PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Film/TV Producer, Starlit Pictures, Los Angeles, CA - Present

  • Built a production slate of 6 film/TV projects sourced from the Bushwick Film Festival Alumni, ensuring successful management within the given budget constraints.

  • Spearheaded the development, production, and hosting of 16 episodes of Indie Cinema New York on the Emmy Award-winning BRIC TV network, which included collaborations with Oscar and Emmy-winning creators, amassing approximately 40,000 views per quarter.

  • Produced short documentaries and music videos, supporting the promotion of emerging artists, and created high-quality, branded content and commercials tailored to the specific needs of corporate clients.

Film Festival Founder and CEO, Bushwick Film Festival, Brooklyn, NY 2007 - Present

  • Founded and grew a film festival from a local Brooklyn event with 100+ attendees, 30 film submissions, and 5 screenings to an international festival with 3500+ attendees, 1000+ film submissions from 60 different countries, and 40+ screenings and events.

  • Fostered a company culture emphasizing new voices, impactful storytelling, and the promotion of independent cinema and media in diverse communities.

  • Led teams of up to 30 to deliver 40+ annual screenings, events, and panels.

  • Cultivated a network of nearly 1000 festival filmmakers and speakers, aiding their connection with new opportunities and audiences.

  • Oversaw film selection, ensuring the most outstanding and diverse films are showcased each year. Developed efficient submission and judging systems, enhancing the festival selection process and ensuring the representation of quality, diversity, and meaningful narratives.

  • Developed and implemented marketing campaigns and events resulting in a 40-50% annual increase in ticket sales.

  • Collaborated with the Marketing Director to unify brand voice across 5 channels, yielding significant increases in newsletter subscriptions, website visits, and film submissions.

  • Attended key meetings/events to foster partnerships, elevate festival awareness, and assist films in securing opportunities.

  • Worked with the Marketing Director to formulate and execute partnership and sponsorship strategies. Successfully sold sponsorship packages to both local and corporate entities.

  • Sustained relationships with 30+ annual partners and sponsors to support festival production. Forged strong partnerships with key local and global filmmakers, media outlets, organizations, and community stakeholders through proactive networking.

Community Engagement Consultant, Local Citizens, New York, NY 2016 - 2019

  • Developed and implemented community engagement strategies with businesses and led arts-based programs that enhance local areas, such as large-scale mural projects.

  • Secured funding, crafted strategic messages to achieve goals, and increased awareness through marketing campaigns and short documentaries.

Festival Program Assistant, Tribeca Film Institute, New York, NY - 2013

  • Managed a youth education program, developed curriculum, produced award events, and taught various industry skills such as pitching and networking to help students navigate the festival successfully.

  • Identified industry professionals and invited them to serve as film mentors and guest speakers.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor of Science in Media, Culture, and Communications, New York University, 2009

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Presented a TEDx HiltonHead talk highlighting the global implications of limited diversity in Hollywood.

  • Presented film and entertainment conversations at major companies including Google, Chase Bank, and Societe Generale, as well as prominent universities like NYU, Northwestern, University of Denver, Pratt University, and more.

  • Conducted a Master Class on U.S. Film Festival Strategy in Bolivia.

  • Featured in Delta Airlines/Popsugar Campaign for championing women of color in film production roles. Co-produced a United Nations-backed Women's Peace Film Festival in West Africa to promote peace and women's empowerment.

  • Received various business grants from MasterCard, Caress, IFund Women, Hello Alice, and more.

VOLUNTEER WORK

  • TEDxBushwickWomen Organizer

  • Co-Chair of the Arts and Culture Committee on Bushwick Community Board

  • Blair Academy Alumni Planning Committee

  • Interfaith Prison Partnership Volunteer

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Movie Magic, various CRM solutions, Final Cut Pro 10, Adobe Illustrator, Mailchimp, Hoot Suite, Loomly, WordPress, Square Space, Photoshop, Canva

INTERESTS

  • Reading, writing, volunteering, producing, movies, TV, theater, public speaking, religion and spirituality, politics, cultural activities, yoga, dancing, mentoring, traveling.