BAYCAT:
Change the Storytellers.
Change the World.
Our Vision
BAYCAT believes that every person’s story matters. We envision a world where media and technology facilitate the telling of stories from the broadest possible range of experiences, driving people to create inclusive, equitable communities.
Our Mission
BAYCAT addresses racial, gender and economic inequity by creating powerful, authentic media while diversifying the creative industry. Through the education and employment of low-income youth, young people of color, and young women in the Bay Area, and producing media for socially-minded clients, we are changing the stories that get shared with the world.
BAYCAT by the Numbers
In the past 18 years, we've educated over 4,900 youth and launched more than 320 careers in filmmaking and storytelling.
89% of our graduates are people of color, and 57% are women.
82% of our graduates have been hired by major media, entertainment, tech, advertising and PR companies.
Meet Our Staff
Forward-thinking. Dedicated. Relentless.
BAYCAT's success is a direct result of our passionate staff and board, made up of industry professionals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Executive Director she / her A nonprofit leader and educator, Laura has worked in independent documentary, filmmaker and youth development, and public access. Helping emerging media makers grow guides her professional practice.
Associate Creative Director of Production she / they Deidre is driven to creating moving content, with a focus in uplifting artists, creators & makers with media, as well as creating honest, moving documentary, and experimental media. Her style is whimsical, soft, and filled with full bodied contrast. She see's light as a painting tool, and the world as a canvas. She is honored to uplift her community with the work she produces and directs at BAYCAT.
Director of People & Operations she / her Jenn's journey with BAYCAT represents a full-circle moment, having grown up in Bayview Hunters Point and now serving as Director of People Operations to support the team and the youth BAYCAT serves in the community. With over 15 years of experience as an executive people operations leader, Jenn has built equitable, inclusive, and thriving workplace cultures across industries, including nonprofit, tech, space and defense, and biotech.
Associate Director of Development she / her Nina leads BAYCAT's fundraising efforts. She's passionate about amplifying voices left behind in media & creative spaces, using her strengths in grassroots fundraising, storytelling, and building relationships to mobilize critical funding toward those voices.
Instructional Lead she / her Naomi is an educator and filmmaker from San Francisco. At BAYCAT, she uses her love of storytelling and commitment to social justice to empower the next generation to develop their creative voice.
Manager of Experiential Learning she / her Vivienne is a creative multimedia storyteller and nonprofit arts manager. Her podcasting, illustration, and curriculum design work explore the intersections of sound, image, and narrative and are rooted in equity, community, and a deep belief in the arts as a tool for social change and creative expression. Her work has been featured on KPFA, Spotify, and in collaboration with grassroots arts and media collectives.
Technical Production Manager he / him DeVron started his filmmaking journey as an editor and has since found his way as a Director of Photography. Representation in media is important to him, and he wants to change the overarching narrative in media to be less harmful and more inclusive.
Grants & Development Manager he / him Max comes to BAYCAT with extensive experience in institutional fundraising for justice and equity-focused youth development organizations. He is passionate about helping young storytellers find their voices and have the opportunity to find the joy in creative expression.
Operations Coordinator he / him John-Paul (or J.P. for short) is a lifelong artist and youth development practitioner of over six years from San Francisco who hopes to debunk stereotypes and amplify the voices of diverse communities at BAYCAT.
Forever Founder - Emeritus she / they Raised by an immigrant single mother in New York City, Villy's desire to tell her story forged a passion for using digital media arts to capture untold stories and create social change. She is the President of the SF Film Commission, a TED speaker, a Bay Area Jefferson Award winner, and was named one of 2017's Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business by the SF Business Times.
Meet Our Board
Co-Chair Pixar Animation Studios I would have dreamed to have a BAYCAT when I was a kid, and now, I love making it happen for other youth and connecting them with the industry.
Co-Chair Business Presence, LLC BAYCAT means building skills, generating confidence, creating opportunities. BAYCAT changes lives in front of your eyes.
Secretary Anansii As a member of the board, I especially appreciate the unique channel for making a systemic impact on my immediate community
Board Member LinkedIn I'm passionate about linking youth with opportunities to excel both personally and professionally. As a storyteller, I recognize BAYCAT's crucial role in ensuring diverse representation in media, where everyone sees themselves reflected.
Board Member PwC As a Diversity & Inclusion champion, I’m inspired and excited by BAYCAT's vision & mission. I love the intersection of personal & professional across storytelling, creativity & digital media to make a difference in our communities.
Board Member Working Solutions Group BAYCAT's balance of teaching technical skills and essential soft skills resonates with me. As both a storyteller and consumer, I deeply value the diversification of storytellers.
Board Member Pixar Animation Studios I strongly advocate for the inclusion of POC voices and the necessity of equity and opportunity in storytelling, believing that stories from underrepresented communities carry unique significance and impact.
Board Member Five Star Bank My finance experience and background will help guide our strategic growth. I will mentor our creatives through financial education and will foster partnerships to facilitate access to opportunities.
Board Member Golden State Warriors I’m really proud of the work the Warriors have been able to do with BAYCAT and personally I am really passionate about good storytelling and providing opportunities for youth.
Board Member Pixar Animation Studios BAYCAT’s mission resonates deeply with me. I was the first person to go to college in my immediate family, and one of the few women in my animation program in college.
Board Member The Walt Disney Company Throughout my career, I've developed media literacy and production programs for communities like BAYCAT's. I'm eager to support an organization that bridges technology with underserved creative communities.
Board Member ThredUp Without storytelling experiences, people do not realize they are projecting racism because it has become common behavior in society. There are countless stories that need to be heard and BAYCAT is the platform to help achieve this.
Board Member Snowflake After attending a BAYCAT youth screening, I was impressed by the insights and bravery in the youth pieces. With my background in tech and entertainment, I've witnessed underrepresentation and believe we all must contribute to the change we wish to see.
Board Member CBP BAYCAT positively impacts the SF community due to strong leadership, a unique business model and the relationships it's built over these years.
Board Member San Francisco Giants Story is everything. BAYCAT opened my eyes to a career in art for people like me. If BAYCAT didn't exist, I wouldn't be here. The future of diversity in media depends on organizations like BAYCAT!
Board Member Aspire Public Schools I believe in BAYCAT's mission so much because I've personally seen my family and community members benefit from their high-quality programs and the care that their team brings to each person they serve.
Board Member Discord As an attorney in the Bay Area tech field for over ten years, I see first hand just how important it is for the next generation of creators to reflect all of the unique perspectives of our community.
Meet Our Builders
BAYCAT Builders is an advisory council comprised of senior and rising professionals dedicated to advancing strategic goals and deepening the organization's impact.
Salesforce
Charming Stranger Films
Apple
Pandora
Salesforce
New York Times
Liz Morrison Strategic Storytelling
Dolby
Kino Lorber
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you