Thelma Wells Karol Ladd Phil Cooke Cristóbal Krusen OUR 2017 PLATINUM AWARD WINNERS THE GLOBAL MEDIA SUMMIT GALA celebrates the outstanding achievement of Christians in the field of communications by presenting the Platinum Award for Excellence in Media. This year’s recipients are Phil Cooke (television and film), Thelma Wells (television, author, national speaker), Karol Ladd (author & media personality) and Cristóbal Krusen (award- winning film maker). Enjoy this inspiring evening of fellowship, music and celebration! An internationally known writer and speaker, Phil Cooke has actually produced media programming in more than 50 countries around the world. In the process, has been shot at, survived two military coups, fallen out of a helicopter, and in Africa, been threatened with prison. And during that time – through his company Cooke Pictures in Burbank, California – he’s helped some of the largest nonprofit organizations and leaders in the world use the media to tell their story in a changing, disrupted culture. Thelma’s passion to inspire everyone to “BEE” the best never slows down. Her latest venture is leading “Generation Love” conferences to motivate, inspire, and invest in the lives of families. For more than 30 years she’s been traveling globally speaking to corporations, government agencies, and at national Christian conferences such as Women of Faith. Through her books, teaching and television ministry, her heart is to mentor women, inspiring them to be all that God has created them to be. From math teacher to bestselling author of over 35 books to founder of an initiative for parents in areas affected by poverty, Karol Ladd’s life is a joyful adventure. Karol is known for her encouraging smile and contagious enthusiasm. Her deepest desire is to infuse men and women with the hope of Christ through her books, speaking, teaching and outreach. Her life verse is Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine among others that they may see your good works and glorify the Father.” Cristóbal Krusen has worked as a writer/director of film and television for thirty years, helming productions in more than twenty countries. He is best know for the films, Final Solution, More Than Drams, Undaunted and most recently, Sabrina K. Over the last several years, he has also begun fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a writer. Working in multiple languages, Cristóbal is known for a poetic style and the ability to draw intimate performances from actors. Above all, he is a “storyteller” who delights to engage his audience while addressing the deepest needs of the human heart.