TEAM

Marlene Fox is the Executive Producer on the Harlem Rising documentary. Marlene worked with the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) on its place-based strategy and in various increased levels of leadership for (or many - I was there on and off for 25 years) 25 years. As a former member of the HCZ senior management team, Marlene had the opportunity to develop, implement and manage key initiatives including Beacon school-based programs, the HCZ project, Promise Academy Charter Schools and finally the Healthy Harlem program.   

The Founder of the award-winning youth media arts organization, Rise & Shine Productions, Vural brought her program to the Harlem Children's Zone's (HCZ) original agency, the Rheedlen Centers in 1990. At HCZ, Vural served as a Program Director, Director of Education, Senior Director of Quality Assurance, and now as a consultant. She launched and led several foundational programs that have been sustained over decades such as the Baby College,  Academic Case Management, and the College Success Office. With a Masters in Arts Education from Columbia's Teachers College, Vural's roots are planted firmly in the intertwined fields of youth leadership development, community arts education and college and career readiness. 

Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, Chris Rob has established himself as a renowned producer, keyboard wizard, passionate singer & versatile songwriter.  In addition to his own music,  he’s also working behind the scenes as a writer and music director for The Nasty Delicious, the backing band for his older brother, comedian/actor/musician Craig Robinson (“The Office”). He has additionally  worked with comedian Dave Chappelle, R & B legends like Nile Rogers and Anita Baker, and hip-hop artists like Talib Kweli, Slick Rick, and Rakim. He has appeared on Celebrity Family Feud, NBC's Mr. Robinson, The Office, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Grammy Awards, VH1's Hip Hop Honors, Last Comic Standing, as well as in a the popular nationally televised commercial for "Dietz Nuts. Chris Rob’s goal is to first and foremost connect to the audience, using genuine and heartwarming lyrics to tap into their souls.