Gina Dobson

I know who I am. I couldn’t say that in my twenties or even my thirties. I can also say that I like who I am. In my younger years, the damage of domestic violence stopped me from accepting & appreciating myself. But now I have found my voice, & I have discovered that I have a message worth sharing. It feels great to have a purpose & live a life of meaning. Bonus, I can now appreciate the grace & wisdom of my own mother. It took a long time, but I’m pretty sure it only gets better from here.

Years of isolation taught me that Women Need Women. I stay fabulous by surrounding myself with a fierce female team that seeks to empower women – not hold them back or keep them separated. The fact that I am not alone has given me the courage to encourage. By seeking opportunities to share my story with others, I can shine a light on hope for change. It has also allowed me to heal from the inside out and connect with people with love and empathy.

I would use it to bring more women into the film industry. I get excited just thinking about how impactful and validating film can be. I would bring women onto sets and into the predominantly male roles of directors, cinematographers, sound engineers, etc. The money would help with film industry professional mentoring, film set apprenticeships, and creating everything from documentary to comedy - with women in the forefront of the stories we create together.