Interview: Women in Film and Media Kansas City (WIFM KC)
We like to take time to highlight women we see out in the world doing their part to make the world a little nicer. In this Real Nice Lady Spotlight, we’re talking to Women in Film and Media Kansas City (Formerly WIFT) about how the pandemic spurred a rebrand and what that rebrand means for the Kansas City creative community.
Meet Women in Film and Media Kansas City
We are an ever-evolving, interdisciplinary powerhouse of creative women in the business of empowered expression and unwavering allyship. We are not quiet for the sake of your comfort or soft for the sake of your ease. Instead, we use our voices to amplify the joy of creativity while acknowledging and dismantling the realities of inequity.
OUR MISSION: Connect, support and empower women and creative media makers in the Kansas City production community and advance equity for all in our industry.
Telling as little or as much as you want, how are you feeling these days?
This has been a transformative time for our organization. While it's been extremely difficult not being able to see each other in person, this time has given us the opportunity to focus on our mission and build new resources for our members.
What part(s) of your life during the pandemic have made you rethink your "normal" life?
As an organization, we've had to rethink everything from fundraising to events. Most of all, the pandemic has made us rethink how we serve our members. We're so proud to now be able to offer our members more services and content than ever before. We probably wouldn't have had this opportunity without 2020 causing us to slow down and reevaluate.
What spurred the decision to rebrand and relaunch as Women in Film and Media?
Over the last year, we've served our community in new ways but struggled to cope with the realities of the pandemic's effect on our organization. It caused us to look at ourselves, reevaluate, restructure, and ultimately, rebrand in order to serve our members in the best way possible under any circumstances.
What have you learned about your community during this transition?
There are a lot of incredibly talented women in our organization and in the Kansas City industry. We have been absolutely blown away by our board and collaborators who have supported this relaunch and our mission as a whole.
What advice would you give other women trying to succeed in your industry?
Never stop fighting for yourself. Also, join WIFM and be inspired and empowered by the powerhouse women in this organization.
What do you hope for the future of your industry?
Equity
When do you feel the strongest in your life? When do you feel the most vulnerable in your life?
All of us in this organization feel most alive when we are creating something we believe in.
Given the state of the world, what have you been doing to maintain your mental health lately?
Investing in other womxn. It comes back to you ten-fold.
What are WIFM’s goals for the coming year?
Our goal is to empower our membership through connection and support. We’re more focused now than ever before. We’re in the process of rolling out a new content library exclusive to our members. We’re also excited to collaborate with local artists and designers on beautiful and inspiring new merch. Look for the WIFM store launch later this year where you can pick up all of the creative feminist swag that your heart desires.
What can members of the Kansas City community do to help your mission?
Join, donate, volunteer, use your voice. No matter what level of involvement you want, there is a place for you in WIFM. Connect with us to see how we can help empower you.
If someone wants to join WIFM Kansas City or learn more about your organization, how should they go about doing that?
Check out our new website wifmkc.org, follow us on social, sign up for our newsletter or reach out directly by emailing president@wifmkc.org