Meet the 2022 Youth Ambassadors

This month, we welcomed the 2022 Reel Works / MediaMKRS Youth Ambassadors cohort. Ten students were accepted into the program! The Ambassadors will be actively engaging and representing Reel Works in their communities and professional lives. 

The Youth Ambassadors will be co-hosting Reel Works events and have already started planning the next Town Hall for students to engage in discourse about community topics. 

The Ambassadors spent time talking to Reel Works Development Director Christiamilda Correa about the next Town Hall and are currently deciding on the theme.

Noor Muzahid, a Reel Works Ambassador, shared his enthusiasm for the program: “Being part of Reel Works and MediaMKRS has been a tremendous transformation in my life. I personally feel accomplished and productive in being part of the family at Reel Works. I want to share what Reel Works has to offer to others so they can also pursue their dream just as I am doing right now. The Ambassadors program specifically will be a way for me to be more outgoing and inspire other people, being one of my goals in life.”

In addition to that, the Ambassadors have begun the process of selecting the nominees for the F. John Outcalt Award of Outstanding Filmmaking, which will be awarded at the Reel Works ChangeMakers Gala.

Facilitated by Program Director Abby Verbosky and Outreach Coordinator Mara Sheban, the youth ambassadors will gain skills in networking, public speaking, event planning, community organization and develop themselves as leaders. 

The Ambassadors are made up of alumni, returning students and new students. Chi Adi, who is also in our Fellows program, shared: “Although I’m just at the beginning of my fellowship, I already feel incredibly supported by the Reel Works team and their votes of confidence in my abilities as an artist. Speaking to others in a representative role comes naturally to me.”

Youth Ambassadors collaborated with Vanessa Gonzalez, Reel Works Internship Coordinator to establish their roles in the upcoming MediaMKRS Career Panel on February 23rd.

Shan Andrei Pangilinan, a Youth Ambassador, reflected, “I want to learn a lot more about the industry, meet new people and be part of something great. I have really enjoyed my time with the Narrative Lab so far, talking to people and having the chance to create something great is one of my favorite things about it, and being an Ambassador can help me meet new people and potentially create something much greater.  Finally, This opportunity can help me with my future in the Industry. I really wanted to pursue something related to Media as a career and I know that this opportunity can help me prepare for the future ahead.”