Taura Stinson is a Golden Globe and Academy Award–nominated songwriter, author, and cultural leader whose voice has helped shape the soundtracks of major films and amplified artists across generations.

A proud Oakland native, her work spans music, television, and literature—collaborating with icons like Raphael Saadiq, Mary J. Blige, and Destiny’s Child while writing for films such as Mudbound, Don’t Look Up, and Beyond the Lights. She is the founder of Believe Become Books, an imprint that centers purpose, identity, and self-expression through youth-focused publications like 100 Things Every Black Girl Should Know.

As Board President of GospelFest Oakland, Taura brings unmatched creative vision, deep community roots, and a steadfast belief in the power of gospel music as a force for healing and collective joy.