Welcome to CWIMA Atlanta. This is where faith meets purpose and creativity meets calling. If you’re ready to grow and use your voice with boldness, you’re in the right place.
In Atlanta, we show up with intention. We pray, we learn, and we sharpen one another so we can stand strong wherever God sends us. You are here for such a time as this, and your voice matters.
Come connect with women who love God, love all things media, and want to make a real impact. Let’s build together and walk out the assignment on our lives.
I can’t wait to meet you.
Goldstrand Media Creative Studios
6825 Jimmy Carter Blvd Ste 1860
Norcross, GA, 30071
As Hollywood continues to evolve through global storytelling, AI driven production tools, and new creative technologies, Women are stepping into influential roles both behind and in front of the camera. Lights, Camera, Influence brings together directors, writers, performers, educators, and creatives to discuss how they are navigating the industry while remaining grounded in faith, integrity, and purpose. This conversation is designed to encourage both students and professionals as they pursue meaningful work while staying rooted in their spiritual identity.
Natalia Gonzalez is a filmmaker, producer, and founder of Altera Festival (formerly the Atlanta International AI Film Festival), a community and festival platform focused on AI, emerging technology, and storytelling. Altera runs year-round meetups, workshops, and programs helping creatives test new tools, learn practical workflows, and build sustainable creative careers. Natalia is an active producer and director, working across commercial and narrative projects, with experience on both national campaigns and independent films. As a Christian creative and founder, she is committed to building community-centered innovation grounded in integrity, purpose, and faith.
Nicki Lynch is a dynamic media professional with extensive experience in storytelling, production, and creative direction. With a strong background in television and digital media, she has developed compelling content that informs, inspires, and engages audiences across multiple platforms.
Throughout her career, Nicki has worked in various capacities, including producer, writer, and media strategist. Her expertise spans broadcast television, digital media, and content development, where she has consistently demonstrated excellence in creative execution and leadership.
Nicki’s passion for impactful storytelling is matched by her commitment to excellence and collaboration. She brings strategic insight, creative innovation, and a deep understanding of audience engagement to every project she undertakes.
Her work reflects a dedication to producing meaningful, high-quality media that resonates with diverse audiences while maintaining professional integrity and vision.
Kay Thompson is a minister, author, radio and TV show host, and business owner. She was licensed and ordained under the leadership of her pastor, Bishop Dianne R. Collins, Senior Pastor & Founder of Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. in College Park, GA.
Kay holds a BA in Art History from Rutgers University in Camden, NJ, and an MA in Christian Ministry from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. She is the founder of Legacy Venture Group, a consulting/media firm, which has helped countless businesses, organizations, and individuals to maximize potential through strategic consulting and streamlining efforts.
She is the former program director of WGUN 1010 in Atlanta and hosted the Kay Thompson TV Show, which aired on WATC-TV 57 in Atlanta, GA. She hosts for the Atlanta Live broadcast on TV-57. Kay is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the A.D. King Foundation and works with several other non-profit organizations in the Metro Atlanta area.
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Shari Rigby is an accomplished actress, director, writer, producer, author, and inspirational speaker, known as a leading voice in faith and family entertainment. She first gained recognition on screen through powerful performances in films and television such as October Baby, Overcomer, County Rescue, Not Today, Extraordinary, Wildflower, and The Least of These.
With two decades of experience in the industry, Shari transitioned behind the camera, bringing her creative vision and passion for redemptive storytelling to directing and producing. Most recently, she directed "Between The Lines," a feature film for Warner Brothers, in partnership with Fear Not Productions and Canyon Productions, as well as an episode of "County Rescue,” a Great American Pure Flix original series. Her award-winning film Divine Influencer—recipient of the Epiphany Award at Movieguide and an ICVM Gold Crown Award—is now streaming on Great American Pure Flix. She also directed Identity Crisis, streaming on Angel, and wrote, directed, and produced The Dream Center docuseries. Beyond her directing work, she served as a development consultant for Affirm/Sony Pure Flix and was an associate producer on the Kendrick Brothers/Affirm/Sony feature The Forge (2024).
A three-time published author and passionate mentor, Shari is the founder of The Women In My World, a non-profit dedicated to equipping women for careers in entertainment and media through discipleship, education, and hands-on training. She is also the co-founder of Beautifully Flawed Productions, producing female-driven inspirational content.
Shari and her husband, Matt, have been married for 28 years and have raised two sons.
Rhavynn Drummer is an award-winning producer, director, casting director, and unapologetic champion of great performances. She began her casting career in 2007 at Tyler Perry Studios, just months after graduating from the University of Virginia, and went on to shape the casts of over forty television series, feature films, and seven touring plays. Her keen eye for talent has also been sought after by Nickelodeon, Starz, Nike, BET, and YouTube Red.
Rhavynn’s creative work extends beyond casting. Her first original web series, Good Girls — which she wrote, directed, and produced — won Best Web Series at both the Bronzelens Film Festival and the Black Women Film and TV Festival. In 2017, she co-created and directed Brooklyn. Blue. Sky., which became the first web series ever acquired by BET Networks after winning the Xfinity Best Web Series Award at the American Black Film Festival.
A passionate educator, Rhavynn has served as an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University, mentoring the next generation of storytellers and performers. She also brings her candid, behind-the-scenes insight to a wider audience as the creator and host of theActUp Podcast on YouTube, where she interviews artists and industry professionals — especially those connected to the Southeast — with the goal of inspiring, informing, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Whether she’s in the audition room, on set, in the classroom, or behind a microphone, Rhavynn is dedicated to telling authentic stories, building community, and helping artists step fully into their craft.
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Finding Balance: What Infects & Affects Your Effectiveness on Your Media Platform with Sharon Hill, President of Christian Women in Media Association.
In a world driven by constant content and comparison, it's easy to lose focus and drift from your purpose. Sharon Hill shares powerful insights on what quietly undermines your voice—and how to stay aligned, authentic, and effective in your media calling.
In a media landscape often driven by profit, how can mission-minded organizations stand out and make a lasting impact? Join C. Nicole Henderson, nonprofit consultant, strategist, and small business coach, as she unveils the unique advantages of nonprofit organizations in the media industry. Discover how aligning your faith, values, and vision with a nonprofit structure can amplify your reach, deepen your impact, and create lasting change. Whether you're a media professional, entrepreneur, or ministry leader, this session will equip you with strategies to maximize influence while staying true to your mission.