Open to opportunities

Toni Bell

@tonibell

Message

Visionary strategist driving transformative partnerships and community engagement.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration, drives social impact, and promotes equity.

I am a visionary strategist with over 15 years of experience in driving transformative partnerships and fostering collaborative networks within the arts, media, and social justice sectors. My expertise lies in designing and implementing programs that strengthen trust and relationships, empowering diverse groups to achieve collective goals. I am committed to radical collaboration and mobilizing communities for sustainable, systemic change.

As the founder of Black Cat Impact Media Consultancy, I have directed impactful campaigns that amplify underrepresented voices and foster community engagement. My work includes creating trauma-informed strategies and leading resource mobilization efforts that build solidarity across diverse stakeholder groups. I have also served as an adjunct professor, equipping graduate students with the tools to create transformative narratives that align with social justice and equity.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed significant funding initiatives and collaborated with various organizations to drive systemic change in the documentary field. My leadership is rooted in a passion for connecting and inspiring communities, ensuring that partnerships are integrated into impactful campaigns that resonate with the values of equity and social justice.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder & Impact Producer

Current

Black Cat Impact Media Consultancy

May 2019 - Present (6 years)

Founded a consultancy focused on creating transformative impact strategies for media projects centered on equity and social justice. Directed partnerships and developed campaigns that amplify underrepresented voices and drive systemic change.

Strategic Partnerships Community Engagement Equity And Justice

Current

Adjunct Professor

Current

Saybrook University

Feb 2021 - Present (4 years 3 months)

Design and deliver graduate-level courses on media, storytelling, and social impact, equipping students with tools to create transformative narratives while emphasizing social justice and anti-racism.

Curriculum Development Social Justice Education Mentorship Critical Discussions

Filmmaker Services Manager

International Documentary Association

Jan 2015 - Jan 2021 (6 years)

Directed the documentary fiscal sponsorship program, providing strategic support for over 350 projects and fostering partnerships. Oversaw significant funding disbursement and promoted collaboration in the documentary field.

Fiscal Sponsorship Project Management Collaboration Fundraising

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Southern California

Master of Arts, Visual Anthropology

Completed a Master of Arts in Visual Anthropology with a thesis film focusing on Black Vegans in Los Angeles, exploring cultural narratives and community dynamics.

University of Southern California

Masters in Teaching - TESOL, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Earned a Masters in Teaching - TESOL, focusing on teaching English to speakers of other languages, equipping students with essential language skills.

Naropa University

Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing

Achieved a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with a thesis titled 'A Different Shade of Day: A Yoruba Feminist Interpretation of Gloria Naylor’s Mama Day'.

University of California, Los Angeles

Certificate, Screenwriting

Completed a Certificate in Screenwriting, focusing on the craft of writing for film and television, enhancing storytelling skills.

Carleton College

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology & Anthropology

Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Anthropology, writing a thesis titled 'Saints and Marabouts: An Examination of the Worship Practices of Moroccan Muslim Women'.