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 Team
Forward-thinking. Dedicated. Relentless.
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BAYCAT's success is a direct result of our passionate staff and board,
made up of industry professionals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
she / they Founder & Strategic Partner 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.
she / her Executive Co-Director & Managing Director As a nonprofit leader and educator, Laura has worked in independent documentary filmmaking, youth development, and public access. Helping emerging media makers grow guides her professional practice.
she / her Director of People Operations 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.
he / him Associate Director of Program Operations As a Puerto Rican educator, coach, and storyteller, I thrive on connecting with students and their families from backgrounds similar to mine. My approach is fueled by energy, passion, and creativity, whether I'm hosting karaoke, teaching Identity & Ethnic Studies, or producing live shows for The Moth.
she / they Associate Director of Creative Production With over 10 years of experience and a BFA in Motion Picture and Television, Deidre work focuses on showcasing diverse voices through powerful storytelling, utilizing light and composition. Committed to growth and positive change, she constantly seeks to innovate and inspire through her filmmaking.
they / them Associate Director of Learning Charlena's passion for educating spans from traditional classrooms to digital platforms. Charlena's work, deeply rooted in connecting people with art's transformative influence, bridges the gap between contemporary art and its historical contexts, emphasizing the significance of visual storytelling in both educational and digital spheres.
she / her Production Instructional Lead & Producer 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.
he / him Operations & Systems Coordinator J.P. is a media producer and educator from San Francisco. At BAYCAT, he hopes to debunk stereotypes surrounding diverse communities and give them a voice ignored by mainstream media.
she / they Grants & Development Manager Tara plays a pivotal role in securing funding for projects that amplify underrepresented voices in media. Her expertise in nonprofit development and commitment to social change fuel BAYCAT's mission, ensuring the organization remains a leader in innovative storytelling and community empowerment.
he / him Technical Instructional Lead & Videographer DeVron, hailing from the Bay Area, prefers the world behind the lens, driven by a deep-seated passion for cinematography and a keen visual eye developed through film photography. Starting his creative path as an editor, he is now making strides as a Videographer and Production Technician at BAYCAT, where his journey and skills in visual storytelling continue to evolve.
they / them Production Coordinator & Creative Producer Margarita's innovative approach and keen eye play a pivotal role in bringing creative visions to life. With a passion for storytelling and a dedication to social impact, she collaborates closely with a diverse team of storytellers and clients to produce compelling content that resonates with audiences and drives meaningful change.
Meet Our Board
Chairman ​ 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.
Vice Chair ​ Business Presence, LLC BAYCAT means building skills, generating confidence, creating opportunities. BAYCAT changes lives in front of your eyes.
Treasurer ​ 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 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 ​ US Bank BAYCAT's mission to empower youth through education and community resonates deeply with me. I see my younger self in the aspiring creatives it supports and understand the profound impact access to such opportunities can have.
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 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 StockX 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 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 ​ 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 ​ Anansii As a member of the board, I especially appreciate the unique channel for making a systemic impact on my immediate community
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 ​ 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 Bank of Marin 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 YouTube 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