Mission

Our mission is to provide resources to ensure that women and non-binary filmmakers of color realize their full potential as storytellers and agents of change at a local level. Mezcla currently has three tiers of resources offered: hyper-local, knowledge transfer, and career advancement. By creating a local hub in Chicago, women of color can be provided with resources to enhance their craft by way of creating access to a network, workshops, and a centralized local community without having to look to coastal cities such as Los Angeles or New York City. Mezcla also seeks to level the playing field, ensuring that women and non-binary filmmakers of color are able to participate in their city’s bustling media production scene.

CO-FOUNDERS

COLETTE GHUNIM

ELENA VALENTINE

Executive Director

Board President

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

The purpose of the Mezcla Leadership Circle is to support activities that help sustain Mezcla Media Collective as the go-to resource and community for women and non-binary filmmakers of color in Chicago.

Naeema Torres
Operations Manager

Lena Elmeligy
Mentorship Coordinator

Carina Nieto

Imani Davis
 Programming Coordinator

Natalia Salazar

Erika Valenciana 
Membership Coordinator

Keanna Prince

Ashley O'Shay
​Digital Resources Coordinator

Board members

Elena Valentine | Chair & President - Co-Founder & CEO, Skillscout
Paula Froehle | Vice Chair & President - Executive Director, Chicago Media Project
Patrick Dal | Secretary - CEO & Owner, Banner Collective
Abby Cheesman | Treasurer - Co-Founder, Skillscout
Jessica Tolliver | Mezcla Media Representative - Freelance Filmmaker & Cinematographer

GET INVOLVED

Community Partners