Women in Film & Video DC

Jacquie Greff has been involved in the production industry since 1990 when her husband, Kraig Greff, founded Tonal Vision, initially a music and audio production house.  In 2002, she accepted an early retirement package from Procter & Gamble and joined Tonal Vision full time.  The company chose to remain small to allow Kraig to continue his music career.  Currently, Jacquie is responsible for all aspects of video production, as well as managing and marketing the business, which has a staff of 4-6.

Prior to Procter & Gamble, Jacquie had her BA in Chemistry and an MBA.  She earned her law degree while working at P&G, where she worked in R&D Regular Affairs.  At Tonal Vision, Jacquie studied for her MA in Producing Film & Video at American University and volunteered for 6 years as President and Treasurer of TIVA, including the pivotal period when then ITVA split off from MCAI.

Jacquie’s work has helped Tonal Vision earn a series of Peer, Telly, and other awards, as well as many film festival appearances.

Send email to Jacquie Greff.

For several years Lisa Scott was a Washington DC catering chef whose work life was literally a party, as she hopped from one high-powered DC event to the next in the nations’ capital… with a variety of long, sharp knives. But after years of feeding some of the most prestigious people in politics Lisa discovered she is plagued with a vivid fantasy life, filled with fantastic daydreams and has declared, “it is no longer my destiny to feed people’s bellies.  My destiny is to feed people’s imaginations… with my storytelling.”

And so, she began writing… writing… and writing unique and interesting stories about people who have traditionally been unrepresented in Hollywood films, giving a voice to those who need to be heard. Lisa has placed well in major screenwriting awards, including Athena Film Festival and TV Lab, and twice placed in the Top 5% of the Nicholl Fellowship.  Lisa has been a part of several small and independent productions. She started her own production company, 51st State Productions where she penned, directed, and produced a TV pilot Bud Appétit which is set here in Washington, DC.

Send email to Lisa Scott.

Carla Sandy has more than 14 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, serving as cofounder and CFO of Sandy Audio Visual. This award-winning company specializes in live event support, audiovisual consulting, and installation services, offering high-quality solutions for a range of clients. Carla is also a medical doctor, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to the AV industry, bridging the gap between technology and healthcare.

Carla’s involvement with WIFV includes serving as a workshop panelist, where she shares her extensive knowledge with fellow members, and actively participating in various programming activities. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, in 1997, and she earned her Medical Doctor degree from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA. Additionally, she holds a Certified Technology Specialist certificate, obtained in 2012, underscoring her commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and innovation. Carla’s diverse background and strong commitment to the WIFV community make her a valuable asset, poised to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s continued success and growth.

Connie St. John has been an industry executive for more than 30 years. She began her entertainment career in publicity at Columbia TriStar Television in Los Angeles. She then joined Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. in Atlanta, first in their TNT Originals division, then heading the PR department for Turner Program Services, the syndication division. Connie then joined Harpo Productions, managing PR for Oprah Winfrey. While there, she successfully pitched the idea for what would become Oprah’s Angel Network. She also oversaw the PR campaign for Oprah Runnin’ Wild with Tina, traveling on tour with Oprah and Tina Turner. Later, Connie joined the Public Responsibility department at Sara Lee Corporation, where she and her team addressed issues of concern for women and minorities on a local, national, and global scale.

In 1999, Connie returned to LA and founded her production company No Weapon Productions, which produces family friendly entertainment for the screen and stage. Her award-winning first short film, THE MESSAGE, screened in festivals around the country, as well as at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Her second short film, ASUNDER, was also screened at Cannes. In addition to writing shorts, television spec scripts, and full-length features, Connie has written and produced more than 100 stage plays and skits.

While in LA, Connie launched the marketing department of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and served as the executive director of various nonprofit companies, including the Neighborhood Music School.

After 20 years in California, Connie returned to Washington, DC in 2019. She re-launched No Weapon Productions, and established a consulting company, the St. John Consulting Group, through which she works with cultural influencers. She also serves on the executive board of the number one arts school in the country, L.A. County High School for the Arts.

Alison Bauer began acting in DC theater and film 12 years ago and recently wrapped up a 30-year career in the classroom. She is fresh off the set of Studio Theatre’s At the Wedding as an understudy for Holly Twyford and is currently understudying at Studio Theatre for Nancy Robinette in Problems with Sisters. She has performed in the DC Fringe Festival, Source Festival and for Peter’s Alley Theater. Using connections through WIFV members, Alison was able to integrate elements of documentary filmmaking and storytelling into mandated curricula to create high quality learning experiences for her students. As an actor and crew member, Alison has worked on many WIFV 48 Hour Film Projects. She is also a member of a remarkably creative team of filmmakers (connected through WIFV!) who have produced indie films using drama, magical realism and fantasy to examine issues of postpartum depression, body image, and the elusive balance between self, career, and family. These films have been official selections in film festivals worldwide.

Sandra Brennan started her career as an intern at WTTG-TV, now FOX 5, and later, at WBUR-FM.  She likes news and storytelling, but found her producing niche in educational settings – first at Georgetown University, and later, at Fairfax County Public Schools, one of the largest public school systems in the nation. At FCPS, Sandra created videos and interactive, online courses for staff certification, parent outreach, teacher training and student enrichment. She enjoyed the challenge of using technology to support the needs of a diverse, multilingual audience as she crafted scripts, recorded videos, edited material, produced podcasts, and developed live, studio centered-programming. Autism awareness, language acquisition and waste water science are just a few of the topics she highlighted in the course of her work. Sandra was the recipient of numerous Telly and Communicator awards, as well as local Emmy nominations during this time period. Currently, Sandra is developing her own narrative scripts and documentary projects, after taking full advantage of WIFV resources, such as SCRIPTDC, and volunteering on short, locally produced films. Her non-media time includes a few mornings each month serving as a docent at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, facilitating brief talks about some very cool objects. Sandra is a graduate of Boston University

Jillian Cardillo is a writer, actor, and comedian with a background in learning and development. She has been performing improv, sketch, and standup comedy for over a decade, and is an actor and writer for WarriorPrincess10000, and all women digital sketch comedy troupe. She’s written eight television pilots, several of which have placed highly in various competitions, including Austin Film Festival. She’s acted in several short films and audio dramas. She has a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston.

Cassidy Edwards joined WIFV in the Fall of 2022 after graduating from American University with a double major in Business and Entertainment and Film and Media Arts. Since then, she has been an active participant in several programs and events, from attending ScriptDC to coordinating volunteers for the Women of Vision Awards to serving as screenwriter and script supervisor for several award winning 48-hour Film Project shorts. Outside of WIFV, Cassidy works as a Film Prep Technician at Colorlab and volunteers as a screener for the Austin Film Festival.

Brandon Ferry is the Booking Producer for MediaMaker Spotlight, the official podcast for the Women in Film & Video networking organization, which primarily spotlights the voices of female and underrepresented filmmakers from all around the world.

He is also the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions for American University’s graduate business programs. Prior to this role, he served as the Recruitment Manager of the university’s School of Communication, where he worked with aspiring student filmmakers and journalists to pursue an education in the university’s media programs. Since earning his M.A. in Film & Television Producing in 2021, he has worked on numerous film and television projects, including TBS’s late-night political satire show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee as a Production Coordinator. When he’s not working film gigs or at film festivals, Brandon enjoys maxing out his AMC Theatres A-List card and introducing his 8-year-old nephew to the world of movies.

Alan J. Field graduated from James Madison University’s School of Music and began his career as a jazz music orchestrator who aspired to be a film score composer. Now a managing member of ThrillRide Media, he has practiced law for twenty-five years, representing songwriters, indie film directors and producers along the way. Alan has also penned one novel, seven screenplays, and one pilot, and is co-producing his first feature film.

Alan has attended many WIFV events, including ScriptDC, since he first joined in 2018 and has recommended speakers for group webinars. He recently earned a senior-level Project Management certification while working for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This year, his feature film screenplay, a 2023 WIFV Fellowship selection, won the grand prize in Fade In’s True Story/Biopic Screenplay Contest.

Anna Griesshammer is a BA (Hons) Film Production graduate from the Arts University Bournemouth Film School, in England. Focused on working in overarching positions, she specializes in multiple roles of Producing and Directing, and is competent in project management throughout full production cycles. Anna has had the opportunity to attend the Berlin, Cannes, Venice, and Double Exposure film festivals. Since returning to the US, she has been freelancing mainly as a Production Assistant with clients such as National Geographic.

Anna joined WIFV in January 2025 and has been a very active member since. She immediately volunteered to Co-Host the Monthly DC Coffee Meetups with Melissa and has been part of the Membership Committee since August. Anna attends as many events as she can, which includes participating in the DC 48 Hour Film Project with Team WIFV, ScriptDC, and the Women of Vision Awards. In addition, one day in October Anna realized just how many people her age she’s met through WIFV. All of whom are in the same starting stage of their careers. So, to connect everyone with one another she created an unofficial “Young WIFV” group chat which has been steadily growing since and has proven to be very beneficial. Through this connection, they coordinate to jointly attend WIFV events, network to find job opportunities, or simply hangout as a community. Anna even self-produced a short film with some group chat friends and other WIFV members.

Cadie Hopkins’ story is one of service, creativity, and storytelling in the national security space across the federal government, private sector, and as a woman founder and entrepreneur. She channels her experience as a former Intelligence Officer in her current role as Co-Founder of Iron Butterfly Media, a growing media platform that amplifies the voices of women in national security, sustainability, and other service-oriented careers through podcasts, film, and a nonprofit foundation.

Cadie is a builder of communities. Recognizing the need for greater support and visibility for women in national security, she has founded and led multiple organizations — including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations — dedicated to mentorship, advocacy, and personal development. She has built and led the only community serving thousands of women intelligence officers, and she co-founded the Command Purpose Foundation, a non-profit supporting women veterans as they rediscover their purpose upon retirement from military service. Cadie hopes to shape the future by empowering the next generation of women storytellers and leaders.

Michelle Kim, freshly out of college, started as an intern and PA in 2002.  She quickly found her place at the edit desk and is currently the owner of the video production and photography company, We3Kims, LLC.  Through her company she has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, keeping her days full of new and fascinating subjects.

She graduated with BA from Drexel University.  Through her 20 years in the industry she has received multiple awards for her work.

Michelle joined the WIFV podcast team as editor in 2024. She helped the team through the rebranding transition and is working to keep the show on schedule.  Go Team!

Amelia  Milstein “Mel” is a 22-year-old writer/director from Virginia, born and raised in the DMV area. A PVCC-to-UVA grad with a Bachelor’s in History and a lifelong passion for creative writing. Recent writing accolades include being a playwright for the Horizon’s Theater 2025 New South Young Playwright’s Festival, opening playwright for the UVA 2025 New Works Festival, WIFV 2025 Narrative Short Film Script Contest 3rd Place, and a fellow in the WIFV 2026 Narrative Script Development Fellowship. A service industry veteran, Milstein has worked at the frier, receptionist’s desk, home services, and restaurant floor, but has found behind-the-camera the most befitting (all the different experiences help). Connected by WIFV, Milstein has either directed or helped create three short films with other filmmakers in the last six months, and hopes to do more soon.

Emmy Award winning producer and director Amy Oden is best known for her person-first films. Amy currently leads the video team at the AFL-CIO, where she advocates for working people across the United States. She recently served as senior director of the video team at the Human Rights Campaign, where her work won the 2025 social impact award at TribecaX, and screened at Sundance. Amy’s independent work has been supported by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, the International Documentary Association, and the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund.

Oden has been involved with WIFV for more than 20 years, and served on the board from 2021-2024. Amy also worked as a senior producer and manager of multiplatform strategy at PBS’s Maryland Public Television for seven years, where she led content initiatives funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Her work there earned three Emmy Awards. Amy holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Maryland and an MA from George Washington University. Her work has won Communicator, Emmy, Davey, Tribeca, and W3 Awards.

Shaunda Patterson-Strachan, a graduate of Hampton University and GW Law, is an attorney who, after nearly 20 years as a law firm partner, recently commenced a new journey as a member of the in-house legal team of a locally-based corporation. Known as a thought leader, she has presented at national legal and industry conferences, held leadership roles in law-focused organizations, and landed on the national “Best Lawyers” list for consecutive years. But her leadership extends beyond the law. Shaunda has, since 2012, served on and, since 2022, chaired the board of Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY), which serves some of the most vulnerable young people in the DC metropolitan area. Under her leadership, SBY’s board created an arts committee, which seeks to ensure SBY is deliberate about efforts to expose youth in its care to the arts, including film, and provide avenues for them to develop skills, whether in furtherance of passion or vocation. Shaunda is also privileged to be on the board for Video | Action, further allowing her to align her desire to serve with her interest in film and the industry. Finally, Shaunda has also enjoyed appearing in and supporting production on her daughter’s films.

Renata Phillippi will bring her background in user experience, storytelling, and systems design to support and strengthen this creative community. Though her career has spanned civic tech, digital transformation, and design strategy—from leading multimillion-dollar initiatives at Apple to spearheading user-centered government reform as a Presidential Innovation Fellow—storytelling has always been at the heart of her work. As a WIFV member, she has participated in the 48 Hour Film Project, Film Club, and Women of Vision. These programs have not only brought joy but reminded her of the powerful role film plays in shaping culture and driving change.

Sheila Smith is an award-winning director of photography and Steadicam owner/operator with extensive experience filming political spots, documentaries, television, commercials, independent features, PSAs, dance, and music. She’s worked for political firms like Dixon Davis, SKDK, Braun Films, and production companies like Brooklapping, (BBC), PBS, NBC, ABC, Lifetime, and many others. She specializes in lighting, political spots, commercials, visual storytelling and Steadicam. She has Sony FX9 and F5 camera packages with lenses, lighting, Steadicam, etc. She travels across the country, and the world, working on corporate videos, television and documentaries. Among a long list of awards, she was recently recognized for Best Cinematography for Feature Film in the North Europe International Film Festival in London in 2020. Sheila was named Woman of Vision by WIFV in 2009 and has been an active WIFV member since 1990.

Melissa J. Houghton joined Women in Film & Video (WIFV) as Executive Director in August 2005.  WIFV serves 900 media professionals and program provision exceeds 200 professional development offerings annually since 2020.  The Narrative Script Development Fellowship was established in 2023 and the Documentary Development Fellowship was established in 2024 under her direction. WIFV serves as a fiscal sponsor of independent media projects, and provides the Seed Fund for Documentary Filmmakers, and the WIFV Narrative Short Film Finishing Fund in its portfolio of programs that benefit members.  Houghton excels at putting WIFV resources, connections and advocates at the service of WIFV members.

Houghton has served on the boards of the DC Architectural Foundation, DC Film Alliance, and Wide Angle Youth Media.  She is currently a member of the WETA Community Council and the FAVS Advisory Board at George Mason University.

Send email to Melissa J. Houghton.