TEAM
Skot Welch
Founder & President
Derk Baartman
Vice President
Elizabeth Merriman
Manager, Programming and Education
Mallory Strobl
Education Lead
Randy Strobl
Education Lead
Board of Directors
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 Executive and Producer of 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, Creative Director at 9B Collective
(Los Angeles)
Lucie Howell
Director, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
(Dearborn, Michigan)
Elizabeth Polk
Founding Partner at BALA Firm LLP
(Los Angeles)
Advisory board
Mariah Barrera
Mosaic Program Alumna, Filmmaker
(New York)
Mariah Barrera is a Mexican-American filmmaker and writer born and raised in Michigan. She is based in New York City as a first-generation student at Columbia University. Her films have been shown at Academy Award-Qualifying film festivals such as Urbanworld, Cleveland International Film Festival, and DOC NYC and highlighted by NowThis, Stylecaster, The Washington Post, Women Make Movies, and Adobe Gen Create. She has garnered recognition as a YoungArts Alumna, Mitú-Walmart Film Mentee, Made In Her Image Panavision Mentee, Hispanic Heritage Foundation Awardee, E.L.F x Her Campus 22 Under 22 Winner, & Sotheby's Art Noir Grantee.
Her films aim to amplify themes of social justice and equity, drawing from her family’s & communities’ experiences in the urban Midwest. Using these stories, she is passionate about bridging the gap between narrative and documentary through poetry. Currently, she is exhibiting her film "Still Here," which follows three brothers affected by violence, poverty, and prison. She is also working on her second documentary as a Still I Rise Films Fellow and is embarking on a Commercial Director Mentorship Program with the NY-based production company Picture Farm, supported by Kodak & AbelCine.
Zellmari Brandt
General Manager of Marketing at Future Media and Channel Manager for OneAfrica
(Windhoek, Namibia)
Zellmari Brandt is a Namibian marketing executive, creative director, and storyteller, currently serving as General Manager of Marketing at Future Media as well as Channel Manager for OneAfrica. With a background in theatre, film, radio, and television, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to building impactful brands and campaigns.
Her career spans broadcasting, live events, and marketing, where she has played a key role in shaping some of Namibia’s most engaging media and creative projects. Known for her strong belief in the power of storytelling, Zellmari focuses on creating work that resonates emotionally and connects deeply with audiences. Passionate about growing Namibia’s creative industry, she is committed to developing talent, driving innovation, and bringing locally relevant stories to life across multiple platforms.
Tamarra Campbell
President of the West Michigan Film Alliance and Founder of Tmedia Impact Solutions
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Tamarra Campbell is a seasoned award-winning Producer and Impact Producer from West Michigan, leading as President of the West Michigan Film Alliance. She is the Founder of Tmedia Impact Solutions, which serves over 30 communities and has secured $500,000 in funding. Tamarra’s decade-long journey in the creative industry has honed her expertise in project impact, brand evolution, and pioneering digital strategies, with an unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality. Her passion for community enrichment is evident through active collaboration with various arts and education nonprofits, where she empowers diverse voices through transformative storytelling. Tamarra’s dedication to fostering positive change is rooted in developing impactful initiatives and media collaborations that resonate and inspire.
Valarie Clark, MPA
Founder and Principal of Clark Strategies
(Washington D.C.)
As the founder and principal of Clark Strategies, Clark is a D.C.-based consultant with more than 20 years of experience in strategy, stakeholder engagement and program development. Her work focuses on connecting people, ideas and resources to drive meaningful outcomes, with an emphasis on expanding opportunity and access..
Lohanne Cook
Manager, Public Engagement at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
(Los Angeles)
Lohanne Cook is currently the Manager, Public Engagement at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, she went on to collaborate with non-profits, film organizations and festivals to produce engaging and educational programs including American Cinema Editors (ACE), New Filmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), Newport Beach Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM), and Variety magazine’s 10 Cinematographers to Watch and Billion Dollar Cinematographer series. Through her work, she seeks to bring filmmakers and film enthusiasts together to learn, create dialogue, and celebrate the art and craft of film.
Innanoshe Goroh
Founder and Creative Director of Inchiology Studios
(Windhoek, Namibia)
Innanoshe Goroh is an accomplished artist-entrepreneur hailing from Namibia. As the founder and creative director of Inchiology Studios, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of video production (animation and film). Inna's passion for his craft started at a young age, and he has honed his skills over the years, specializing in music videos, TV commercials, and films. Inna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Magna Cum Laude) in Visual Effects with a minor in Film and Television from SCAD University of Arts in the United States. His impressive academic credentials, coupled with his natural talent and experience, have enabled him to work with notable clients such as Google, PureGym, and the major banks in Southern Africa. He has also launched a South African office of Inchiology Studios.
At the age of 22, Inna began is Commercials directing career, directing Standard Bank, Namibia's most outstanding TV Commercial to date. He has since continued to impress with his work, leading Inchiology Studios to become the premier and most active commercials production house in the country. Inna's contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including a CICLOPE Africa award (previously won by the likes of Grant deSousa), Venice Short Film Awards, a Loerie, and an Epica. Beyond his professional achievements, Inna has a genuine passion for people, skills transfer, and leadership, and he takes pride in mentoring the next generation of creatives. His commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise has him consistently striving to push the boundaries of his industry.
Aldis Hodge
Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur
(Los Angeles)
Hodge is an award-winning actor, producer and entrepreneur who is currently starring as the titular character Alex Cross in Prime Video’s Cross. His work spans major film and television projects, including One Night in Miami…, Black Adam and Straight Outta Compton. Along with Phillip Boutté Jr. and Mike Uwandi, Hodge is also the co-founder of Los Angeles-based 9B Collective, the first Black-owned concept art studio composed primarily of BIPOC artists.
Christiana Hooks
Supervising Producer for "The Rookie" and "The Recruit"
(Los Angeles)
Christiana Hooks is a Film and Television Producer, who has worked in the industry for over 20 years. She is best known for projects such as This Is Us, 13th, When They See Us, and 90210. She is currently working at Perfectman Pictures as a Producing Partner to Showrunner Alexi Hawley. Together they are in production on shows like The Rookie on ABC, The Recruit on Netflix, and multiple in development with Lionsgate Studios.
Xavier “X” Jernigan
Director of Cultural Partnerships and the voice of AI DJ at Spotify
(New York)
Xavier "X" Jernigan is the Voice of Spotify, literally the voice and personality behind their AI DJ feature. A Spotify executive (Head of Cultural Partnerships) and Spotify's go-to host for internal and external events around the world, he's interviewed major celebrities like Brad Pitt, Bad Bunny, and BTS. A Founding Member of The Kennedy Center Hip-Hop Culture Council, X brings Hip-Hop programming to our nation's performing arts center. Beyond Spotify, he curates hip-hop programming for Lincoln Center, advises Burberry's Cultural Council, and has launched music careers.
Namtenya Kaakunga
Brand Manager at LearnOnOne Leadership and Education Foundation and Senior Project Coordinator at Future Media
(Windhoek, Namibia)
Rukee Namtenya Kaakunga is a Communications professional with over 10 years of experience across Namibia's media and public relations sectors. As Brand Manager at LearnOnOne Leadership and Education Foundation, she channels her passion for education into amplifying an organization dedicated to providing supplementary support to underserved students.
Alongside this, Rukee serves as Senior Project Coordinator at Future Media, where she leads the coordination of events, marketing, and content projects from concept to completion.
Uajorokisa Karuaihe
Relationship Manager for the Public Sector at Access Bank Namibia
(Windhoek, Namibia)
Uajorokisa Karuaihe is an accomplished executive and public‑sector leader with more than a decade of experience strengthening high‑impact institutions across Namibia’s financial, social‑development, and governance sectors. She currently serves as Relationship Manager: Public Sector at Access Bank Namibia, building on a career defined by strategic clarity, operational excellence, and the development of high‑performance teams. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology and Human Resources and General Film Studies from the University of Cape Town, providing an interdisciplinary foundation that blends organizational insight with an understanding of media, narrative, and visual culture.
Previously, as Chief Executive Officer of the One Economy Foundation, she positioned the organization as a leader in innovative community impact through strong governance, structured program execution, and cross‑sector partnerships. Her experience in media engagement, brand development, and high‑level event coordination further strengthens her ability to contribute meaningfully to industries rooted in creativity and public narrative. She has served on multiple boards and committees, demonstrating a solid capability in institutional oversight, policy alignment, and strategic program governance. With governance expertise, brand‑building experience, and a career rooted in elevating human stories, Uajorokisa brings a disciplined, strategic, and values‑driven perspective to advisory roles within the film industry—supporting strong institutional frameworks and helping elevate the stories that shape national identity.
Emily Loeks
Director of Community Affairs & Public Relations Loeks Theatres, Inc.
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Emily Loeks is the Director of Community Affairs at Loeks Theatres, Inc., the parent company of Celebration! Cinema. As a third-generation member of the Loeks family, Emily has a pivotal role in shaping the family-owned business and its community impact. Her work focuses on leveraging IMAX screens for educational programming, fostering partnerships with schools and institutions, and promoting diverse narratives that bring people together through storytelling.
Emily is the Vice President of the Board at Local First and a trustee at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, contributing to initiatives that enhance the region's vitality. Beyond her work in cinema, she has a background in environmental advocacy and education. She has directed summer science programs in Chicago and volunteered with organizations like the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Passionate about connecting audiences to meaningful stories, Emily is dedicated to supporting underrepresented voices in the film industry. She continues her family's legacy by combining a love for storytelling with a commitment to community engagement and education.
Maranda
Journalist/Host at WOODTV8
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Maranda is the WOTV 4 Women kids and family expert. She hosts a daily segment, “Where You Live” which features a combination of information, inspiration and insights for West Michigan parents. It’s taped around West Michigan and is about real family life.
“I love the new challenges everyday and connecting people with services they want and need,” said Maranda.
Maranda joined WOOD TV8, WOTV4 and WXSP-TV in January of 2001 as Children and Family Services Manager, but has served the community as an advocate for kids and families for more than 25 years. Maranda oversees the development of station projects on-air, online and in our community that target kids and families.
Besides finding Maranda on-air and online, she is on the radio too. She is the co-author of Maranda’s Guide to Family Fun in West Michigan, a book for parents and children. Maranda also offers weekly family fun updates on STAR 105.7 and Daybreak on WOOD TV8.
Maranda serves on several community advisory boards. These include the John Ball Zoological Society Board of Directors, Cornerstone University Board of Trustees, Wedgewood Christian Services Board of Directors, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding Board of Directors, Careforce International Advisory Board and is the spokesperson for CampFire Boys and Girls Club Incredible Kid Day.
Maranda is the recipient of three Gracie Allen Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Women in Radio and Television West Michigan Chapter, an Emmy nomination, the Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award, a 2011 YWCA Tribute! Award, the 2014 Van Andel Institute Angel of Excellence Award, and 2019 Education Advocacy Award from Kent Intermediate Association of School Boards.
Carlos Rosas
Chief of Production at MUV
(Mexico City)
Carlos Rosas was born on December 22, 1988 in Mexico City. His creative and artistic skills led him to study Animation and Digital Art at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), Mexico City Campus. As well as a specialization in Motion Graphics in the international Mograph Mentor course.
After experimenting in academic short films, the creation of audiovisual products has consolidated 9 years of experience in his professional career, where his participation as editor in the production company “Los Güeros Films” stands out. His talent finds in animation his main means of communication and the way to unleash his imagination and creativity, becoming Leader of the Animation and Virtual Reality area for the creative studio Muv, where he creates and develops audiovisual content for different platforms.
His innovative character and purposeful attitude, has developed in him a great skill in the production of 360 ° videos, which places him among the pioneers in creating pipelines for the implementation of this immersive technology, collaborating for client projects such as Walmart and proposals of social impact presented at the Memory and Tolerance Museum of Mexico City.
Othilia Tutu Mungoba
Creative Director, Filmmaker and Television Producer
(Windhoek, Namibia)
Namibian-born Othilia Tutu Mungoba is a seasoned Creative Director, Filmmaker, and Television Producer with an impressive two-decade journey spanning multiple creative disciplines. Her multifaceted expertise includes roles as a copy and scriptwriter, content developer, director, and production manager, reflecting both her versatility and depth in the dynamic world of media production. Beyond television, Othilia has made a significant impact across print, radio, online media, theatre production, and advertising, demonstrating strong adaptability and an enduring passion for storytelling across platforms. Having navigated the creative landscapes of the public, NGO, and private sectors, Tutu brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to every project she undertakes. As a filmmaker, she is deeply committed to crafting authentic Namibian and African narratives, with a clear focus on producing meaningful, high-quality content that resonates both locally and internationally. Her work positions her as a powerful voice and driving force within the industry.
In the past three years, Tutu has independently and successfully released four documentaries: The Weight of Tomorrow, Veraa!, Beyond the Goalpost, and Ras Sheehama – The Man. The Music. In 2024, under the auspices of the Namibia Film Commission, she co-founded the Namibian chapter of Sisters Working In Film and Television (SWIFT), contributing to the growth and empowerment of women in the industry. Most recently, she was awarded Best Namibian Documentary for The Weight of Tomorrow at the Namibian Theatre and Film Awards, further cementing her status as one of Namibia’s leading storytellers and creative visionaries.
Adam Russo
Owner of COM 616 Public Relations and Publisher of West Michigan Newspop
(Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Adam Russo is a lifelong learner who is deeply rooted in the West Michigan communications community. As the owner of the public relations firm COM 616, his professional experience includes working with global brands such as Haworth and Amway, as well as regional companies including Varnum, University of Michigan Health-West, and Comcast. Outside of the office, Adam is committed to community service and fitness. He currently serves as an executive board member of the Literacy Center of West Michigan and a board member of PAWS With A Cause. In his spare time, Adam enjoys playing with his Samoyed, Yoshi, and staying active through endurance sports. He’s completed four Ironman triathlons and is currently working toward running a marathon in every state. He and his wife, Meghan, are also on a mission to visit all 63 U.S. national parks. Adam is a three-time Grand Rapids Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree and has served as an adjunct public relations professor at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University.
Ryan Stephens
Associate Producer for "Shrinking" Season 1
(Los Angeles)
Ryan Stephens is a filmmaker, producer, and post production supervisor. During his 13-year career in television, streaming, and commercials, he has teamed up with some of the industry's leading visionaries and media companies to produce critically acclaimed and commercially successful content. His collaborators include Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Disney, AppleTV+, and Take Two Interactive/2K. Ryan's work as a producer and post supervisor spans across many different projects including Shrinking (Apple TV+), The Cleaning Lady (FOX), When They See Us (Netflix), Queen Sugar (OWN), Katy Keene (CW), Still Star-Crossed (ABC), and the Launch Trailers for the NBA 2K24 and WWE 2K24 video games.
Ryan is passionate about empowering and educating young professionals through direct mentorships, internship opportunities, and entertainment workshops. When he's not working, he enjoys traveling, hiking, writing, drinking matcha, and spending as much time as possible at the cinema.
Ryan currently resides in Southern California with his beautiful wife of 8 years, Rebecca, and their son, Amari.
Cass Taylor
Founder, Principal Brand Strategist at Sixteen Twenty
(San Francisco)
Cass Taylor is the former Sports Marketing Manager at Adobe. In this role, he focused on marketing and brand strategies to support Adobe's sports sponsorships, working with organizations like the WNBA and the National Women's Soccer League. Before this role, Taylor served as Adobe's Purpose Marketing Lead, led the visual design team in managing the creative and impactful visual process for accounts like Coca-Cola, Nike, and T-Mobile, and led the visual experience strategies and production management for some of Adobe's most significant conferences, such as Adobe MAX. He has produced events with global creative luminaries like M. Night Shyamalan, Aaron Draplin, Annie Atkins, and David Blanter. Taylor has also been part of a micro-internship program and brand workshop for college student-athletes and managed a University Creative Student program for creative students who attend Adobe conferences and capture the overall experience in video, photography, and design.
Outside of Adobe, Taylor is on the Board of the nonprofit Codehouse, which focuses on cultivating a pipeline between students of color and industry-leading technology companies and tackling the diversity gap in technology. He previously served on the board for his alma mater, Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California.
Justen and Julien Turner
Co-Owners of Dreadhead Films
(Columbus, Ohio)
Justen formally created Dreadhead Films in 2014 (when he was 12), and in that same year, two of his films-- iWitness Christmas and Giving Gives Back were honored and recognized at national film festivals. In 2016, Justen and his brother Julien Turner, a writer, decided to partner together and move forward artistically, taking Dreadhead Films to the next level. The Turner Brothers have made nearly a dozen short films and produced works for Sesame Street, Nike, Air Jordan, Abercrombie & Fitch, Axe, Taco Bell, and Amazon.
Mike Uwandi
Co-Founder, Concept Artist at 9B Collective
(Los Angeles)
Mike Uwandi is both a Concept Artist and Art Director for Live action film and Video Games. He's also co-founder of 9B Collective, a company that shifts the Entertainment landscape by pushing for inclusivity within the industry. Some of his clients include Netflix , Marvel Studios, Warner Bros, ILM, Disney, CBS, Sony Pictures, 21st Century Fox, MPC, Niantic, Kabam, Mattel and more. His work for Moon Knight, Mandalorian, and Westworld were nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Sci-fi Costume.
In addition to his work through 9B, Mike is a board member of the NCAS and has partnered with accredited nonprofits such as Bric Foundation, Vijona, and Compton Alliance to motivate underprivileged youth from Africa and Los Angeles County to pursue a career in the arts.