About NMWIF
History
Women in Film was born in the Los Angeles office of the late Tichi Wilkerson-Kassels in 1973. Wilkerson-Kassels, the publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, gathered together a group of women, mainly producers and writers, for a “brown bag lunch” to discuss the state of women in “The Business” and make plans to increase awareness of the contributions of women.
Word spread rapidly, with Atlanta forming their own chapter, then New York. Women formed their own versions of Women in Film in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, South Africa, Jamaica and Canada, as well as throughout the United States.
As the chapters grew worldwide, so did the need for a global umbrella organization to oversee efforts, to help advise the local chapters and to encourage growth and professional development opportunities. The first Women in Film and Television International World Summit was held in 1997 in New York City; a World Summit is now held every two years. With more than 40 chapters worldwide and a growing membership of over 10,000 women and men actively building a community of support, WIFTI continues to be a voice for women in the Industry.
New Mexico Women in Film was conceived in 2004 and delivered in September of 2005. Janet Davidson, Deborah Johnson, Karen Koch and Kaaren Ochoa invited every woman listed in the New Mexico Film Directory to the initial meetings. They wanted better networking and more support in the unique world that is New Mexico filmmaking. (Our big budget productions come mainly from Los Angeles and are supplemented by growing low budget local indie production.) We are in a singular position that allows us, as filmmakers, significant opportunities to not only work, but to do work we love.
In 2005, NMWIF representatives attended a WIFTI world summit for the first time. We were the fastest growing chapter to date and received significant attention from the international membership. By creating a professional alliance and choosing to yoke ourselves with the international force that is Women in Film, we make a statement of our professionalism and our intentions, as women filmmakers.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of NMWIF is a working board, drawn from the General Membership. The Board is not financially compensated for their time and efforts, although the Directors do receive snacks in proportional exchange for their labor. The Directors are elected by the General Membership and meet at least quarterly. In addition, Directors serve as committee heads. The Directors can appoint additional Board Members in the event of inter-election vacancies, drawing from the entire Membership. If you would be interested in joining us, please let us know! We guarantee there will always be something to do.
New Mexico Women in Film
Board of Directors
Kaaren Ochoa
President
Angelique Midthunder
Executive Vice President
Hannah Macpherson
Vice President
Denise Baker
Secretary
Lisa Van Allen
Treasurer
Jo Edna Boldin
Director
Rosalia deAragon
Director
Katie Douthit
Director
Trish Lopez
Director
Genia Michaela
Director
Carmela Rappazzo
Director
NMWIF Standing Committees
Advisory Board
Finance Committee
Denise Baker, Chair
Fundraising & Development
Carmela Rappazzo, Chair
Membership
Jo Edna Boldin, Chair
NMWIF Writers' Group
Genia Michaela, Chair
Programs and Planning
Katie Douthit, Chair
PSA
Angelique Midthunder, Chair
Trish Lopez, Co-Chair
Publicity & Marketing
Hannah Macpherson, Chair
Sage Award
Trish Lopez, Chair
Sponsorship & Member Benefits
Rosalia deAragon, Chair
Website
Genia Michaela, Chair
Meghan Dabney
Keith Wayne MacGregor
Former Board Members
Denise Beale
Janet Davidson - founding President
Deborah Johnson - founding Director
Beverly Kizer
Karen Koch - founding Treasurer
Sheri Mann - founding Director
Susan Pfeifer - founding Vice-President
Robyn Reede - founding Secretary
Cynthia Ruffin
Cynthia Straus - founding Vice President
