EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION
2017-2019 University of Southern California (M.F.A.) - Los Angeles, CA
Earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production with a concentration in Directing and Producing at the world-renown School of Cinematic Arts. (3.76 GPA)
Awards USC School of Cinematic Arts Annenberg Graduate Fellow
One of the highest merit fellowships awarded. Reserved for students who have been nominated by faculty and staff in recognition of their outstanding achievements to date and potential for significant contributions in the field of communications.
Awards USC Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs Award
The highest award granted to a graduate student campus-wide in recognition of positive social impact on the student body, faculty, staff, and university as a whole. based on.
2009-2012 Texas Southern University (B.A.) - Houston, TX
Earned Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Radio, Television, and Film.
Awards Honor Roll & Dean’s List. Various Debate Awards
A significant achievement is winning the title of Champion of Dramatic Interpretation in the International Forensics Association Competition in Berlin, Germany in 2010.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proficient in Storyboarding, Breaking Story, Pitch Decks, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, MovieMagic Budgeting & Scheduling, BlinkBid, Microsoft Office, iWork Suite, Final Cut Suite, Creative Direction, Video Production and Editing, Graphic Design, Marketing and Communication, and Public Speaking.
CREATIVE CONTENT (FILMS)
Producer/Director/Writer | Someone Like You (Short) 2016
An independent romantic short film about relationships and the social dynamics of marriage. that raised $15,000 in crowdfunding on a goal of $2,000. SLY has competed and been an official selection at multiple festivals.
Director/Writer | Witness Marks (Short) 2017
A dramatic short film about legacy, values, and the bond of siblings. Witness Marks was created as an assignment at USC and has since been written into a feature film screenplay.
Producer/Editor | Grounded (Short) 2017
A light-hearted short film about finding two youngsters finding love despite their differences. This USC assignment has competed in a number of festivals.
Director of Photography/Production Designer | Mannequins (Short) 2017
A short thriller about a fashion worker who has a nervous breakdown. This USC project has competed in a festival.
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Technical Director | African-American Film Critics’ Association / 2016 - Present
Works directly for the AAFCA founder and president, Gil Robertson and other senior leadership to develop, capture, and present media packages in annual high-scale awards galas honoring the finest creators and contributors in the film and television industry.
Asst. Creative Director | Hope City / 2015 – 2017
Assisted with capturing and editing all media and marketing packages for 25,000 member organization. Developed a strategy; produced, filmed, edited and delivered commercials, ads, testimonials, etc. on a monthly and weekly basis; Designed lighting plots, stage designs, and set designs with budgets of up to $350,000 per annum.
Creative Director | Fallbrook Church / 2013 – 2015
Responsible for all internal and external media and marketing for 10,000 member organization: Controlled products and communication strategy; produced, filmed, edited and delivered commercials, ads, testimonials, etc. on a weekly basis (aired to 2.5M households monthly); designed graphics for website, print and social media; responsible for photography; and managed the website and social media sites. Directly reported to COO.
Director of Marketing | The Community Of Faith / 2010 - 2013
Managed and designed an organization wide rebranding campaign for over 6 (6) months with 99% member acceptance (4,000 members); negotiated and secured audio/visual contracts to the sum of $100,000; managed company “info@ and media@ emails, social media accounts, websites, and weekly logistics of operations and services; and handled media relations.
Director of Media and Communications | New Life Tabernacle / 2007 - 2010
Produced video promos and podcasts: managed internal and external media and press communication for organization that directly served 2,000 people weekly; established entire in-house video and graphics component policies and procedures; restructured telecommunication outreach systems and processes; managed social media accounts and websites; and handled media
relations.
relations.
Promotions Media Department Intern | KPRC / 2011-2012
Wrote, shot, edited and designed Hispanic Heritage Month promos and motion graphics for Houston’s NBC affiliate network, which ran in rotation September-October 2012. This internship was won as top prize in local contest hosted by KPRC in 2011.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Volunteer Coach | TSU Debate Team / 2012 - Present
Helped lead the world-renowned debate team through weekly communication and research skill-building, mock debates, and performance training. Traveled with team stateside for competitions. Was solely responsible for up to 30 undergraduate students at a time.
Volunteer Leader | World Youth Foundation 2014-2015
Volunteered monthly in a youth enrichment program addressing the needs of youth in Greater Houston, ages 10-18, by helping attendees understand the importance of maintaining physically active, emotionally aware, and academically successful lives.