APPLICATIONS FOR BGFC 2026 ARE NOW CLOSED AND WILL REOPEN IN FALL 2026
THE BOARD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karen Peterkin, Board President
Senior Vice President of Production for Franklin Entertainment
Daria Overby, Board Vice President
Executive Director of Creative Diversity and Inclusion at Starz
Autumn Bailey-Ford
TV and Film Producer
Chika Chukudebelu Igwilo
Senior Vice President of Development at FX Networks
Halcyon Person
Head Writer at 9 Story Media Group
Erica Shelton Kodish
Television Writer and Producer
Tressa Azarel Smallwood
CEO of MegaMind Media, Award Winning Producer
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Laiya St.Clair
Executive Producer, Cultural Strategist, Entertainment Host
Sharon Liggins
Senior Communications Executive
Shaunda Patterson-Strachan, Parent Rep
Attorney
Dr. Chanel Craft Tanner, Board Secretary
Author and Director of the Center for Women at Emory University
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Actress, Director, Producer
Donyell Kennedy McCullough
Talent Executive, Revolt TV
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Nichelle Tramble Spellman
Award Winning Writer/Director, Show Runner for Truth Be Told
Diane Houslin
New York City Based Television and Film Producer
Angela Nissel
Author and Veteran Television Writer and Producer
Morenike Joela Evans
TV and Film Director
Tia Smith
Director, Producer, Writer, Consultant
Avery Kelley, Alumni Representative
2023 Black Girls Film Camp Alum
ADVISORY BOARD
Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd | Industry Advisor
Casting Director, Producer, Director
Chiquita Banks, Esq. | Legal Advisor
CEO, Bankable Consulting
Dr. Belinha De Abreu | Media Literacy Advisor
President, International Council For Media Literacy
Vicki Shabo | Policy Advisor
New America, Senior Fellow and Gender Equity Strategist