To Encourage Creative Dreamers to Become Authentic Artists
We are committed to building self-esteem, encouraging personal and professional development, while inspiring the Arrows (participants) to become positive influences in our community. By offering a safe space to create authentic collaboration opportunities and providing performance platforms, they are able to utilize their God-given gifts and talents to produce professional movies, music, stage plays, videos, television shows, web series and more; ultimately transforming the industry into a balanced source of entertainment.
DeAnna is a versatile artist and the visionary behind the Forward Progress Arts & Entertainment Center, established in 2013. In recognition of her artistic prowess, she received the esteemed 2021 Luminaria Artist Grantee award. DeAnna's remarkable talents shine through in her acclaimed 2018 short film, "Breaking Brokenness," where she clinched three Best Actress awards and a prestigious Best of Fest Acting Award.
Beyond her accomplishments in film, DeAnna has left an indelible mark as an actress and producer in the award-winning short film "Retirement Day." Her creative journey extends to the theatrical realm with the stage play "Grandmas" and a subsequent venture into television with the comedy limited-series "The Rays,".
DeAnna is a trailblazer, bringing her creative vision to life through innovative programs like The Digital Showdown, an engaging online talent show, The FwdProgress Show, a captivating television talk/variety program, and Arrows in Motion, an incubator space fostering the growth of creative writers. With over 30 years of experience, she has cultivated collaborations with gifted individuals, inspiring them to embrace their innate talents, believe in their dreams, and thrive in their purpose. Notably, she played a foundational role in establishing the San Antonio Black International Film Festival. Her extensive portfolio includes producing, directing, and writing for various projects, such as The Odd Life of Shay Little Season 1 & 2. She served as a Producer for compelling short films like "Guilt," "What Is Love?" and "Loneliest Number."
While passionately pursuing her interests in fine arts, including painting and event hosting, DeAnna remains deeply involved in her community. She currently serves as the Program Director for the city-funded Eastside Content Creators Program. As an ordained minister, she utilizes her gifts of encouragement and compassion to impart the profound message of "keep moving forward" to those she encounters. DeAnna Brown's artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creativity, community, and uplifting others on their paths to success.
MY NEWEST FAVORITE QUOTE: “GO AS FAR AS YOU CAN SEE, WHEN YOU GET THERE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SEE FURTHER”
Patsy is the Founder of Another Open Door Production Company and an Award-winning filmmaker. She also founded the InDept Arts & Film Festival of San Antonio. Patsy’s communication and networking skills and her influence in the Entertainment Industry will serve our young adults through her many community and professional partnerships. She is employed full-time by the Texas Workforce Commission. Ms. Whitfield is responsible for the organization's overall management, coordinating activities, networking with other organizations, and establishing collaborating partnerships. Patsy is also the Co-Founder of the SABIFF Awards Banquet, Never Met A Stranger.
Nevetta is currently furthering her education at the University of Phoenix while working full-time as a Therapeutic Director for St. Jude’s Children Ranch. Also, she works with various organizations and ministries throughout San Antonio, where she specializes in youth services and forging collaborative efforts with other ministries. Nevetta’s insight and wisdom allow her to encourage and guide the Arrows when needed.
Nicole's mission is to understand what's next, navigate change and help others do the same.
By cultivating a habit of seeking new ideas, people, and places, she loves making the marriage between an eager job seeker and a phenomenal employer. In her current position as a Human Resources Recruiter, she says, "there's nothing more rewarding than dissecting the departments' staffing needs and then delivering results with a qualified candidate."
Her Master's in Business Administration with a specialty in Human Resources Management, as well as her experience as a Human Resources Manager, has equipped her with the knowledge of state and federal-mandated laws, writing policies and procedures, in addition to being responsible for initial grievances, EEOC, and FMLA.
Lastly, her successful completion of the Nonprofit Leadership Development Training offered by Goodwill Industry of San Antonio has given her the experience needed to shepherd the community-based work done throughout nonprofit organizations.
Veronica was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but she considers Jacksonville, Florida, to be her home base after spending more than 20 years there. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas. She earned an Associate of Arts in Political Science from Florida State College, a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Dual Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, and Human Resource Management, and a Doctoral in Humanities and Social Science. She was appointed to the Department of Defense in the year 2000. At the Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan, she was the Supervisory Contracting Officer. She also worked as an Acquisition Contracting Specialist for a variety of regions across the United States on the Integrated Product Team. She also worked for the Federal Government's Department of Defense as an Equal Employment Opportunity Representative.
Her previous assignments included the Fleet Industrial Supply Command (FISC) Naval Regional Contracting Center in Manama, Bahrain, which included contacts critical to meeting Central Command (CENTCOM) requirements throughout the Middle East, Southwest Asia, East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Department of Defense (DoD) activities in the United States. She also worked as a Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) and Integrated Product Team (IPT) at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, as a Secretary for the Naval Air Depot in Jacksonville, Florida, and as an Office Automation Assistant for the Department of Dependent Schools (DoDDs) in Zama American High Schools in Japan.
Veronica has achieved Level III certification under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA). She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, the JAX Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce Japan, For Empowering Women Japan (FEW), the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), and the African American Federal Executive Association, as well as other organizations (AAFEA). Veronica is also a Voluntary Leader for non-profit organizations that mentor women and their families.
Among her personal decorations is her appearance on the 2014 Ona Brown Own Your Dreams Radio Broadcast. She is Les Brown's Platinum Speaker, and Les Brown is one of the world's top motivational speakers. People You Need to Know Magazine 2013 Edition featured me in their prestigious premier
publication. In 2013, over 40,000 people attended the live event, Circle of Sisters, as a special guest feature. Honored by the National Association of Professional Women in 2013-2014 for Outstanding Excellence and Dedication to Her Profession and Women's Achievement. In 2006, she received the Presidential/Congressional Recognition Award for Businesswoman of the Year. In 2006, she was named
Businesswoman of the Year by the Wall Street Journal. In addition, in November 2006, she was featured in the Wall Street Journal for receiving the Business Advisory Council's Outstanding Leadership Award. Veronica has also received six Special Act Awards for exceptional performance in her job duties.
Veronica M. Brooks is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, and life coach. She began speaking for non-profit organizations in 1997. Her mission is to uplift and assist people all over the world. She is a published author who has written books such as "Ninety Days to Start Gaining Wealth," "Wealthy Life Skills," "Motivational Therapy," and "THE WARRIOR WITHIN A memoir by Dr. VERONICA M. BROOKS." Veronica is the Founder and CEO of Wealth Palace Magazine, an online publication. Mrs. Brooks provides
Johnnie brings a wealth of legal experience and a deep connection to San Antonio, his forever home. Currently, he serves as a Board Member and General Counsel for Vision Guide Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to training and placing guide dogs for the vision impaired.
Johnnie's extensive legal career includes roles such as General Counsel and Chief of Compliance at Medical Practice Solutions LLC, and past positions at Safeguard Security Holdings, Inc., and Wolpoff & Abramson, LLP. He also runs his own law firm specializing in business law, debt collections, personal injury, and wrongful termination.
A proud alumnus of South Texas College of Law, Johnnie has been admitted to the Texas Bar and U.S. District Courts. His background also includes significant military service, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Johnnie is passionate about giving back to the San Antonio community and improving the lives of those in need.
Lina Rugova is an enthusiastic and multifaceted individual. She got involved with Forward Progress Arts & Entertainment Center as a volunteer from Catchafire and brings with her a unique combination of skills, having experience in the fields of business consulting, nonprofit leadership, digital marketing, and innovation.
Most of all, Lina is passionate about giving back to her community and nurturing the culture through art and creativity. In her free time, she takes the opportunity to engage with her local businesses and immerse herself in all sorts of San Antonio Arts & Culture scenes. Lina is determined to use her skill set to positively influence and strengthen the creative community while creating the ideal entertainment, culture, and education space.
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FWD Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 36-4765690. Donations are tax-deductible.
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October 3rd - November 10th
Our selection process is competitive, and only a select few will have the opportunity to study with award-winning professionals from the local film industry.