My Nonprofit Reviews

After 11 years as a member of and volunteer for Women in Film & Video DC, I'm still an enthusiastic supporter. WIFV stays on top of all the developments in the media industry is an incredibly rich resource for women media makers. Starting as a volunteer in 2007, I was able to get my first associate producer job with help from WIFV. Fast forward a few years, and I'm starting my own production company. Thank you, WIFV!

Creating broadcast-quality, high-impact media is hard work. It can take years to complete a film, technology changes almost daily, and obtaining funding is almost insurmountably challenging. But if you’re a woman who wants to direct a feature film, write a TV series, or produce a documentary, your chances of success are greatly diminished.

Study after study shows there is still a profound lack of diversity among above-the-line decision makers (defined as directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, and editors). Research also shows how this deficit helps perpetuate the rampant, demeaning depiction of women and girls in mainstream media. Women and girls continue to lose confidence as a result of inequitable gender portrayals. Stories go untold. Social change driven by powerful documentary films is not generated. The richness of our culture is diminished.

Women in Film & Video of Washington, DC (WIFV) has been working since 1979 to turn disappointing statistics around and advocate for under-represented voices. Our operating philosophy is to be the change we want to see. We help women build skills and make key connections, and we help them access funding. I'm very proud to have been a member and volunteer since 2007 as well as a board member since 2012.

When I was considering a career move to media in 2007, Women in Film & Video-DC was one of the first resources I discovered, and everyone I encountered said WIFV was THE place to start and grow a media career. I started volunteering right away and have had the honor of being mentored by WIFV's Executive Director, Melissa Houghton, for the last six years. WIFV even helped me get my first position in the industry! Along the way, I have gotten to know and learn from many WIFV members. In 2012, I was elected to the WIFV board, and now I'm Vice President of Development! Needless to say, I have benefited personally and directly from Women in Film & Video, and I recommend the organization to anyone starting or transitioning into a media career.

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