Our People
The passionate individuals dedicated to our mission.
Meet Our Team
Gita Saedi Kiely
Director
Gita joins FilmAid after decades of producing, programming and raising funds for documentary films. She spent many years with Kartemquin Films, a Chicago-based film collaborative that empowers documentary makers who create stories that foster a more engaged and just society. At Kartemquin, she produced the acclaimed series The New Americans, a multi-part PBS series following immigrants and refugees from across the world through their first years in the US. Gita also served as Executive Director of the Big Sky Film Institute and the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, where she led thematic programming around Indigenous storytelling, youth programming and environmental justice.
Michelle Sokolowski
Outreach Manager
Michelle joined FilmAid in 2020 to manage outreach and fundraising efforts. Before joining FilmAid she was a fundraiser at the American Geophysical Union focusing on individual and major giving, and an advancement associate in the central fundraising office at the Smithsonian. Prior to joining the Smithsonian, Michelle spent 15 years working in theatrical and arts management in New York City holding positions at NAMCO, Lincoln Center Education, ICM Partners, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Second Stage Theatre.
Alisha Kalsi
Program Associate
Alisha currently serves as a Program Associate at FilmAid. Her duties include managing its social media channels and working closely with Michelle Sokolowski, the FilmAid Outreach Manager, to support fundraising and outreach efforts. Prior to joining FilmAid, she worked for the McCain Institute International Rule of Law and Security, where she assisted the International Development team to support the execution of projects surrounding the establishment of developing countries.
Sydney Blakeney
Program Associate
Sydney currently serves as a Program Associate at FilmAid. Her responsibilities include managing the FilmAid Network, providing administrative support to FilmAid's global programs and supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts for our work. Prior to joining FilmAid, Sydney studied International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She also worked as a writer at The Borgen Project and a research assistant at the International Foundation of Electoral Systems, supporting projects on misinformation and election monitoring.
Advisory Council
FilmAid only exists because of the unyielding commitment of an army of supporters through the years. Our advisory board consists of some of our fiercest industry leaders, FilmAid alumni and friends. Once acquired by Internews, the council has continued to stay connected to advise, support, and help us become what we have the potential to be.
Caroline Baron
Founder
Alan Gershenfeld
Council Member
Annabella Dunne
Council Member
Pamela Reis
Council Member
Kim Spencer
Council Member
Sharon Swart
Council Member
Suud Olat
Council Member
Jeffrey Silver
Council Member
Carrie Simon
Council Member
Mark Somen
Council Member
Carolyn Blum
Council Member
Chris Defaria
Council Member