Championing representation, equity, and belonging across film, tech, and storytelling events
← Back to PortfolioAcross every project I've led — from genre film festivals to university innovation conferences — inclusive programming has been a guiding principle. Not just a checkbox, but a curatorial mindset: Who gets to speak? Who gets to be seen? Whose stories are we platforming? This page outlines some of the intentional strategies and efforts that helped shape that vision.
From its founding, Horrible Imaginings built a reputation for elevating underrepresented voices in genre storytelling — embracing horror, sci-fi, and dark art as powerful tools for exploring identity, trauma, and justice. Our programming platformed creators from historically marginalized backgrounds and fostered dialogue around difficult themes.
The following interviews, articles, and recordings include significant moments where the strength of the inclusive approach was both notices and appreciated by audience, artists, and members of the press.
A conversation about the importance of authentic, inclusive storytelling in horror cinema, and how it reflects (and reshapes) our cultural fears.
▶️ Listen on YouTubeThis panel explores how fear-based storytelling can help audiences process trauma, confront emotional truths, and find catharsis through horror.
▶️ Listen on YouTubeGhouls Magazine interviews Rabia Sitabi, whose film was featured at Horrible Imaginings, about identity, connection, and the emotional power of dark art.
📖 Read on Ghouls MagazineA thoughtful review of Horrible Imaginings' first fully virtual year — highlighting how the festival retained its spirit of inclusion and genre celebration online.
📖 Read on The Nerds of ColorHalloween Every Night recaps the 2021 hybrid return of HIFF, noting its emotional impact, accessible format, and diverse programming lineup.
📖 Read on Halloween Every NightMany of our most acclaimed screenings used speculative genre to unpack real-world concerns — including colonization, reproductive autonomy, cultural grief, and disability. We approached horror not as escapism, but as a lens for empathy and meaning-making.
We implemented accessible ticketing tiers, hybrid screening options, captioned videos, and intentional outreach to build a festival environment where more people felt like they belonged — both on stage and in the audience.
Inclusive programming has extended into my work in higher education and tech leadership — including diverse speaker selection, multilingual and accessible content strategies, and DEI-centered panel planning. This section will be updated to showcase specific examples from UC Tech and Process Palooza events.
“Inclusion isn’t just who’s in the room. It’s who’s invited, who’s centered, and who’s heard.”