26 February 2025 3 minute read
From the instant she stepped onto Spelman‘s campus, it was evident that she was destined to tell impactful stories. Majoring in documentary filmmaking, she didn’t just study the art – she lived it, learning through real world experiences (and from her textbooks.) With the support of her Spelman sisters and professors, she forged a legacy that will continue to inspire our future filmmakers at Spelman College. “My time at Spelman was truly transformative. I built lifelong friendships with women who became my sisters and learned from professors who poured their wisdom and care into me. At Spelman, I felt deeply supported. Both my peers and faculty genuinely wanted to see me succeed and continue to uplift me today,” she shares.
Being surrounded by driven, successful, Black women shaped both her personal and professional development. She recalls how her professors set high expectations, challenging her to show up fully and excel in every environment. “My Spelman sisters inspired me to embrace my authentic self, love every part of who I am, and carry that confidence into the world.”
Her influence at Spelman; however, extends far beyond the classroom. One of her standout contributions was breaking barriers in the esteemed Semester Cinema program. In addition to her work with Semester Cinema, she also played a crucial role in the Elevator Creative LLC, a dynamic promotion and advertising company for content creators across the AUC. As a key member of the Company and later Senior Vice President of the Visual Arts and Multimedia Department, she helped elevate the artistic voices of talented students. “Through both of these experiences, I contributed to Spelman’s creative community by opening doors for future filmmakers and fostering a space where artistry could thrive.”
Her journey into film production started in an unexpected way. After high school, she worked as a production assistant on End of the Road, a film produced by Tracy Edmonds and starring Queen Latifah. “Seeing a film led by Black women was incredibly inspiring. I had the chance to speak with Tracey Edmonds, ask her questions about producing, and watch her work on set. Hearing her insights and seeing her in action allowed me to visualize what was possible for me as a storyteller.” That experience solidified her choice to pursue filmmaking – not as an actress as she had originally envisioned, but behind the camera where she could control the narrative.
A number of professors were instrumental in shaping her career. “Professor Levert, Professor Dash, Professor Burris, and Professor Jackson had a profound impact on shaping my passion for storytelling. I will always take their knowledge with me on my journey as a storyteller.” One course in particular stands out – Advanced Sight and Sound with Professor Jackson. “This course expanded my understanding of the technical side of filmmaking, which was thrilling. I gained hands-on experience in every phase of the filmmaking process—pre-production, production, and post-production. I had the chance to produce my own projects, and I enjoyed every second of it.”
Spelman equipped her with the resources and opportunities to navigate the challenges of breaking into the film industry. “One challenge I faced was gaining on-set experience. Spelman helped me overcome this by allowing me to participate in Semester Cinema and cross-register for classes, giving me hands-on experience while staying on track to graduate on time.”
Her coursework also set her up for high-profile roles, including her work as a camera operator on various projects. “My Advanced Sight and Sound class at Spelman was instrumental in preparing me for camera operation. That course provided a deep dive into the technical aspects of filmmaking—breaking down camera operation, angles, and lighting techniques, all of which have been extremely beneficial to me.”
During her senior year and beyond, she took on camera operator roles for projects like a Spec Ad for BetterHelp and a music video for artist Summer Dennis’ song So Unnecessary. While her involvement with Karma’s World, an animated Netflix series, developed before her time at Spelman, her later coursework significantly enhanced her technical skills in film production.
Her passion goes beyond filmmaking; she is also an advocate for Black women in the industry. Through projects like Karma’s World, she is helping to create more opportunities for young Black girls to see themselves represented on screen. “Representation is crucial, especially for Black girls. Karma’s World empowers young Black girls by promoting self-love, confidence, and cultural pride. In a society where social media can create overwhelming pressures, I believe authentic representation on screen is essential in combating these challenges.”
As she advances in her own production career, she carries Spelman’s legacy with her. “Spelman reinforced my belief that my stories matter and that I have the power to bring them to life.” Through her trailblazing achievements, advocacy for representation and commitment, uplifting others, she has made a lasting impact on Spelman College – and she’s just getting started.