Thali Sugisawa grew up in the south of Brazil as the second-generation of Japanese immigrants. She has a BA in International Relations, a MA in Organizations & Development, and a stellar career that started in the multinational sector of medical devices, working with world-leading companies, such as Fujifilm and Steris.

In Central Florida since 2015, Thali co-founded FusionFest in collaboration with the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, a grassroots project turned into an award-winning nonprofit organization with the mission of celebrating the rich cultural diversity through performing, visual and culinary arts.

Under her leadership, FusionFest grew exponentially with programs reaching thousands of people in over 120 countries, and creating opportunities for businesses and artists to collaborate and innovate. In-person and virtual programs, included a weekly talk show, an annual multicultural community festival for 20,000 people, monthly immersive dining experiences, a short-film contest, art gallery exhibitions, and multiple collaborative projects with private, public and nonprofit organizations.

Thali is graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 98, the City of Orlando Academy Class 2016. She has been featured in the Orlando Arts Magazine and has been recognized for her work in advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Central Florida with the following awards:​