OUR TEAM
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Director of Rural and Urban Affairs
Mari Tapia
Director of Engagement | Chicago
Felisha Linklater
Director of Design and Development
Katherine Plier
Film Festival Director
Rob Campbell
Director of Organizing | Chicago
Visual Storyteller | Atlanta
Brittany Burns-Chukura
Director of Engagement | Atlanta
Film Selection Co-Director
Director of Photography
Cynthia Okimoto
Director of Engagement | New York
Director of Engagement | North Carolina
Eldredge Washington
Director of Organizing | Atlanta
Culture Curator
Director of Engagement | California
Alfred Torregano
Festival Director | Los Angeles
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tiffany Hightower - Executive Director at Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, 2022 Crain's Chicago Notable Black Leaders and Executives, Commissioner (Roseland Medical District). Executive experience in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors. Successful strategy and political consultant.
Taroue Brooks - Taylor & Brooks, LLC has extensive experience as an Event Planner, Publicist and Celebrity Booking Agent. He has advocated on behalf of many corporate and non-profit organizations to help them build and maintain positive relationships with the public. During his career, he has matched numerous celebrities and high-profile individuals with charities, designed and executed successful public relations programs, and created extraordinary special events that have earned national attention for his clients.
Denise Barreto - A master Storyteller, crafts narratives that drive change. As a Strategic Partner, she transforms businesses through inclusive dialogue. A champion for Equity, Denise leads conversations for just solutions. With 30+ years in marketing, she pioneers impactful campaigns. An accomplished Angel Investor, Denise strategically backs justice-centered founders, shaping a diverse portfolio with global impact.
Chase Chavin - Co-Founder and Principal of Intersection, drives investment strategy and asset management. With a background in real estate investment banking at Goldman Sachs and principal roles at Millco Investments and Transwestern Investment Company, Chase has led the acquisition and capitalization of 18,000+ multifamily units, exceeding $1.5 billion in value since 2009. Additionally, he co-founded COLAB 7100 in 2019, a Chicago-based shared workspace fostering entrepreneurship in underserved markets. Holding a BBA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Chase resides in Chicago with his family.
Adrienne Irmer, MPA - A talented and insightful leader who has used her highly developed analytic and problem-solving skills, honed at MIT, in the the nonprofit and public sectors for over 17 years. Adrienne is an innovative and passionate employee who meets challenges with pragmatism and determination in turning those challenges into victories.
Dr. Anthony Williams, Ph.D - Anthony is an Assistant Professor at Wash U School of Medicine in St. Louis, bringing expertise to the intersection of academia and healthcare. As the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Circulogix, he plays a pivotal role in steering the scientific direction of the company. Anthony's commitment to advancing medical knowledge and driving innovation underscores his contributions both in academia and as a key figure in the leadership of Circulogix.
Keith Caldwell - is a seasoned professional, and serves as a Systems Administrator at Cook County Law Library. With a wealth of experience in systems management, Keith plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of technology infrastructure. His dedication to optimizing IT systems contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Cook County Law Library. Keith's expertise in system administration positions him as a valuable asset, supporting the library's technological backbone and facilitating access to legal resources.
Andrea Richardson - Andrea Richardson, MBA, is a results-driven professional specializing in Branding & Transformation, Crisis Communication, Corporate Communication, Marketing, and Policy Advocacy. With a proven track record on both client and agency sides, Andrea excels as a proactive strategist and creative problem solver. Leveraging years of experience across diverse industries, including publishing, nonprofits, education, technology, hospitality, finance, and retail, she consistently delivers above-average results. Andrea's leadership and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset in meeting evolving business needs.
Alexis Cobb - Sports Agent / Partner at ASC Executive Group, Sports Agent and Partner