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Dear GreenLight Women Community,
As we celebrate Women's History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible legacy of the women who came before us — the trailblazers, the changemakers, and the quiet warriors whose courage and determination have paved the way for the opportunities we have today. Their perseverance reminds us that progress is not inevitable; it is the result of hard-fought battles and resolute commitment.
At GreenLight Women, we are proud to stand on the shoulders of these remarkable women as we continue to create space for women’s voices, talents, and leadership within the entertainment industry and beyond. Our mission to empower and elevate women in all facets of media and entertainment is more important than ever.
This month, let us recognize the strength and brilliance of the women around us. Let us also remember that the fight for equality and representation is ongoing. We have the power to shape the future by supporting one another, lifting each other up, and ensuring that every woman's story is seen, heard, and valued.
Thank you for being part of this vital mission. Together, we honor the past, empower the present, and create a future where women's contributions are celebrated every day.
Warmly, Kimberly L. Ogletree President, GreenLight Women
EVENTS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT - February 23rd, 2025
Dear GreenLight Women Community,
On behalf of the DEI Committee, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make our Black History Month Champagne Brunch a tremendous success.
It was an incredible honor to celebrate the iconic Jayne Kennedy, actress, model, first African American sports anchor with the Pioneer Award, and visionary, Regina Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Soul Newspaper with the Trailblazer Award. Their groundbreaking contributions have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and continue to shape our future.
We want to thank our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for your continued support and energy. Your presence and participation made this celebration truly special. We also want to thank Starla Lewis for sharing her powerful stories of Altadena and the inspiration she gave to our guests. We're especially grateful that we could offer some comfort and support to those affected by the wildfires. And a big thank you to Jay Bokin for setting the vibe and moving the room with his incredible saxophone performance; it truly elevated the experience.
The event was produced by President and DEI Co-Chairs Kimberly L. Ogletree and Romell Foster-Owens, Secretary GreenLight Women.
SONY DIGITAL WORKSHOP - March 13th, 2025
I am thrilled to share that our first workshop at the Sony Media Digital Production Center was a resounding success for our members! This incredible event was made possible through the collaboration of our esteemed board member and award-winning director, Neema Barnette, DGA, and GreenLight member and award-winning cinematographer, Nancy Schreiber, ASC. They both led an inspiring, private and exclusive masterclass for twenty of our members.
A special thank you to GreenLight member Susan Jiza for crafting a powerful script and to the talented actresses Erica Gimpel and Meg Lin for bringing the scene to life with such authenticity and depth. Sending a warm thank you to our incredible crew and board members who contributed to this workshop. We truly could not have made this happen without your time, effort, and support. Your dedication and care made all the difference, and we are so grateful to everyone.
The workshop was produced by Executive Board member Romell Foster-Owens, p.g.a. who shared, “It was truly rewarding to see our members come together, share their talents, and learn from two industry trailblazers. This workshop reflects GreenLight Women’s commitment to empowering and elevating our members in meaningful ways.”
Huge thanks to Samuel Fares, Senior Manager of the Digital Media Production Center (DMPC), and Katie Eleneke, Director of Photography and DMPC Coordinator & Solutions Integrator at Sony, for helping us pull everything together and making the event run so smoothly.
The board is so proud to see our members come together and create something truly special. We encourage all our members to get involved and let us know what kinds of workshops you’d like to see happen next. Your input helps us keep building relevant opportunities for everyone! NEW EVENT Join Us March 16th, 2025
If you sign up and attend this event you will receive a free one year subscription to Ms. Magazine.
Susan Kelejian
Second generation Los Angelean, and Ojai resident, Susan is an all-around theater professional, with her original stage plays produced nationally, including a full-length drama “Belief” which has been accepted for nomination for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize. A recent returnee to the film industry after 30 years, she has written several features and short scripts which have received multiple writing awards in 2024.
She has a diverse background as an educator, psychotherapist, social advocate, and transdisciplinary artist.
Sheila Hart @shedreamsbig on IG
Sheila Hart is an award-winning writer/director/producer with a passion for telling stories that challenge the status quo. She has produced powerful films that tackle tough issues. Sheila was on the producing team of the feature film UNPLANNED (2019) at Believe Entertainment and partnered with Believe again on their groundbreaking film NEFARIOUS (2023). As a writer, Ms. Hart was on the hot 100 list at Capital Fund with her YA screenplay YOU AND I, and is preparing to release the first novel in her epic medieval fantasy trilogy JOURNEY TO ABADDON. Be watching for that story to be released as a TV series in the years to come.
Penka Kouneva
All are invited to a reception and a short concert (free admission) celebrating Bulgarian chamber music and featuring 3 compositions by Penka Kouneva, including her latest film score, "TARIKA." This concert also showcases masterpieces by renowned Bulgarian classical composers and string arrangements of “The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices” songs – all tonal, evocative, storytelling music combining the unique Bulgaria “irregular” rhythms, melodies and harmonies with Western styles.
This concert, preceded by a reception with Bulgarian cuisine, is hosted by the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles.
Friday, March 21 Reception at 5:30 PM, Concert at 7 PM
Venue: Mormon Temple Visitors’ Center 1591 E. Temple Way, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Have you thought of doing a podcast? I am a Podcast Producer and come from the TV world. I help you set it up, can help short-term with a few episodes and/or produce it for the long term. I have clients that have been with me for years, and some that I get started and teach them so they can do it on their own.
One of the podcasts I am currently producing is Super Wives of the NFL with Stacey Bell-Lynn I included a link here.
Laura Sydell was hired as a consultant for a show about the rich of Silicon Valley for AMC. The show was created by Jonathan Glatzer, one of the main writers of "Succession," "Better Call Saul," and many other well known TV series. Laura was hired to apply her many years of experience covering Silicon Valley as a Correspondent for NPR to the plot and character development of the show. The show, as yet untitled, is scheduled to air in 2026.
As NPR's former Digital Culture Correspondent, I'm available as a consultant for projects which require expertise on Silicon Valley, its leaders, workers, and the technology they build. Most recently I worked on an upcoming AMC show about the rich in Silicon Valley for showrunner Jonathan Glatzer to help develop plausible characters and plotlines.
Sardia Robinson Foerster @aidras
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be performing my one-woman show, From a Yardie to a Yankee, on May 17th at 8 PM at Theatre West (3333 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068). This special performance is a fundraiser to support the victims of the Eaton Fire. Join me for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, laughter, and resilience—all for a great cause!
From a Yardie to a Yankee, a true story of Sardia's perilous journey from the hills of Jamaica to the unforgiving streets of Chicago, where survival comes at a deadly cost in this gripping saga of resilience, sacrifice, and destiny.
Celebrating WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH at Theatre West with Dina Morrone's MY UTERUS: A WOMB WITH A VIEW. A stimulatingly funny celebration of that tiny little, hollow pear-shaped organ! Dina digs deep into her pelvic cavity to explore what the Uterus really is, what it means to own one, and to probe and examine how it continues to get screwed over again and again, by those who have no business being in there.
$5 Discount for all GreenLight Women and their Guests. Use Code: UTERUS. Parking Lot Across the Street
Terry Lawler
The Cinema Street Women’s Short Screenplay Competition invites women-identified screenwriters to submit short screenplays (20 minutes and under) to CinemaStreet Pictures for production consideration. The winning screenplay will be offered an option for the film for $1,000. LOVE FROM FRIENDS, the most recently completed winning film produced by CinemaStreet Pictures, and written by Elise Marenson, premiered in Los Angeles at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Included is a photo of the film's stars Stella Everett on the set.
Three months ago I went to a scrappy little performance space in Eagle Rock to see a friend’s cd release show. Almost didn’t bother to go. Was tired. You know the drill. But I put on my red lipstick and showed up. Two weeks later I get a weird email that says”Hello Tessa you don’t know me. I am the ticket taker at Scribbles and when I took your ticket at Scribbles, I nearly dropped it in shock. You are exactly the woman I have been writing my play about. Would you be interested?” What could I say? I haven’t acted (cabaret doesn’t qualify) since 1974. Life has its moments! I will now be performing in “Target Practice” - March 13th and March 14th.
Loren Stephens
My latest ghostwritten book “The Lucky Guy From Squirrel Hill” is about to be released. Anyone who has lived in Pittsburgh will recognize the area and they may also recognize the author’s name. A leader in the Jewish community Stanley Ruskin recounts his many adventures which include 2 trips to connect with the refuseniks in Russia before glasnost A must read for anyone dedicated to serving their community as an advocate and philanthropist.
Neema Barnette
I'll be a panelist on this DGA panel for March Womens History Month. Thursday, March 20th 5pm PT / 8Pm EP
Casting in the Digital Age In this lab, the panelists will reflect on their experiences with casting in episodic television, offering important tips for how to work efficiently with casting professionals in prep. Attendees will learn more about the responsibilities that Directors have related to casting for television and how to contribute throughout the process, as well as gain insight on how to navigate casting online. DGA PANEL
Panelists scheduled to appear include: Director Neema Barnett Director Shea William Vanderpoor Moderated by Director Carl Seaton
Susan Kelejian
Hello! I'm making my directorial debut with a short film "He/She/Us" shooting this summer in Ojai, CA. The script began as a ten minute play produced in Kiev last year in a bomb shelter basement theatre, has been produced in Detroit, and recorded as an audio drama. I rewrote it as a screenplay. As to date it has been the recipient of 28 script awards. Pushing back with art against the current political climate. The theme is "love is love."
We will be looking to add some crew when we get closer. It is LGBTQIA friendly and focused, and the entire cast and crew must be in alignment with it. Please contact me if you would like to hear more. Especially sound dept and editor. Must be in alignment with DEI. Call directly Susan @ 805-901-9001
Sheila Hart @shedreamsbig on IG
I'm currently partnering with Faith Street Films on an 8 episode music centric drama TV series titled ABILENE. We are aiming to shoot this summer and currently raising funds and packaging talent. But more importantly, we're looking for the perfect home for the series. We produced a proof of concept pilot as a conversation starter and put it up on YouTube to gauge audience reaction. Without a penny of marketing, we received over 500k organic views and thousands of comments requesting more episodes. We believe we have a potential hit on our hands. You can view the proof of concept here.
Would love for you to watch and let me know your thoughts. Great to be in the company of so many creative women!!!
My expertise is story. If you need a re-write or brainstorming on structure, story, dialogue (especially dialogue) I'm your girl. I get dozens of scripts sent my way weekly and almost every time I get one, I WANT TO RE-WRITE it! HA! It's a passion. I love helping people craft their story. If you need help in this area, please reach out and we can talk!
I'm also a VO artist of almost 40 years. If you ever need a versatile voice... You can check out my work at www.shetalks.com
Arati Misro
Arati got selected as a Board member for The DaVinci Film Festival and serves in the capacity of a Global Brand Strategist. She is currently producing the feature film “Quarantine Island" with Colleen Keane and in development on another feature film with writer/ director Amisha Upadhyaya. Arati's completed feature film, “Designed by Preeti" is currently doing film festivals with Rashmi Rustagi. All three collaborators are GLW members.
Seeking and offering: Arati is seeking project manager roles in technology based startups. She is also offering services with branding, business plans and decks. She has been acting as a liaison for South Asia and the silicon valley Venture capital world for various clients, entrepreneurs and producers. You can see her client portfolio here.https://linktr.ee/aratim, Her new company website will be up soon.
Arden Teresa Lewis
I have two things to share. My Emmy winning doc, LEVELING LINCOLN will screen as part of the Women Rising event in the Hamptons, Long Island, along with an incredible dance film by my friend, Gabrielle Lansner.
ALSO, reuniting with my Leveling Lincoln team to launch a new documentary, THE LAST REUNION! We have already shot over a dozen interviews and 25 hours of footage about this WWII story of my mother and grandparent's incarceration in the Philippines.
WEEKLY SCORES "Because your life deserves a soundtrack" Thursdays at 9am PST
Among other things, I am creating a weekly radio show titled “Weekly Scores” at a local station KGVM 95.9 FM Bozeman, which is also available for streaming online on Thursday mornings at 9am PST. I am mainly streaming music and soundtracks from films, and on March 6th, I decided to showcase the music from Judy Chaikin’s incredible documentary “The Girls in the Band.” Judy was incredibly gracious and agreed to come and be a first guest on my show.
My website has links to the recent episodes as well as the radio station. If you have any suggestions for music or potential future guests I could bring onto the show, please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to expand the show to showcase more of us. I am an Actor, Director, multi-hyphenate. Please reach out if there is something I can help you with.
I’m delighted that my original screenplays are gaining recognition. Here’s some of my recent wins: THE PORTRAIT – Feature – Supernatural Romantic Mystery Winner – “Best Unproduced Script” – Toronto International Women Film Festival; Semi-Finalist in the Palm Springs International Screenplay & Pitch Deck Contest (for my Pitch Deck of THE PORTRAIT); Nominee – LA Independent Women Film Awards
JUST FOR FUN: A HORROR LOVER’S FANZINE - - Horror Short Script Official Selection – A Night of Horror International Film Festival Official Selection – New York City International Screenplay Awards
Akiva Penaloza Find me on Bluesky! @iamkeevz
Greetings! I am off and running producing "Awakening Georgie". Directed by Nancy Schreiber and produced by me, Arati Misro, and Linda Arroz. “Awakening Georgie” is about the magic of transformation in the smallest of gestures: a haircut. It empowers us all by creating a better world through film. And we all need that especially now. We are excited that Carla Hool, who cast Emilia Perez, is on board as our casting director. “Awakening Georgie” embraces immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, and those with disabilities. I am grateful for the gift of your support!
I'm here to help you create a pitch deck that will help your project reach producers! Reach out to me at akiva@akivapenaloza.com
I loved working on the upcoming third season of Ryan Murphy's show MONSTER: THE ED GEIN STORY, with director Ian Brennan. I am curating the Actors Studio Short Film Festival for the third year. I had so much fun working with a talented group of actors for a play reading of, The Bagel Principal in the writers unit of The Actors Studio.
I continue to teach and coach at The Ellen Gerstein Acting Workshop which I absolutely love. Please contact me if you are interested in my services. https://ellengerstein.com/ellen-gerstein-coach/
I play BERTIE in the short film, ALOHA MEANS I LOVE YOU . Screening at Hollywood Storytellers Film Festival TCL Chinese 6 Theaters on March 9th. My pilot script “Just South Of Normal” is an ISA Fast Track Fellowship Second Round Selection for Spring 2025.
Marlene Sharp
SMALL TALK WITH MARLENE [Sharp] & CHRIS live stream and podcast welcomed fellow Greenlight Women member Annika Hylmo for its February episode dedicated to California wildfire coverage. In addition to rescue and recovery efforts, Annika shared details about her upcoming films THE LAST WITCH and EDDIE’S TURN. The entire video is available to replay on LinkedIn and other platforms, such as YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
If you want to appear on a future SMALL TALK episode - or create your own star vehicle - then let’s talk! Please message me at marlene@pinkpoodleproductions.com.
Rosser Goodman
ō Tanō Rising Film is currently calling for social impact full length, fully developed narrative feature film projects. Specifically looking for projects with foster care OR mental health themes. Also, any Ukrainian-American stories.
Please, fill out the short questionnaire via the link below. Do Not Send Scripts
"TUKI THE TIGER," the screenplay that I co-wrote with Shameem Akhtar of Bangladesh has won "Best Animation Screenplay" at the Oxford Script Awards and "Best War Theme Screenplay" at the Berlin International Screenwriting Festival. My new screenplay, "FLOATING LESSONS," is an Official Selection of the New York International Women Festival.
For an interview with me about camerawoman, female protagonists and women filmmakers, as co-author of the book "Shooting Women: Behind the Camera, Around the World" PDF. Press/U Chicago Press), see Intellect and U Chicago Press have also generously provided a 30% discount code on "Shooting Women: Behind the Camera, Around the World," good through Women's History Month March 2025: INTELLECT30. https://www.intellectbooks.com/shooting-women
I'll be reading from my book, "Watermelon Linguistics: New and Selected Poems," at a poetry & prose reading event at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center in Venice, CA on Friday, March 21st at 7:30 PM.
Amy Jennings
Super excited to announce that our short film, Don’t Drink and Drive: a Family Film, will be screening on March 26 at 5:30 PM at Regal LA Live as part of the LA International Film Festival.
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Dear GreenLight Women Community,
