Who we are | KMBA CREATIVE

SAM COOK

Sam Cook is a dual U.S./Australian entertainment executive, creative strategist, and founder of KMBA Creative, with over three decades of global leadership in music, arts, and cultural enterprises. A Professional Member of the Recording Academy® (Grammys), she is recognized internationally for driving creative innovation, strategic growth, and large-scale cultural impact.

Sam has delivered landmark productions including the Grand Opening of Los Angeles’ Sixth Street Viaduct, the Bob Marley Festival in Ethiopia, cultural presentations at Stonehenge (UK), and an address at the African Union.

She has held senior leadership roles as APRA AMCOS’ North America Representative, Director of The Dreaming Festival, Programmer at Woodford Folk Festival, and CEO of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, where she led a major financial turnaround and expanded into 12 new markets.

A proven fundraiser and cultural advocate, Sam has raised $14M+ for arts projects supporting Aboriginal Australian communities and presided over $60M in arts funding across Australia and the U.S.

She also spearheaded the global #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA movement, mobilizing 20 million people in under five months.

Her recognitions include Arts Leader Honoree (NYC, 2025), Excellence Award, Women’s Economic Forum (2020), Startup Excellence Award (2019), and two Australia Council Fellowships. Earlier honors include Aboriginal Youth of the Year (1999) and serving as a Sydney Olympics Torch Bearer (2000).

Notable Achievements

Awards & Recognition

Professional Member, Recording Academy (USA, 2025)
Arts Leader Honoree, NYC (USA, 2025)
Excellence Award, Women’s Economic Forum (India, 2020)
Startup Excellence Award, Hong Kong Worldwide Business Federation (2019)
Recipient, Australian Arts Council Fellowship (2007, 2011)
Winner, National Aboriginal Youth of the Year (1999)
Torch Bearer, Sydney Olympics (2000)
Queen’s Baton Relay Runner, Commonwealth Games (2006)
World Who’s Who of Women, 15th Edition (2009)
Australian Music Managers Association Awardee (2013)
Finalist, Deadly Awards (2013)
Finalist, Young Australian of the Year Awards (1998)
Winner, Broome Aboriginal Artist of the Year Award (1998)

Speaking Engagements & Thought Leadership

Guest Speaker, UC Berkeley (2022)
Guest Speaker, Santa Barbara Zoo Aussie Walkabout Opening (2022)
Guest Speaker, Australian Theatre Festival, NYC (2021)
Guest Speaker, Australian Consulate, LA (2021)
Guest Speaker, Victorian College of the Arts (VCA, 2021)
Guest Speaker, African Union HQ (2018)
Keynote Speaker, Sorry Day, London (2017)
WOW Women of the World Speaker (2015)

Founder & Cultural Initiatives

Founder, #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA (2014)
Founder, Australia’s Blak History Month (2008)
Melbourne Business School – Murra Alumni (2014)
Alumni, investible tech startups (2017)