Mary Ann McBride-Tackett
Director of Film Education, WQED Multimedia

After experiencing every side of film production — from wardrobe units to accounting departments — Mary Ann McBride-Tackett wanted to make the industry more equitable by supporting young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.

Now, as Director of Film Education at WQED, she organizes after-school and in-school programs, professional development opportunities and more to help local teenagers and adults explore careers in media.

“I’ve fallen in love with the impact that these experiences can have on young people, far beyond the skills that they’re learning. It boosts their confidence, and it helps them find their people, their community,” McBride-Tackett says.

As a mom of two and a surrogate to three additional children, she says she is driven by her passion to give the next generation the resources they need to tell their stories and know how valuable their voices are.