Youth digital media and career development nonprofit expands leadership
Mosaic Film Experience, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through storytelling, today announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors and the formation of its advisory board. New board members include Phillip Boutte Jr., Lucie Howell and Elizabeth Polk. The geographically diverse board members and new advisory board consist of industry-leading professionals from major markets across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. These members bring experience working with companies such as 2K Games, ABC, Adobe Inc., Apple TV+, Coca-Cola, FOX, Fox Corporation, NBC, Netflix, Nike, Inc., Sony Pictures, Spotify, Taco Bell, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios, and Walmart.
"Our new board members and the formation our advisory board marks a significant milestone for Mosaic Film Experience. With A-list expertise and diverse geographic representation, these leaders bring a wealth of expertise, influence and experience that will be instrumental in expanding our impact and empowering more students," said Skot Welch, president of the board of directors and founder of Mosaic Film Experience.
Skot Welch, president of the board, founder of Mosaic Film Experience and president of Global Bridgebuilders (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Derk Baartman, vice president of the board, vice president of Mosaic Film Experience, and executive producer at DB Studios (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Bill Harris, secretary of the board, speech and debate coach at Grand Rapids City High School (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Phillip Boutte Jr., co-founder, concept artist, and creative director at 9B Collective (Los Angeles)
Lucie Howell, chief learning officer at The Henry Ford (Dearborn, Michigan)
Elizabeth Polk, founding partner at BALA Firm LLP (Los Angeles)
According to Welch, the newly formed advisory board brings creative industry knowledge and connections that supplement the board of directors to guide the organization. "Our advisory board members bring to life the idea that 'kids can’t be what they can’t see.’ This concept serves as a powerful driver for our Mosaic Event and Career Pathways programming. Our new advisory board members exemplify the heights that students can aspire to, providing them with real-world role models and opening their eyes to a multitude of career possibilities in the digital and creative industries," he said.
Mariah Barrera, Mosaic Film Experience program alumna and filmmaker (New York)
Mimi Chakarova, founder and creative director at Still I Rise Films (New York)
Lohanne Cook, manager of public engagement at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (Los Angeles)
Christiana Hooks, supervising producer for "The Rookie" and "The Recruit" (Los Angeles)
Xavier “X” Jernigan, director of cultural partnerships and the voice of AI DJ at Spotify (New York)
Emily Loeks, director of community affairs at Celebration! Cinema (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Maranda, journalist and host at WOODTV8 (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Carlos Rosas, chief of production at MUV (Mexico City)
Ryan Stephens, associate producer for "Shrinking" Season 1 (Los Angeles)
Cass Taylor, founder and principal brand strategist at Sixteen Twenty (San Francisco)
Justen and Julien Turner, co-owners of Dreadhead Films (Columbus, Ohio)
Mike Uwandi, co-founder and concept artist at 9B Collective (Los Angeles)
Caitlin Volovlek, founder of Prep Rally (Muskegon, Michigan)
Suzanne Zack, senior affiliate faculty in the Department of Visual and Media Arts at Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Michigan)
Founded in 2012 by Skot Welch, Mosaic Film Experience has evolved from hosting film-centered events to offering year-round educational programming. The organization's initiatives include the full-day student career exploration event (Mosaic Event), a student mobile film competition (Mosaic Mobile), in-school programming (Mosaic Education: Career Pathways), and community events (Mosaic Community). Since its inception, Mosaic Film Experience has engaged more than 20,000 high school and middle school students.
Mosaic Film Experience aims to break down barriers related to economic status, race, gender, disability, and geographic location by offering innovative educational programs. These programs provide underrepresented youth with opportunities to explore and prepare for careers in digital media, production and storytelling, fostering creativity and diversity in the industry.
"We are dedicated to career preparedness, providing students with opportunities to explore careers they may not have known existed," said Welch. "Our programming educates students on the diverse career paths and equips them with critical skills essential in any profession. By connecting students to industry leaders and hands-on learning experiences, we help them envision and prepare for a future full of possibilities.
The 13th annual Mosaic Event will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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