As the founder and director of 9elephants productions, I use art and video to bring stories of struggle, resistance and survival to a broader audience. After producing over 80 videos for non-profits addressing social and economic justice issues, I shifted my focus to my own family narrative.

I brought a lifetime of personal and professional experience exploring issues of race, culture, class, and gender to my Award-winning documentary, A Lot Like You. Since the film’s 2011 premiere, I have been on the campus/conference lecture circuit, engaging with communities around the world about the issues raised in my film, including intersectionality, gender-based violence, cultural identity and the power of personal storytelling. In 2016, these keynotes culminated in my TEDxSeattle talk, “Why the World Needs Your Story.”

From 2006-2011, I served as Board President of the NW Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse. Prior to joining the Board, I was on staff for 4 years, working as a crisis counselor and community organizer.

I also served on the Seattle Globalist Board of Directors, a daily online publication dedicated to elevating diverse voices through media. During that time, I volunteered as a Mentor with the Globalist Apprenticeship Program. And as Vice President of Seattle Documentary Association, I coordinated and facilitated the Works-In-Progress program.

In addition, I’ve had the pleasure of serving on numerous art grant panels, film festival juries, museum exhibition planning committees, and advisory committees.