The Women In Media Holiday Toast fundraiser was an inspiration and kicked off the festive season with a bang! We recognized truly legendary women who are making a mark in the entertainment industry. These distinguished filmmakers are paving the way for greater female participation behind the scenes. 

Luminaries of all genders in the entertainment world joined us in honoring these exemplary women, as their colleagues shared stories of their professionalism, artistry, and craft.  We celebrated these phenomenal women as they shared their wisdom, leadership, and experience on a special panel. Folks got there early to enjoy the champagne bar and pranced two red carpets and Rosie the GLambot. In addition, VIP Premiere ticket holders received a commemorative Holiday Toast 2023 champagne glass to raise to our honorees and take home.

2023 Honorees

Natasha Foster-Owens Senior Vice President, Production at HBO – Insecure, Divorce, Staircase, Wizard of Lies
Toast Master Ada Chiaghana, Senior Vice President, Development at Higher Ground Productions 

Jen Underdahl Vice President: VFX – Marvel Studios – Loki, WandaVision, The Avengers
Toast Master Dan DeLeeuw Production VFX Supervisor – Loki, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Endgame

Stephanie Filo Editor – 2023 3 time Emmy Nominee for Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, A Black Lady Sketch Show, History of the World: Part II
Toast Master Nzinga Blake Actress/Executive Producer/Writer  – Days of Our Lives, Barbershop TV series, Freeloaders

Dianne Farrington Camera Operator – Moesha, Mad About You, The Nutty Professor, Cinematographer Making The Five Heartbeats
Toast Master Sandra Evers-Manly Producer, CEO of BHERC, Deep Sky, Ferguson Rises, Academy Nominated Short film Last Breeze of Summer

Mistress of Ceremonies Tema Staig Executive Director and Founder, Women In Media

Holiday Toast Program

Download the Program (PDF) or view slideshow below.

Photo Gallery by Ashly Covington

Photo Gallery by Robin L. Marshall

Thank you to our sponsors!

Gold Partner

Silver Partner

Bronze Partners

Community Partners

Official Media Partner