Our mission

Empower the next generation of filmmakers

Chicago's historical and systemic lack of inclusion restricts new and emerging creatives. We seek to level the playing field by providing resources for hyper-local connection, instruction, learning and career advancement. Through our programming, we ensure women and non-binary filmmakers of color can actively participate in Chicago's bustling media production scene.

An orange banner with a photo of members and text saying Mezcla Media Collective Fiscal Report 2023-2024

Community supporters and partners

Arts Work Funds Logo
DCASE Chicago Film Office logo
color congress logo
Crossroads Fund logo
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Logo
MacArthur Foundation Logo
Camera Ambassador Logo
Open Television logo
Independent Film Alliance Chicago logo
Sisters in Cinema Logoo
Midwest Film Festival Logo
Full Spectrum Features Logo

Meet the Leadership Circle

Executive Director

Naeema fundraises and strategizes to get more resources for the greater Mezcla community. Naeema currently works as an independent producer and director, managing the production of short content for production companies and nonprofits, as well as developing and producing independent documentary projects in Chicagoland and beyond. Her work has screened at a number of festivals, including New Orleans Film Festival, San Francisco Doc Fest and St. Louis International Film Festival. She is also an educator and has worked as an adjunct lecturer in film at Northwestern University and DePaul University.

Director of Operations

Kenyetta works internally with the Executive Director and coordinators to manage tasks and create systems that allow Mezcla to run smoothly. She is a filmmaker and organizer from the Southside of Chicago with a passion for storytelling. Kenyetta has worked with entities such as Full Spectrum Features as an Associate Producer and is a member of the Reservoir Collective, a mutual-aid collective established by and for Black artists to pool funds to financially and creatively support Black Queer, Trans, and/or disabled artists in completing their artistic projects.

Board Members

Colette Ghunim
Chair
Christina Shaver
Co-Chair
Ruth Torres
Treasurer
Julie Keck
Secretary
Patrick Dahl
Officer
Kyra Jones
Officer
Erin Turney
Mezcla Representative
Patrick Dal
Secretary
CEO & Owner, Banner Collective
Abby Cheesman
Treasurer
Co-Founder, Skillscout
Elena Valentine
Chair & President
Co-Founder & CEO, Skillscout
Paula Froehle
Vice Chair & President
Executive Director, Chicago Media Project
Jessica Tolliver
Mezcla Media Representative
Freelance Filmmaker & Cinematographer