Bianca Rhodes - New

Bianca Rhodes is an Emmy award-winning Media Creative Professional and a dedicated advocate for community, diversity, and education. Her illustrious career spanning over two decades reflects her unwavering commitment to positive change and community empowerment through media.

At the heart of Bianca's story is a relentless pursuit of creativity and resilience. Her determination to create new and fresh narratives has been a guiding force throughout her 20-year tenure in the media industry. Refusing to yield to discouragement, she has embraced challenges as opportunities for growth. She once defied advice to stay in front of the camera, choosing instead to explore the power of storytelling from behind the lens. This determination culminated in a prestigious Emmy Award and recognition on WCCO 4 for her nominated show.

Bianca's journey is a testament to the power of media, education, mentorship, and unwavering determination. She invites others to join her on this transformative journey to harness the power of media to bring about positive change, create new narratives, and empower diverse voices.

Nicole Frethem - New

Nicole Frethem is a public policy specialist, elected leader, and attorney. She is dedicated to creating vibrant, thriving communities for children and their families.

While she has focused substantial time on issues such as early care and education, affordable housing, and youth justice transformation, she is also invested in creating inclusive, comprehensive arts economies and ecosystems within her community.

She has served on the National Association of Counties Arts and Culture Commission since 2020 and is leading efforts in Ramsey County to develop a comprehensive arts and economic strategy.

Nicole spent over a decade in the commercial and industrial on-camera industry as an actor and remains involved with the local theatre scene.

Jason Schumacher - New

Jason P. Schumacher is a freelance director and multi-hyphenate filmmaker, using words, light, paint, and pixels to tell stories and share ideas.  

He has worked in film and television in the Twin Cities since 2004.  

Jason has directed numerous award winning short films and music videos that have screened around the country.   His films have a strong visual aesthetic and are often themed around disconnection and reconnection between people.  He has also used his filmmaking skills to help healthcare organizations and nonprofits to promote mental health awareness and therapeutic treatments.    

He is currently developing several narrative feature screenplays. 

Always striving to learn and grow, his eclectic mix of skills has allowed him to work in a variety of roles on and off set, all informing his own work as a director and filmmaker. Wearing many hats in his career has also given him a true appreciation for being a part of a collaborative creative team.  

When he's not creating something new for work or artistic expression, Jason is at home playing pretend and making art with his young family. 

Kelly Lamphear-Dash - Returning

Kelly Lamphear-Dash is an award-winning screenwriter and producer. Her documentaries and short films have been featured in over 100 film festivals worldwide.

​Her short documentary "Rediscovering John Berryman" will be broadcast on PBS stations nationwide, their app, and educational platform this fall.

​In addition, she's a story and production consultant. She's also co-founder and organizer for Reel Write Away screenwriting retreats.