In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique, and her guests explore the evolving identities of women through cultural lenses and life stages. The conversation delves into the complexities of women's roles, their spaces, and the societal expectations that shape their self-perception. The guests share personal stories and insights on navigating their identities as creators, mothers, and community builders, emphasizing the importance of taking up space and redefining success on their terms. In this conversation, the participants explore the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the journey of healing after breakups. They discuss the challenges of balancing career aspirations with personal life, the importance of community, and the evolving perceptions of aging and success in the creative industry. The dialogue emphasizes empowerment through experience, the need for women to assert themselves in various spaces, and the ongoing fight against ageism in the industry.

Guests:

Tania Mohammad - Producer, Host and Community Builder

Tania Mohammad is a Karachi-born storyteller and global citizen who grew up in Canada, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia but now calls New York home. With a passion for connecting people and ideas through powerful storytelling, she has over 15 years of experience in media production, content development, marketing, and event management across media and nonprofits.

Becca Spencer, Screenwriter/ Producer/ Actress

Becca’s journey into professional screenwriting and filmmaking started after getting tired of not seeing enough meaningful stories with people of color, especially Black and African American women. She believes in the power of telling an authentic human story and how it can bring healing, hope, or revelation to a community.

Ugenia Stokes - Actor/Producer/Filmmaker/Founder

Ugenia Stokes (she/her) is a multi-talented educator, actress, and filmmaker who has worked in the entertainment industry for the last 15 years. Her directorial debut documentary short “FREE TO BE,” an Official Selection of the 2021 Toronto Film Festival, Denton Black Film Festival “People’s Choice Award” and Micheaux Film Festival “Best Documentary Short,” dives into the lives of four individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and their push for social justice and racial equality. Produced short films such as PUPPY LOVE (Snapchat Tribeca Film Festival) and feature films such as DOUBLE DOWN (Miami Film Festival). She attended Marymount Manhattan College in New York and obtained a B.A. in Acting and Costume Design with a minor in History. Ugenia has styled and produced content and magazine covers for companies such as Forbes, Interview Magazine, and Hearst (Seventeen Magazine) and directed film, TV, and commercial content in collaboration with companies such as Neuehouse, Sony, Amazon, LA Tech Week, and AMP Beauty. I continue to work with LISC by directing a doc that oversees efforts to address the homelessness and housing crisis in Los Angeles, focusing on affordable housing solutions. Ugenia is also dedicated to creating space for womxn to be their beautifully imperfect and messy selves while often commenting, directly or indirectly, on mental health in film, both in front of and behind the camera.

Becky Chretien - Filmmaker/Project Manager/Mom

Becky Chretien is a talented hobbyist filmmaker, serving in several roles on the film set. Like most of her ancestors, she is passionate about storytelling and writing. From a great-great-great-grandmother who published poems, Becky enjoys the art of storytelling.