September 5, 2024
Grantee Partner Spotlight: Women in the Room Productions
by Denise Pines
The Ms. Foundation is proud to support our grantee partners, who are at the forefront of organizing and creating solutions that improve people’s lives and bring us closer to achieving a true democracy. The insight and perspective they provide is invaluable. The Q&A below was generated by Women in the Room Productions Co-Founder & CEO Denise Pines. Women in the Room Productions is a dynamic media company dedicated to driving social impact through powerful narrative storytelling. We focus on uplifting the voices of girls/women and people of color, creating films that not only entertain but also inspire change. Our outreach and education initiatives are designed to support and strengthen communities, ensuring that our work has a lasting, positive impact. Women in the Room Productions is a Birth Justice Initiative grantee partner. What brought you to this work? As a storyteller, I’ve always been drawn to narratives that uncover hidden truths and give a voice to the voiceless. My journey into telling stories about girls, women, and people of color, particularly focusing on the Black experience in America, began with a pivotal project: “Too Important to Fail.” “Too Important to Fail” delved into the school-to-prison pipeline, revealing the harsh realities faced by our most vulnerable Black boys. It was during this project that we uncovered another shocking truth: Black girls were the fastest-growing population in detention centers. This revelation struck a chord with me. We were already committed to four documentaries at the time, making it impossible to address this issue immediately. However, I knew that one day, this story had to be told. The realization that these crucial stories were being overlooked due to gender inequity drove me to make a bold decision. I left the company I was with and co-founded Women in the Room Productions. This new venture was born out of a desire to tell the stories that matter, the ones that are often hidden in plain sight. Our mission at Women in the Room Productions is to shed light on the issues that affect women and people of color, particularly Black communities, through compelling narrative storytelling. We aim to drive social impact and foster a deeper understanding of these experiences, ensuring that these important stories reach the world. Starting this company was not just a career move; it was a commitment to amplify voices that have been marginalized for too long. Every story we tell is a step towards greater awareness and change, highlighting the resilience, challenges, and triumphs of those who have been silenced. In the end, my journey to telling these stories is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: every story deserves to be heard, and every voice matters. How do you connect/collaborate in your community? Who are your key partners? At Women in the Room Productions, our storytelling begins with the grassroots. We seek out individuals and organizations that are already making a difference in their communities. We start by asking critical questions: What challenges are they facing? Who is creating effective solutions? Which initiatives can be transformed into centers of excellence that can be replicated elsewhere? Our approach involves partnering with these changemakers to ensure that their stories are told accurately and powerfully. By collaborating with these organizations, we not only bring their work to light but also help amplify their impact through our films. We create educational and outreach initiatives that extend the reach of our narratives, fostering greater understanding and support. We excel in making such a significant impact that many believe we run our own programs. While we don’t directly operate these initiatives, our team has extensive experience in launching and supporting numerous initiatives and programs. This expertise is woven into every film project, ensuring that each story we tell is not just informative but transformative. Our key partners include a diverse range of community organizations, advocacy groups, educational institutions, and thought leaders who are at the forefront of addressing the issues we highlight in our films. By working closely with these partners, we ensure that our stories are grounded in reality and reflect the true experiences of those involved. This collaborative effort allows us to create films that are not only compelling but also catalysts for real change. What are you learning or what are you teaching? At Women in the Room Productions, we are both learners and educators in the art of storytelling. Our primary focus is on teaching organizations the transformative power of media. We demonstrate how compelling narratives can capture the attention of policymakers, amplify voices through news coverage, secure increased funding support, and serve as impactful training content. Through our work, we educate organizations on the strategic use of storytelling to drive social change. We show them how to craft and share their stories in ways that resonate with audiences and inspire action. By leveraging media effectively, these organizations can highlight their challenges, showcase their successes, and build broader support for their causes. We also learn from every story we tell. Each project deepens our understanding of the issues at hand and enriches our ability to tell authentic, powerful stories. This continuous learning cycle helps us refine our approach and better support the communities we serve. Our ultimate goal is to empower organizations to use storytelling as a tool for advocacy, education, and change, ensuring their voices are heard and their missions are advanced. Tell us about a recent victory or something you’re proud of. Our last film, “Birthing Justice,” had an incredible impact. Not only did it air on PBS to 92% of U.S. households, but it also strategically aired on April 10 to coincide with the commencement of Black Maternal Health Week. Additionally, the film has been screened at over 328 locations across the nation and at high-profile events. “Birthing Justice” has also been showcased in over 80 medical schools and hospitals throughout the country. Its recognition extends to the world of cinema, where it has received five Best Documentary awards at various film festivals. Two of the most significant impacts of the film is its adoption by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, which integrated “Birthing Justice” into its mandatory Health Equity curriculum for all medical students. The second significant impact is The Federation of State Medical Boards accrediting the film for Continuing Medical Education credits, making it accessible to physicians for professional development, solidifying its position as a valuable resource. What can philanthropy do better and/or how can individuals be helpful allies? Philanthropy has a tremendous opportunity to enhance its impact by embracing multimedia as a powerful tool for change. To maximize the potential of storytelling and media in driving social impact, here’s how philanthropy and individuals can play a pivotal role: What gives you hope? The source of my hope lies in the energy, intelligence, and passion of young people. Today’s youth are equipped with unparalleled access to information and technology, enabling them to approach challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. What’s truly inspiring is their unwavering commitment to seeking balance and justice in their advocacy efforts. As I witness the dedication and determination of young activists, I am filled with optimism for the future. Their ability to harness the power of technology for social good, coupled with their insistence on equity and inclusivity, reaffirms my belief that positive change is not only possible but inevitable. I am confident that we are in good hands, and I eagerly anticipate passing the torch of storytelling to the next generation. With their vision, courage, and resilience, I am certain that they will continue to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more just world.
