Shine Global & The Hollywood Reporter Host Changemaker Salon In The Hamptons, Kicking Off 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Shine Global, the Oscar and Emmy-winning nonprofit media company dedicated to telling stories that improve children’s lives, partnered with The Hollywood Reporter to host an inspiring Changemaker Salon on Thursday, July 31, at the Amagansett home of Shine Global founders Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury. The intimate event served as a powerful kickoff to Shine Global’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which will culminate with a gala at City Winery in New York City on September 30th.

The evening brought together a curated group of creatives, changemakers, and visionaries for cocktails, conversation, and connection — all centered on the power of storytelling to drive change for children around the world. Opening remarks were delivered by Francile Mullen, Shine Global’s Co-CEO and Executive Director, who highlighted the organization’s twenty-year legacy of powerful, child-centered filmmaking and the Co-CEO’s focus on building a sustainable foundation for the next twenty years.

The heart of the evening was a special conversation between Shine Global’s co-founders Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury, moderated by Shine Global’s Partnership Lead, Kate Kelley, offering a candid look at the triumphs, challenges, and future of purpose-driven filmmaking.

Hosted in partnership with James Lane Post, the evening underscored the shared belief in the power of media to create meaningful impact.

“The Hollywood Reporter thanks Shine Global for including us in this powerful evening — and to Albie and Susan for so generously hosting this important event. Your vision and commitment to illuminating the voices of young people around the world through powerful, purpose-driven storytelling is both inspiring and necessary. At The Hollywood Reporter, we believe in the transformative potential of media and support Shine Global’s mission to tell stories that not only reveal truth, but also inspire action. We’re humbled to stand alongside you in this mission,” said Lori O’Connor, EVP and Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter.

As Shine Global looks ahead to its milestone 20th anniversary celebration this fall, this Hamptons gathering served as both a reflection and a rallying cry — reminding all in attendance of the lasting power of film to spark hope, joy, and change.