Thedia Samara

Dr. Thedia Samara is a multi-award-winning interdisciplinary artist, visionary educator, and creative entrepreneur whose dynamic career weaves through the worlds of arts, media, faith, and philanthropy. A true multipotentialite, she is a writer, singer/songwriter, screenwriter, playwright, art director, curator, producer, and CEO of Samara Creative Ventures Group, LLC.
Her creative journey began at age 13 with poetry, later blossoming into a multifaceted entertainment career. As a young artist, she worked as a backup singer, dancer, and model in music videos and went on to appear in films and on national television. Her literary talents gained national attention, leading to anthology features, poetry awards, and a publishing contract following a televised competition on WNBC. She performed with the McDonald’s Gospel Choir at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, The Apollo Theater, and Radio City Music Hall, and recorded at the famed Hit Factory studio.
Her screenwriting and playwriting talents earned her a scholarship from X-Men director Brett Ratner to attend the New York Film Academy. She developed unscripted television pilots greenlit for Cox Network and attracted interest from Oscar-winning and major studio producers, including those behind Sling Blade and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Holding degrees in Business and Organizational Leadership, a Ph.D. in Music (focused on pedagogy), and honorary doctorates in Biblical History and Gospel Music, Thedia bridges academic depth with artistic excellence. Her research in creativity and neuroaesthetics is conducted through Johns Hopkins’ Arts + Mind Lab and the Aspen Institute. She is also a member of The Sound Health Network and The Nova Institute for Health.
As founder of Samara Creative Ventures, LLC, she empowers faith-based artists and entrepreneurs through publishing, coaching, digital products, and educational resources.
A passionate advocate for children in the arts, Thedia also campaigns against child trafficking and systemic racism. She enjoys travel, sports, and exploring culture and the arts with her husband, Daniel.