FableVision showing their support by wearing the official IWD's color - purple!
Calling men and women everywhere! International Women’s Day is fast approaching. Celebrated on Sunday, March 8, this day is a wonderful opportunity to not only celebrate women, but to also recognize the need for greater gender equality. The best part is that it doesn’t just end after one day because March is also National Women’s History month! We’re celebrating by kicking off a series of blog posts this month with some thoughts on inspiration from FableVisionaries. We started with asking two questions:
- Working in media, what drives you?
- Who is your female role model and why?
What are your answers? What drives you and who is your female role model? How are you celebrating International Women’s Day and National Women’s History Month?
Anny (left) and her older sister, Raks (right)
Anny Din, Production Assistant
Working in media, what drives you?
Knowing what you're good at is one thing, but to actually find a career in what you're passionate about is another. The potential to excel as a producer is what drives me. Being around others who share the same fire and passion drives me. I anxiously anticipate what I can learn from my peers and that is what ultimately drives me.
Who is your female role model and why?
My female role model is my older sister, Raks. She is nine years older than me and has always been my backbone. Although my parents were constantly pushing me to be more like her, she never gave into the pressure. She made me feel like I could do anything. She always believed in me and my dreams, and would always come to save the day if needed.
Sarah Ditkoff, Communications and Development Strategist
Working in media, what drives you?
Ultimately, working at a mission-based company has reinforced my interest in media. Everything FableVision makes has emphasis on both educational and authentic experiences for the end-user. Our focus is always on that end-user, and that's a driving force.
Who is your female role model and why?
I've been enamored with Amelia Earhart since elementary school. She quite literally, and figuratively, made her own path in the world. The word "no" held little weight in her world, and I always admired that.
From left to right: Andrea's mother, herself, and her sister
Andrea Calvin, Brand and Development Strategist
Working in media, what drives you?
Truth. And now I will explain, in my life before FableVision, I was a newspaper editor. As journalist you a called to uncover the truth, report the truth, and reflect upon the truth. So you could say, for 7 years the truth was my daily guide. At FableVision truth continues to be my motivating force. The truth of story, education, and fun.
Who is your female role model and why?
My mom. She's silly. She's driven. She's creative. She's my mom. What more can I say?
Hannah O’Neal, Animator
Working in media, what drives you?
Creating something that makes people smile, think, or feel. Anything that might positively affect someone or something.
Who is your female role model and why?
Barbra Allen, my high school art teacher. She is such a strong, loving, talented, and beautiful human being. She was the best teacher I ever had and changed the lives of so many people. I hope I can be like that someday.
Jordan Bach, Senior Developer
Working in media, what drives you?
I’m inspired by the things I don’t yet know. I love learning new things and learning how to do and make new things.
Who is your female role model and why?
Alison Bechdel’s two recent books (Fun Home and Are You My Mother?) have meant a lot to me. Her bravery, her intelligence, and her relentless curiosity about herself and her history are inspiring to me.
Renee Kurilla, Lead Artist
Working in media, what drives you?
I think reaction drives me. I love making people happy. Watching both kids and adults react pleasantly to my art, in turn, makes me happy too.
Who is your female role model and why?
I look to many female artists and storytellers of all levels for artistic inspiration. Currently I am admiring illustrators Erin Stead, Sophie Blackall, and Carson Ellis from afar. They all have a quiet sense of creativity and understanding of their subjects that I strive for in my own work.
Jordan Persson, Production Assistant
Working in media, what drives you?
The opportunity to put more things I like in the world.
Who is your female role model and why?
Sally Ride. It takes an incredible amount of courage to fling yourself into the inhospitable unknown purely to help make it to the known.
Danielle Gillis, Producer
Working in media, what drives you?
For me, I'm driven to create media that not only entertains but educates. Instead of being a teacher in a classroom, being a producer allows me to work on content that's broadcast to a "classroom" of kids all over the country.
Who is your female role model and why?
A few years ago I heard Geena Davis speak about her research on gender prevalence in family entertainment. I was inspired by her message: "if she can see it, she can be it," meaning that if we start to show girls different ways of living, different roles they can play, then they'll start to imagine it. So a girl who has never met a chemist, but sees one on television or in a movie, might start to gain an interest in science. As creators of media, we have a huge responsibility to our audiences and I keep Geena Davis' research and mantra in mind as I help to shape what goes out into the world.