Lea-Ann entered her career at a time where she had to fight for many of her career achievements. Like many women with a drive to achieve, she assumed her struggles would make it easier for younger women entering the workforce. But during a heart-felt conversation on a drive to the beach, Lea-Ann’s daughter, Ashley, revealed systemic barriers and personal biases are alive and well, and eroding Ashley’s ambition.
Ashley was at first disheartened and nearing burn out. Her female colleagues were feeling the same way, too.
Rather than getting discouraged, Ashley and Lea-Ann teamed up to understand what was happening, and what to do about it.
Event Introduction Biographies:
Pioneers in Skirts director – Ashley Maria, is an Emmy-nominated and DGA award-winning director, writer, and producer. She’s known for creating both comedy and horror films as well as content that addresses pressing social issues. Ashley’s portfolio includes a range of funny (and fun), scary, musical, and impactful films with superheroes, singing neighbors, and screaming television characters — to highlight a few! Based in Los Angeles, CA., Ashley hails from the Tar Heel state of North Carolina. She received her undergrad degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and her Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA) from the USC School of Cinematic Arts – in California.
Pioneers in Skirts producer – Lea-Ann W. Berst, is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and film activation professional who specializes in maximizing a film’s reach. She helps organizations use the power of film to enhance their culture and meet their mission. Her films have received several festival awards, including Best Documentary for Change, the Spirit of Activism Award, and Best Feature. Lea-Ann is proud to also be an award-winning businesswoman with an accomplished track record in corporate and community service. She is the recipient of various leadership and business awards, including the prestigious IBM Award of Excellence, the Triangle Women in Business Award, and the Associated Press Robert R. Eunson Distinguished Lecturer Award.
Fun fact, Ashley and Lea-Ann are daughter and mother!
Based in Los Angeles, CA., Ashley Maria is an Emmy-nominated & DGA award-winning director known for creating a range of funny (and fun), scary, musical, and impactful films with superheroes, singing neighbors, and screaming television characters.
In 2023 Ashley was awarded the Associated Press Robert R. Eunson Distinguished Lecturer Award at Northern Arizona University (NAU).
Ashley hails from the Tar Heel state of North Carolina, received her undergrad degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and earned her Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA) from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in California.
When not on set or running her own production company - Ashley Maria Productions, she is a directing instructor at UCLA’s Film School and a sound instructor at the American Film Institute’s Young Women in Film program.
An advocate for advancing women’s opportunities on set and off, Ashley takes her commitment to the next level by being a North American delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women.
Lea-Ann W. Berst is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and film activation professional who specializes in maximizing a film’s reach. She helps organizations use the power of film to enhance their culture and meet their mission.
Her career has spanned from Brand Management and Product go-to-market execution in the Tech Industry (including several IBM First-To-Market products) -- to managing standalone or sophisticated cross functional Engagement Marketing & Olympic Brand Activation Programs.
Lea-Ann transitioned into the field of Film Production & Film Activation in 2012. The films she has worked on have received several festival awards, including Best Documentary for Change, the Spirit of Activism Award, and Best Feature -- to name a few.
Lea-Ann is proud to also be an award-winning business woman with an accomplished track record in corporate and community service. She is also the recipient of various leadership and business awards, including the prestigious IBM Award of Excellence, the NC Triangle Women in Business Award, and the Associated Press Robert R. Eunson Distinguished Lecturer Award.
