Spring 2021 Film Festival Interns

Rachel Priebe

Rachel Priebe is a student at the University of Southern California currently pursuing a BFA in Film and Television Production. She is particularly interested in documentary film and telling stories about everyday people who are doing extraordinary things. She has been involved with the MY HERO Project for over two years and has assisted with social media, graphic design, editing, and the film festival.

Ashlyn Bradshaw

Ashlyn is a Junior at USC, majoring in Film & Television Production and minoring in the Music Industry. She hopes to become a Producer, Casting Director and Writer and to work in the European entertainment industry. Currently, she is a Screenwriter at Vyre Network Production Company and an intern at My Hero. In her spare time, Ashlyn studies French, practices the guitar, enjoys reading and writing, and listening to Podcasts. Ashlyn has been involved in film since she was a young girl and is honored to be a part of the My Hero team!

Felicia Paredes

My name is Felicia Paredes, a Japanese-Peruvian born and raised in Southern California.  I’m a 4^th year student currently at Woodbury University majoring in animation.  In regards to animation, I enjoy creating creatures and characters and 3D modeling and animation.  I enjoy drawing, playing various video games with my friends, and I’ve gotten back into horseback riding after a 5 year hiatus. 

Jennifer Bose

I'm Jennifer Bose and I am currently pursuing a degree in animation at Woodbury University. I am Chinese-Filipino, born and raised in the Bay Area of California. I enjoy drawing and playing video games in my free time when I'm not playing with my two dogs. In animation, I am most interested in character design and visual effects. 

Jeremy Hsing

Jeremy is a rising senior at UCLA majoring in psychology with a double minor in film and art history. Ever since he was a kid, he's been inspired by the power of storytelling. His passion lies in the intersection between psychology and the humanities to create empathic change for underrepresented communities in media

Jessica Ordaz

My name is Jessica Ordaz, I'm a Mexican artist and writer, born and raised in Southern California. I'm a 4th year student at Woodbury University, majoring in animation and minoring in writing. I'm a big fan of poetry, sunsets, coffee, and video games! If I'm not at my desk drawing something new, you can most likely find me playing some tunes on my bright pink ukulele or playing a video game with my friends. I will be completing my undergraduate studies in 2021 with the aspirations of having my stories be told through art and writing.

Katie Arten

Katie is a Nebraska native and Cornhusker alumni pursuing her interest in screenwriting and filmmaking. She's a passionate writer and storyteller working to further her knowledge of film and other creative media art forms. She's an enthusiastic supporter of female filmmakers, and it's her dream to prove to herself and others that ability is limited only by what you set your mind to. 

Katie Graubart

I’m a Classics major at Skidmore College, and I just spent a semester studying film production at London College of Communications, a branch of University of the Arts London. I’ve been creating my own films since 2015, including an hour long documentary on student voices in the anti-gun violence movement in 2018. I’m an aspiring screenwriter and director with a passion for both storytelling and activism.

Kitty Richardson

My name is Kitty and I am currently a student at the University of Leeds studying Music and Philosophy. I am also a freelance composer and video editor and spend most of my time either writing songs or making YouTube videos! I enjoy art for its versatility and power in storytelling, and I’m particularly interested in its effect within discourse regarding social issues. I’m very excited to become a member of the MY HERO community, as I see great importance in media that makes an impact.

Lauren Verlinde

Lauren Verlinde is a student at Michigan State University where she studies film production. She found her love for film and videography in high school and hopes to work on film sets someday. She has worked with non-profit organizations to help promote their services through video production and has also started her own wedding videography business. Activism and film are both very important to her and the MY HERO Project allows her to pursue both. 

Leilani Wetherell

Hi, my name is Leilani Wetherell and I am from the Bay Area in California. I am currently a dual-enrolled student who plans on furthering my studying of Communications and Film & TV when I go to college. I have always had a love for film, from the process of making it,  and starring in it, all the way to the costumes and music. Something about the creative power behind it all never fails to intrigue me. I am excited to be an intern with MY HERO to enhance my skills and learn as much as I can about film production and media. My goal is to become a director and an actress, allowing me to pursue my passion for art and creativity. 

Michael Gankin

Michael Gankin graduated from Boston University, working in Massachusetts as a COVID screener before moving to Los Angeles. A scriptwriter and consultant, he is excited to work with the festival to discover the pioneers in environmental conservation!