutting-edge world of entertainment. As Cineverse entrenches itself deeper into distribution technology, the dynamic thinking, vision and negotiation skills she brings to the company will allow it to maintain its positioning as a market leader.

Adegbonmire is also an avid volunteer for many organizations. She is a member of Wake Forest University’s Law Board of Visitors, the State Bar of California’s Council on Access and Fairness, a lifetime member of the California Association of Black Lawyers and a former member of GLAAD’s Los Angeles leadership council. In addition, she currently serves on Lambda Legal’s Emeritus Board of Directors and is a chapter charter member and Diamond life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a sisterhood of college-educated predominantly Black women that was founded in 1913. Adegbonmire was also a founding member and co-lead for Wakanda Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), a business employee resource group that drives revenue and relevance for DCPI with consumers. Her contributions to diversity and inclusion initiatives within the legal profession are noteworthy, reflecting her dedication to fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

PUBLIC COMPANY SMALL TO MIDSIZE FINALISTS

Edward D. CASTRO

Associate General Counsel & Regional Legal Officer, Americas

Cushman & Wakefield

USC Gould School of Law

Edward D. Castro serves as the associate general counsel and regional legal officer for the Americas at Cushman & Wakefield, playing a pivotal role in legal oversight and business strategy across North and South America. A key member of the Americas Executive Committee, he has led initiatives that streamline legal processes and reduce costs, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction. His leadership extends globally, supporting C&W’s Brokerage and Capital Markets services. A dedicated mentor and educator, Castro conducts regulatory trainings, empowering legal teams with knowledge on compliance and risk management. His commitment to education and community is demonstrated through his co-founding of the Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach, a charter school fostering intellectual development in students.

Andrew Charles GOLDBERG

Partner & General Counsel

Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.

University of Pennsylvania

Andrew Goldberg joined Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (LGP) as the firm's first in-house counsel and is now a partner. As general counsel and chief compliance officer, he oversees all legal and compliance matters, including investments, fundraising and risk management. Goldberg has played a key role in LGP’s growth, helping to raise over $50 billion in capital and expanding assets under management from $14 billion to over $75 billion. He also leads LGP’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and spearheaded the firm’s strategic expansion into GP-led continuation vehicles. He works closely with senior leadership and serves on the investment committee, advising on transactions and strategic initiatives. Goldberg is also active in the community, serving on the board of directors for CASA LA.

Zac KATZ

General Counsel & Head of Global Affairs

Grindr

Yale Law School

Zac Katz is the general counsel & head of global affairs at Grindr, where he oversees legal, privacy, government affairs and social impact functions. With over 20 years of experience, he has advised CEOs, boards and executive teams at mission-driven organizations like Age of Learning and the White House. Since joining Grindr in 2023, Katz has played a critical role in the company’s transition to a public entity, supporting key initiatives such as major debt refinancing and international growth strategies. He also leads Grindr for Equality, partnering with 150 global LGBTQ+ organizations to advance public health and human rights. Katz previously served as chief legal officer at Age of Learning, helping scale the company and leading its $300-million Series C funding.