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.
4000 Lawrenceville Hwy,
Tucker, Georgia, 30084
A real, unfiltered conversation with Christian women working in film, television, streaming, and digital media about what is actually happening in the industry right now. Through the lens of faith, industry professionals will break down what’s getting greenlit, what’s oversaturated, and how projects are truly moving from idea to screen. The conversation explores shifting audience behavior, evolving distribution models, and the rise of creator-led media shaping today’s landscape. Designed for creatives and professionals, this is a grounded look at what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next.
Catrina N. Frison has been involved in the arts and entertainment for over 30 years . A native of Saginaw, Michigan, she has traveled extensively during her career.
As a student of Morgan State University, Catrina wrote a screenplay calledHomesick that won the Quality of Life Award, a scholarship sponsored by theMiss America Organization. She later produced Homesick as a student film, whilepursuing her bachelor of arts in music performance.
Catrina is the CEO of Banner Media Group, an entertainment company that specializes in education, training and the promotion of performing artists. In the past twenty years, she has trained, managed, promoted and served various singers, models, actors and creative influencers across the nation and abroad. Catrina is also the owner of a film production company, independent record label and management company.
Catrina N. Frison has worked diligently to train and promote Christian performingartists who aspire to excellence. Her book, Entertaining the Godly Life: A Guide to Personal Holiness in the Entertainment Industry insight to the challenges facing Christians in the entertainment industry. Frison resides in the Atlanta area with her husband Pastor Stacy Frison, Sr. and their three teenagers.
Katie Kenny Phillips is the Head of Publishing and Creative Development for Beautifully Flawed Productions (BFP), where she is leading the launch of the company's new publishing arm. Her mission is to take original and acquired stories and shape them into hope-filled, faith-and-family content across print, digital, audio, television, and film.
Katie considers herself an IP treasure hunter — she doesn't just find stories, she sees what they could become. A pick for Shari's Book Club today; an immersive audio drama or a television series or feature film tomorrow. She served as writer and producer on the company's most recent project, Defiant Ones: The American Revolution's Bravest Women — Patriots, Prophets, Poets & Spies.
Alongside Shari Rigby and Claire Yorita Lee, Katie wears many creative hats between Beautifully Flawed Productions and The Women In My World — vision casting, writing, producing, script supervising, and even the occasional turn as a voice over actress. Whatever the role, she brings the same wholehearted commitment to creating content that points audiences toward hope and faith.
A multi-book children's author, Katie has also co-written several screenplays with her writing partner in Nashville. She lives in Atlanta, where she and her husband are busy raising five children — the daily adventure that fuels her belief in the power of family-centered storytelling.
Audrey T. Littleton is the visionary founder of Kingdomwood International Film Festival (KIFF), a faith-based film platform launched in 2008 to champion family-friendly, purpose-driven storytelling.
What began as church-based screenings has grown into an international platform attracting filmmakers and submissions from around the world.
Under Audrey’s leadership, Kingdomwood champions storiesthat uplift, teach, and inspire. Her recent accomplishments includehaving her documentaries selected for screening and premiere at Cannes-relatedfilm programs in 2025 and 2026, as well as being selected for Daymond John’s INSIDE SUCCESS / Next Level CEO program.
Audrey will also be featured in a portrait painting by the artist who created the internationally recognized “He Ain’t Heavy” painting.
Fall 2026: A New Kingdomwood Experience
Kingdomwood will launch “Classy Seniors in Film,” featuringa 48-Hour Film Competition where seniors can share theirstories and emerging filmmakers can bring those stories to the screen.
Audrey’s mission is simple: preserve meaningful stories, inspire the next generation, and equip filmmakers to create with purpose and impact.
Kingdomwood envisions a global creative community where faith, purpose, excellence, and storytelling come together to inspire lives and transform communities.
CHERYL MCKAY been professionally writing since 1997. Before creating, showrunning, and executiveproducing the multi-award-winning Season One of These Stones,Cheryl wrote the screenplay for The Ultimate Gift, which stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Academy Award Nominee Abigail Breslin.
Cheryl co-wrote the faith-based feature films, Indivisible and Extraordinary,as well as multiple children’s projects, including five episodes of Superbook and forty episodes of the audio drama, The Wild & Wacky Totally TrueBible Stories with Frank Peretti. In addition to film and television,Cheryl has enjoyed penning novels like Song of Springhill and theaward-winning Never the Bride (with Rene Gutteridge), as well asnonfiction books, including Finally the Bride: Finding Hope While Waiting, Finally Fearless; Journey from Panic to Peace, and a three-part devotionalseries, 25 Dates With God.
She recently published the devotional StudyGuide book that goes with Season One of These Stones and the first eightbooks in her children’s book series, Potter Knows Best. As an avid fanof Christmas movies, she was honored to co-write the feature film, The Best Thing About Christmas, which was released on UPtv for Christmas 2025. Her desire from the beginning of her writing career has been to make an impact through words and change the world for good through writing.
Gloria Stella is a producer, author and CEO of En’val Entertainment, known for producing thefilms Blackbear, which streamed on Netflix, and Tulsa opened as a Regal Cinemas exclusive before expanding to more than 400 theaters nationwide and ranked as the second highest-grossing self-distributed film of all time at the time of its release.
Gloria has spent morethan 20 years working across nearly every area of media and production, fromon-camera roles to assistant directing, line producing and distribution. Today,she leads En’val Entertainment, a Georgia-based film and television studio focusedon the development, production, distribution and marketing of faith-drivencontent for underserved audiences.
Outside of film, Gloria is co-founder of CounterCulture International, a nonprofit operating orphanages and schools in Zimbabwe, Cambodia and Nepal. She and her husband, Robert, live in Georgia with their three children.
Denise Santos is an actress, producer, and director whose work spans television, film, theater, and more than 100 commercial campaigns, including Emmy-winning projects and national campaigns alongside Shakira and Shaquille O'Neal.
Her credits include projects on Peacock, BET, CBS, Fox, Netflix, Tubi, and Amazon Prime. Most recently, she can be seen in Another Man's Wife on Peacock and TRUANT, an AFI Conservatory short film that was longlisted for the BAFTA Student Awards and shortlisted for the 2026 Young Director Award at Cannes Lions. Denise has trained at The Juilliard School, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and with some of the Southeast's most respected acting coaches. Beyond her work on screen, she is committed to creating opportunities and amplifying underrepresented voices through her work with Latinas in Media Atlanta.
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Nicki Lynch is a film producer and the co-owner of Righteous Entertainment, an Atlanta-based production company she leads alongside her husband writer-director Moe Lynch. With a professional background in marketing and programming, Nicki brings a unique blend of creative vision and technical acumen to the entertainment industry.
Since co-founding Righteous Entertainment in 2005, she has built an award-winning portfolio spanning films, documentaries, TV series, and music visualizers. Her content has been featured on networks like BET, Aspire TV, and MTV. Furthermore, her documentaries are utilized as educational resources in public libraries and college campuses globally, including Penn State and NYU. Nicki has also been recognized for her production achievements, earning an honor in "Who's Who in Black Atlanta."
A forward-thinking producer, she is currently focused on redefining storytelling by bridging the gap between classic cinema and emerging technologies, including Al. Her work reflects a commitment to bold narratives that linger beyond the screen and spark meaningful conversation.
An award-winning author and seven-time published writer whose passion is helping others bring their stories to life. As a seasoned 90-Day Christian Author’s Coach, she empowers aspiring writers to turn their ideas into impactful, faith-driven books.
Beyond the page, Jacqueline is a dynamic speaker, charismatic spokeswoman, and former TV co-host for The Christian View and Atlanta Live, where she inspired audiences with her authenticity, energy, and unwavering faith. Founder of Sweet Life USA, a media and publishing company dedicated to uplifting and inspiring content, Jacqueline creates platforms that celebrate faith, creativity, and purpose. A former Mrs. International, she has long been a passionate advocate for military families and veterans, championing patriotism and service across America. Her mission is to inspire, equip, and encourage others to live their best life in Christ, using her voice, her writing, and her coaching programs as a beacon for those seeking purpose and impact.
Karen Whiting is a dynamic voice in inspirational and family-centered writing, known for weaving creativity with purpose in every project she touches. An award-winning author of more than thirty-five books, she has inspired women, children, military audiences, and families alike with her engaging, practical, and faith-rooted message.
A certified writing and marketing coach and sought-after international speaker, Karen brings both expertise and passion to her work. Her prolific career includes more than 1,000 published articles across over sixty periodicals, establishing her as a trusted and influential communicator.
Karen is also the former host of Puppets on Parade, produced by Miami Educational Television, where her creativity reached audiences through engaging, family-friendly programming. Today, she serves as a Kingdom Impact Advisor for the Lion’s Den DFW, continuing to mentor and influence leaders.
In recognition of her powerful voice and impact, the Ministry of Israel selected Karen as one of just four Christian journalists to participate in a special tour of Israel—an honor reflecting both her reach and her resonance.
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.
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.
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Sharon Fincannon has been serving the Lord in discipling, inner healing, and prayer ministry for over 33 years. Since marrying Mark in 2004, God has grafted her into the film industry, where she began using her gifts for intentional ministry to that culture. In 2016, God led her to begin a four-year ladies’ Bible study group in the Atlanta area, primarily for women in the industry.
God has opened the door for her and Mark to minister together to industry people in many situations. They are currently leading a group of young adults, who are primarily filmmakers, in the Fayetteville, Georgia, area. Their focus is to help lead and equip them into the deeper aspects of the Lord and His Kingdom.
Their lives are full and overflowing with the love, presence, and power of God working through them wherever they go. Omafincannon@gmail.com
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.
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.
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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.
