Originally a sub-committee of the Eastern Directors Council, in 2020 the Focus on Women Committee (FOWC) was designated an official and permanent committee of the DGA National Board for women members residing in the Eastern Region.
Focus on Women Committee
She Persisted 2025
A DGA Focus on Women Committee Event
This live event featured a panel discussion with DGA Past President Lesli Linka Glatter, Directors Kelly Casse and Lisa Cortés, Producer/UPMs Celia Costas and Ellen Schwartz and Associate Director Glenna Meeks, moderated by FOWC Co-Chairs Joan Bostwick and Ellen Athena Catsikeas.
Contact
- Meghan Brophy
Field Representative(212) 258-0816MBrophy@dga.org - Suci Madjidji
Manager, Eastern Events(212) 258-0810smadjidji@dga.org
committee links
committee chairs
Joan G. Bostwick
Co-Chair
Alanna G.A. Campbell
Co-Chair
Ellen Athena Catsikeas
Co-Chair
Lisa Cortes
Director Category Representative
Finise Avery
AD/UPM Category Representative
Erika Wortham
AD/SM/PA Category Representative
Nora Gerard
Visual History Interview
Director Nora Gerard discusses her time directing CBS News Sunday Morning, her working relationship with her directorial team, and her experiences as a woman in the network television world.
Joyce Thomas
Visual History Interview
Associate Director Joyce Thomas reflects on her 30-year career as an Associate Director with CBS and her distinguished service as a Guild leader.
Mary Rae Thewlis
Visual History Interview
Mary Rae Thewlis discusses her 25-plus year career as a unit production manager, including her work on Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Americans; as well as her extensive Guild involvement.
Mira Nair
Visual History Interview
Mira Nair discusses her 35-plus-year directorial career, highlighting her documentaries (Jama Masjid Street Journal, India Cabaret), independent features (Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding), and studio features (Vanity Fair, Amelia, Queen of Katwe).
Esperanza “Candy” Martinez
Visual History Interview
Veteran news associate director and stage manager Esperanza “Candy” Martinez discusses her long career working for the news crew of WABC in New York, her mentorship of new directors, and her “passion projects” directing documentaries on African-American quilt making.