Tea Talks with Tomeka Podcast

Writer, Director, Jan Reesman

Jan is a Jersey girl who relocated to New York City where she started her journey in the entertainment business as an actress. After doing lots of theater she started producing and directors. That's where she discovered her love for directing.

Initially, Jan loved NY until she did a house swap with someone in LA. She hated it until she went onto a studio lot. Then she fell in love with it and relocated to LA.

Over the years, Jan played many roles such as a personal manager for writers and actors, taught acting and casting director to pay the bills while working on her career as a director. After three attempts, Jan got into American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women where she created her short film, "ESCAPING JERSEY" which inspired by her life.

Jan shares her journey to creating her new comedic web series, "Baby Boomer Bunnies" which has been selected to the Hoboken Film Festival. We talk about the state of women filmmakers in Hollywood and hiring women. Additionally,  Jan gives amazing nuggets for actors and filmmakers relocating to Los Angeles.

We also talk about the (AWD) Alliance of Women Directors. She shares the growth and benefits of this 501 3c created to support education and advocacy for women directors in film, television, and new media. She was on the board of directors for 20 years. I also serve on the leadership team in Atlanta. It's such a great organization for women directors.

Jan also shares her love for animals. She became an Animal Behavorist or Trainer. She worked with celebrities to train their dogs. After doing lots of volunteer  work with animals. She now has a 5013c for animals with disabilities which is going to be called St. Felix. They help place cats in foster homes and help with the shelters.

You can follow Jan Reesman on social media:

www.facebook.com/BabyBoomerBunnies/videos/10151030431470695

www.instagram.com/janreesman/

twitter.com/janreesman

Tivia Lynnell - an actor, animator and filmmaker. 

She shared longtime passion for watching movies. During her high school years, she acted and wrote her first short film but was highly criticized by her teacher. Ultimately, she lost her confident to act. Thankfully, another teacher saw her natural talent and encouraged her that she could do anything. 

Tivia and I discussed our time working on the Obama campaign in 2008. We talked about it helped prepare us for our journeys as filmmakers.

A few years ago, Tivia taught herself animation. That led to her creating an animated web series Bexley Snow and the Magic Orb. She shares her process. 

Tivia is the Founder and CEO of Tivoyage Entertainment. 

Website:https://www.tivoyageent.com/bexleysnowandthemagicorb

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tivoyage/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tivialynnell 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bexleysnow

Twitter: twitter.com/BexleySnow_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tivoyage/

Melissa J. Dixon

 

Following a successful career as a professional dancer/singer/actress performing and training others around the world, Melissa J. Dixon swapped her Capezios for stilettos and started a new journey, earning a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in communications. She then earned a master's degree in strategic public relations from the Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University.

 

Since changing careers, she has worked in publications and communications for ESPN Outdoors/B.A.S.S., internal events and communications for Gaylord Palms/Marriott International Inc., global communications for UK-based Aurora Group, and is currently the project manager of sales communication at Scholastic Book Fairs.

 

In September 2015, she launched Ask the Entertainment Expert, a series of interviews with entertainment professionals from around the world intended to inform, inspire and empower up-and-coming performing artists. After taking a break to finish grad school, she recently relaunched her website.

 

She proudly serves on the committee for Atlanta-based Mission 4 Movement, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the promotion and celebration of dance, and to supporting those underserved in the arts community through mentoring, opportunities, resources and education. She also participates in/supports Lean In Atlanta, IABC Atlanta, PRSA Georgia Chapter, GWU's Alumni book club, Buti Yoga, Faith & Flyness and The BOSS Network.

website: www.melissajdixon.com

Twitter, FB, SC, IG: @choreocomm

Ronnika "RJ" Williams is a documentary filmmaker and author. After the passing of RJ's father she made her father 3 promises and she later fulfilled them.

RJ and her sister went to grief counseling. After going for a while, they recognized that they were the only people of color that was in their group counseling. That encouraged her to go on a journey to find out how the African American community dealt with grief and inspired "The Final 48 project." The Final 48 project is a multimedia project.

After reaching a point of defeat, she attended the Center of Documentary Studies at Duke University. During that time she was advised to insert herself into the project which allowed her project to flourish again.

RJ also talks about experience in archival management. During an internship they found an old slave burial ground. She also desires to be an archivist for film and television.  

During our conversation, RJ gives really good advice about how she coped with her loss. She also explains how grief is a silent killer. Like after suffering a really bad burn accident and grieving for her father; she had to find a new normal.

RJ has a fundraiser going on to help continue the project.

Also, is the keynote speaker to Father's Day 3D Brunch for the 3D Foundation (Daughter's of Deceased Dad's.)

Website: www.final48.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Final48

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Final48Project

 

Tamika Lamison is the founder of the Make a Film Foundation.

Tamika Lamison won a $10,000 for a scriptwriting contest in the 90's. She took her money and moved to Los Angeles. She then sold her first script for six figures but then found out the check was bad. She turned her lemons to lemonade by volunteering and teaching children film. Later, she used her passion for film and teaching for something much bigger. Tamika started a nonprofit, "Make a Film Foundation." "Make a Film Foundation" grants severely or terminally ill children their wish to make a film. They have both a short film and a documentary program. Listen to this hilarious story of how Johnny Depp volunteered his time on one of the children's film project 's in a day's notice. Guillermo del Toro is looking to volunteer to direct on one of their "Make a Film Foundation."

Although, Tamika continues to work and create her own work as a writer, director and producer, she truly feels that "Make a Film Foundation" is her greater purpose. Through "Make a Film Foundation" Tomeka is able to make these children, the parents and family have everlasting memories.

Tamika's feature film, "Last Life" and MAFF's "The Black Ghiandola" are currently in the film festival circuit. Tamika is on the writing team for Craig Ross Jr.'s new drama, "Monogamy" which is on the Urban Movie Channel. It looks good so check it out!

Website: www.makeafilmfoundation.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamika.lamison

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeafilmfoundation

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alchemist26

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Makeafilmfnd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeafilmfoundation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baobabt

 

Shivawn Adrienne is a Screenwriter, filmmaker & a Creative. We discussed her journey of feeling like an outsider during the time she was in film school to get her MFA in screenwriting. Shivawn turned that negative into a positive by starting, "The Creative Outsiders." She uses her platform to unite, educate and inspire women filmmakers so that they never feel like outsiders during their filmmaking journey.

Shivawn shares her different processes in writing a book and a screenplay. In addition to the value of the rewrites. We also talk about not comparing your journey to others. She expresses the need for creatives to practice self-care. Also the importance of looking after your friends in their low times. There should be no shame in us taking care of our mental health needs.

In addition to her company "The Creative Outsiders," she started a podcast also entitled "The Creative Podcast. From the women that she has  interviewed the most important lesson that she has learned, "Do the Work." It is important to have a tribe. She shares how best friend and family continuously encourages her on her journey.

 Philanthropy, social conscience, and creativity are key themes in Shivawn Adrienne's life and career. The Virginia native and graduate of Norfolk State and Wilkes University (MFA in Screenwriting) wants to be remembered as a woman who left her mark. She's the author of the book entitled Rewrite Your Story, founder of The Creative Outsiders. She currently is in post-production with her short documentary, Lifting Crowns. Most recently Shivawn has worked as an assistant director and script supervisor on several award winning projects for the production company Kweli Legacy. She has been commissioned to adapt a screenplay for an author.

 Her passion lies in encouraging other women to expand their platforms by motivating them to harness and execute their visions. She has developed and helped to implement the visual brand and identity of many women-owned businesses.

 Website: https://thecreativeoutsiders.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecreativeoutsiders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeoutsiders

 

 

Anthony Barrows grew up in the projects in Boston. He entered the foster care system at 14 years old. He talks about the challenges that most teenagers have as they enter foster care in addition to his journey from group homes to getting placed in a predominantly white neighborhood.

 "Graffiti art saved my life," said Anthony, although in the state of Massachusetts Graffiti is a felony. Yes, Anthony had been arrested several times but Anthony said being "Lucky" is the theme of his life. Although not having the best grades, Anthony graduated from high school. He didn't have a plan so he decided to get a job but his foster mother and social worker intervened and made him go apply to the local college. Luckily, he got in.

After completing college, Anthony felt led to get a job as a social worker. He wanted to help kids that was much like him when he was younger. Over the years he's worked to continue to advocate for foster youth. He later applied to get another Master's Degree from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Anthony Barrows is a Managing Director at the applied behavioral science firm ideas42 where he focuses on domestic poverty, local government, post-secondary education, and civic engagement. Anthony previously worked over ten years in child welfare, spanning positions in direct service, supervision, training, advocacy, project management and system improvement. He is also a practicing artist and has led art classes and arts-oriented youth development programming. Anthony holds a BA in Philosophy and Art from UMass Boston, an MFA in Printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute, and an MPA from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government where he was a Gleitsman Fellow at the Center for Public Leadership.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @anthony_barrows 

            @ideas42

 

Melody is the Founder and Executive Director of Foster Care Unplugged. She is also an (APA) Applied Behavior Analyst for the state of New York.

After witnessing her father's death in the 1980's due to Aids, Melody and her siblings were placed into the foster care system. She shares the impact of her family witnessing that type of trauma. Additionally, Melody and her siblings are culturally Puerto Rican and Italian that grew up in a close Spanish section. It wasn't an easy transition for them as they were placed in non Spanish homes. 

At the age of 7, Melody was molested. During the investigation and therapy, she decided to become a therapist to teach therapist how to do their jobs. She found at an early age that the therapist didn't know how to build a rapport with her trauma. She uses her skills as therapist to help the healing of youth that are in foster care.  

Melody and her twin sister were hand picked out of 400 foster youth to get a scholarship from the American Dream Program. That program afforded them to be included in the 2% of foster youth to graduate from college. Had she and her sister not have gotten into this program, they would have been homeless due to aging out. Therefore, Melody is working on the "Financial Economic Empowerment" Bill in the state of NY to put money in a trust so that the youth have better opportunities to succeed. 

She is also in the process of expanding Foster Care Unplugged to Los Angeles. 

Website: FosterCareUnplugged.org

Facebook: Fostercareunplugged

Twitter: Fostercareunplugged

Instagram: Fostercareunplugged

 

Attorney Adrienne Ashby shares her journey to making her decision to home school her children.  After closing her law firm, she chose to balance practicing law part-time with homeschooling. During our conversation, Adrienne shares some factors that made her decide to homeschool her children. Additionally, she offers resources that will help those who are considering homeschooling. Adrienne feels like homeschooling is like our "Wakanda." 

Adrienne has a law degree from The University of Virginia and an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  She has practiced law for 20 years.  Adrienne is in her 6th year of  homeschooling and is grateful for the freedom and responsibility of teaching her children at home.  When she is not homeschooling or practicing law, she enjoys reading, yoga, and talking to friends over coffee.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/adrienne.ashby.50

email: [email protected]

 

 

Desireé Sterling is the founder of a non-profit, "Becoming Families." "Becoming Families" is having their 3rd Annual "Forever Homes Gala" on May 4, 2018 (6-9pm.) "AGED OUT" the movie will be screened at the gala to talk about youth who's aged out of foster care. They will have other guest speakers, silent auction and much more. It will be a fun time that will make a difference. All proceeds benefits foster youth and foster parents. 

Having seen the foster care system at work as foster child and now as a foster parent she knows the struggles and reasons behind the declining placement home numbers. Desireé desires to find more Forever Homes for children with a mission to Foster the Future.

Desireé holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, both from Westminster College, and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice/Homeland Security from California University of Pennsylvania and she plans to attend Hampton University in the near future to obtain a Doctoral Degree for Counselor Education and Supervision.

Lastly, Desireé teaches us how we can get involved with Becoming Families or other organizations near you that can make a difference. 

You can learn more about Becoming Families at the links below: 

Website: www.BecomingFamilies.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BecomingFamilies/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/becomingfamilies/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BecomingFamilie