Women in Film
Women in Film (WIF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women achieve their highest potential within the global entertainment, communications and media industries and to preserving the legacy of women within those industries. Founded in 1973, Women In Film and its Women In Film Foundation provide for members an extensive network of contacts, educational programs, scholarships, film finishing funds and grants, access to employment opportunities, mentorships and numerous practical services in support of this mission.
The Cincinnati chapter was formed in 2016 to support the tri-state region with the following mission:
- Create networking and professional development opportunities
- Screen members’ work and highlight member achievements
- Appreciate the art of film and educate the community
- Develop and access funding for member projects
- Promote equality for women in the industry
If you are a professional, student, or supporter of Women in Film, Television or Digital Media, you’ve come to the right place. Join us.
Call (513) 402-2310, or write to us at info@wifcincinnati.org
Our Board
(mouse-over photo for bio)
Jaime Meyers Schlenck, President
Jaime Meyers Schlenck is a film editor who's career spans more than two decades in Los Angeles and Cincinnati. Her work includes the Primetime Emmy Award winning documentary A LION IN THE HOUSE, TV series including HBO FIRST LOOK, and more than 60 behind-the-scenes documentaries for major studio releases such as SEX AND THE CITY and HAIRSPRAY. As lead development editor at Magical Elves (TOP CHEF), Jaime edited pilots for pitching shows to network (Bravo, AMC and Lifetime). She was additional editor on the Oscar winning documentary AMERICAN FACTORY 美国工厂. Jaime recently edited 9TO5: THE STORY OF A MOVEMENT (Netflix) and is currently working on the documentary DAVE CHAPPELLE: THE GET UP.
Sara Drabik, Vice President
Sara Drabik is a documentary filmmaker and Associate Professor of Electronic Media and Broadcasting in the College of Informatics at Northern Kentucky University where she teaches documentary filmmaking and media literacy. Her work has been featured by the University Film and Video Assoc., the Broadcast Education Assoc., the University of Oxford Saïd Business School, NPR and KET/PBS. Her current research is a collaboration with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance exploring the changing roles of women in the international coffee industry.
Sara Drabik is a documentary filmmaker and Associate Professor of Electronic Media and Broadcasting in the College of Informatics at Northern Kentucky University where she teaches documentary filmmaking and media literacy. Her work has been featured by the University Film and Video Assoc., the Broadcast Education Assoc., the University of Oxford Saïd Business School, NPR and KET/PBS. Her current research is a collaboration with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance exploring the changing roles of women in the international coffee industry.
Laure Quinlivan, Treasurer
Laure Quinlivan is a Producer/Director honored with two international Peabody Awards and 18 Emmy’s. Her VISIONS OF VINE STREET documentary for WCPO-TV sparked change in Cincinnati’s urban core leading to revitalization of historic Over the Rhine. She served four years as a Cincinnati Council Member and is now President of LQ Consulting. She’s currently producing/directing a PBS documentary, AMERICA'S FIRST NET ZERO ENERGY POLICE STATION.
Laure Quinlivan is a Producer/Director honored with two international Peabody Awards and 18 Emmy’s. Her VISIONS OF VINE STREET documentary for WCPO-TV sparked change in Cincinnati’s urban core leading to revitalization of historic Over the Rhine. She served four years as a Cincinnati Council Member and is now President of LQ Consulting. She’s currently producing/directing a PBS documentary, AMERICA'S FIRST NET ZERO ENERGY POLICE STATION.
Abi Esmena, Secretary
Born in Hawaii and transplanted to the Queen City, Abi Esmena is a SAG-Aftra actor with over a decade of experience in front of & behind the camera. As an actor, she has performed in numerous MainStage theatrical productions such as the Know Theatre’s, GIRL IN THE RED CORNER, more than 100 commercials productions spanning national to local use, indie films/series, and can be recently seen in theaters as OFFICER CRAIN in the 2021 release of the Tribeca-slated indie thriller, DON'T TELL A SOUL.Abi owns & runs the AuditionRoom513, a local acting studio with a film-centric training focus, where she coaches actors of all ages.
Born in Hawaii and transplanted to the Queen City, Abi Esmena is a SAG-Aftra actor with over a decade of experience in front of & behind the camera. As an actor, she has performed in numerous MainStage theatrical productions such as the Know Theatre’s, GIRL IN THE RED CORNER, more than 100 commercials productions spanning national to local use, indie films/series, and can be recently seen in theaters as OFFICER CRAIN in the 2021 release of the Tribeca-slated indie thriller, DON'T TELL A SOUL.Abi owns & runs the AuditionRoom513, a local acting studio with a film-centric training focus, where she coaches actors of all ages.
Chenney Chen
Chenney Chen is a producer and a co-founding member of Plum Street Productions, a 3x Telly Award winning content studio. She has produced televised content for the Scripps National Spelling Bee for ESPN and National Geographic, as well as Lifetime's HER AMERICA series and BBC Digital on Agriscience. Her primary film focus is on production management and line producing and is known as a “fixer” that supports directors and producers to implement productions in the Midwest. She has worked on films such as CAROL, MILES AHEAD, HEARTLAND, THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE and CONFESSIONS OF AN EXORCIST.
Chenney Chen is a producer and a co-founding member of Plum Street Productions, a 3x Telly Award winning content studio. She has produced televised content for the Scripps National Spelling Bee for ESPN and National Geographic, as well as Lifetime's HER AMERICA series and BBC Digital on Agriscience. Her primary film focus is on production management and line producing and is known as a “fixer” that supports directors and producers to implement productions in the Midwest. She has worked on films such as CAROL, MILES AHEAD, HEARTLAND, THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE and CONFESSIONS OF AN EXORCIST.
Noel Julnes-Dehner
Noel Julnes-Dehner is a Producer/Writer/Director whose films include UNDER FIRE: SOVIET WOMEN COMBAT VETERANS WWII, THE RIGHT TRACK, and COMING HOME FROM THE STREETS. Her work has appeared on television, in film festivals and at the Kennan Institute/ Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. She has published in Minerva, Wisdom Found, Sojourners and Forward Movement publications.
Noel Julnes-Dehner is a Producer/Writer/Director whose films include UNDER FIRE: SOVIET WOMEN COMBAT VETERANS WWII, THE RIGHT TRACK, and COMING HOME FROM THE STREETS. Her work has appeared on television, in film festivals and at the Kennan Institute/ Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. She has published in Minerva, Wisdom Found, Sojourners and Forward Movement publications.
Robin K. Fields
For over 30 years, Costume Designer, A.C.D. & Costume Supervisor, Robin K. Fields has seen her creations grace the big and small screen alike. From her early work on film projects such as A RAGE IN HARLEM, IN TOO DEEP, SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and MILK MONEY to more recent projects such as DARK WATERS, HARD KILL, and WRONG TURN, Robin has masterfully used shape, silhouette, colors and proportion to tell each characters’ story.
As Costume Department Head, Robin often takes aspiring costumers under her wing, sharing the knowledge and skills she has learned working in the industry she loves.
For over 30 years, Costume Designer, A.C.D. & Costume Supervisor, Robin K. Fields has seen her creations grace the big and small screen alike. From her early work on film projects such as A RAGE IN HARLEM, IN TOO DEEP, SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and MILK MONEY to more recent projects such as DARK WATERS, HARD KILL, and WRONG TURN, Robin has masterfully used shape, silhouette, colors and proportion to tell each characters’ story.
As Costume Department Head, Robin often takes aspiring costumers under her wing, sharing the knowledge and skills she has learned working in the industry she loves.
Melissa Godoy
Melissa Godoy was the line producer for the 2020 Oscar winning feature documentary, AMERICAN FACTORY 美国工厂 (Netflix) by Steven Bognar & Julia Reichert, as well as for THE LAST TRUCK (HBO) and A LION IN THE HOUSE (Independent Lens) by the same team. She produced and directed DO NOT GO GENTLY (American Public Television), was a cinematographer for ELECTION DAY (POV) by Katy Chevigny and for TREES IN TROUBLE (PBS World Channel) Andrea Torrice. She is currently in post-production on the feature documentary, DETERMINED. Godoy teaches scriptwriting and production at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State.
Melissa Godoy was the line producer for the 2020 Oscar winning feature documentary, AMERICAN FACTORY 美国工厂 (Netflix) by Steven Bognar & Julia Reichert, as well as for THE LAST TRUCK (HBO) and A LION IN THE HOUSE (Independent Lens) by the same team. She produced and directed DO NOT GO GENTLY (American Public Television), was a cinematographer for ELECTION DAY (POV) by Katy Chevigny and for TREES IN TROUBLE (PBS World Channel) Andrea Torrice. She is currently in post-production on the feature documentary, DETERMINED. Godoy teaches scriptwriting and production at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State.
Rhonda'Lyn Jamison
With over 15+ years of content development experience, Rhonda'Lyn Jamison has innovated many aspects of the cinematic post-production pipeline for several enterprise organizations, motion picture studios, agency, small businesses and nonprofits alike.
Her professionalism and attention to detail has elevated her to the role of Creative Director over the past four years at JYSproductions, LLC.
With over 15+ years of content development experience, Rhonda'Lyn Jamison has innovated many aspects of the cinematic post-production pipeline for several enterprise organizations, motion picture studios, agency, small businesses and nonprofits alike.
Her professionalism and attention to detail has elevated her to the role of Creative Director over the past four years at JYSproductions, LLC.
Rachel Lyon
Rachel Lyon is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker who has produced 65 documentaries and feature films. Her work often focuses on critical global issues and human rights. She has produced documentary films for PBS, NBC, CNN, and National Geographic. Lyon’s recent film, HATE CRIMES IN THE HEARTLAND was screened in 20 cities with the Ford Foundation. Her films RACE TO EXECUTION and JUROR NUMBER SIX were broadcast on PBS' Independent Lens.
Rachel Lyon is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker who has produced 65 documentaries and feature films. Her work often focuses on critical global issues and human rights. She has produced documentary films for PBS, NBC, CNN, and National Geographic. Lyon’s recent film, HATE CRIMES IN THE HEARTLAND was screened in 20 cities with the Ford Foundation. Her films RACE TO EXECUTION and JUROR NUMBER SIX were broadcast on PBS' Independent Lens.
Aymie Majerski
Aymie Majerski is a filmmaker with an extensive background in development, production and post-production spanning the past 15 years. As owner of Lotus Shark, Aymie has developed and produced nationally recognized projects including: AMERICAN FIGHTER with UFC’s Rich Franklin, REBOUND: A BASKETBALL STORY with Nick Clooney, 4192: THE CROWNING OF THE HIT KING with Pete Rose, 7 BELOW - a psychological thriller starring Val Kilmer and Ving Rhames. Aymie is skilled at bringing the pieces of a project together and seeing it through to final delivery. Aymie’s producing style combines a laid-back life philosophy coupled with un-compromised business acumen.
Aymie Majerski is a filmmaker with an extensive background in development, production and post-production spanning the past 15 years. As owner of Lotus Shark, Aymie has developed and produced nationally recognized projects including: AMERICAN FIGHTER with UFC’s Rich Franklin, REBOUND: A BASKETBALL STORY with Nick Clooney, 4192: THE CROWNING OF THE HIT KING with Pete Rose, 7 BELOW - a psychological thriller starring Val Kilmer and Ving Rhames. Aymie is skilled at bringing the pieces of a project together and seeing it through to final delivery. Aymie’s producing style combines a laid-back life philosophy coupled with un-compromised business acumen.
Tim Swallow
Tim Swallow is the founder and CEO of Cincinnati World Cinema, with a 16-year history of film programming and curation, including world premieres and festivals, plus 250+ films by women.
Prior to CWC, he spent 20 years as a live events producer, focusing on music, theatre and the arts. His experience includes management, marketing, finance, IT and non-profit boards. Specializing in short film, Tim’s passion is building a film community to experience high-quality international and independent cinema not otherwise available in this market.
Tim Swallow is the founder and CEO of Cincinnati World Cinema, with a 16-year history of film programming and curation, including world premieres and festivals, plus 250+ films by women.
Prior to CWC, he spent 20 years as a live events producer, focusing on music, theatre and the arts. His experience includes management, marketing, finance, IT and non-profit boards. Specializing in short film, Tim’s passion is building a film community to experience high-quality international and independent cinema not otherwise available in this market.
Jenell Walton
Jenell Walton is Vice President of Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU and WGUC). Jenell promotes the brand narrative to drive awareness locally and nationally, build reputation, mobilize resources and spark economic vitality in our region. Jenell spent nearly 20 years covering the issues in Cincinnati as an anchor/reporter/videographer at WCPO-TV 9 and reporter at WLWT News 5.
Jenell Walton is Vice President of Cincinnati Public Radio (WVXU and WGUC). Jenell promotes the brand narrative to drive awareness locally and nationally, build reputation, mobilize resources and spark economic vitality in our region. Jenell spent nearly 20 years covering the issues in Cincinnati as an anchor/reporter/videographer at WCPO-TV 9 and reporter at WLWT News 5.
Stephonika Kaye
Stephonkia Kaye was born in West Virginia, but attended Ohio University and calls Cincinnati home. She is a set decorator, production designer, and props assistant locally and nationally. She was set decorator for WRONG TURN and production designer for the critically acclaimed short THE GERMAN KING. Also a writer/director, she has produced her own shorts, and is developing her next script. Her film credits include: CAROL, MILES AHEAD, BLUE, SOMEWHERE IN SIDE ME, WILDFIRE and the documentary PEPPER.
Stephonkia Kaye was born in West Virginia, but attended Ohio University and calls Cincinnati home. She is a set decorator, production designer, and props assistant locally and nationally. She was set decorator for WRONG TURN and production designer for the critically acclaimed short THE GERMAN KING. Also a writer/director, she has produced her own shorts, and is developing her next script. Her film credits include: CAROL, MILES AHEAD, BLUE, SOMEWHERE IN SIDE ME, WILDFIRE and the documentary PEPPER.
