2023 Fellow Focus: Dr. Jimmeka Anderson + Black Girls Film Camp
Media literacy advocate, researcher, educator…2023 Fellow Dr. Jimmeka Anderson of Black Girls Film Camp shares more about her journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
1) Research while in my Ph.D. program that revealed disparities in education with Black girls.
2) Being in work spaces where I felt that more of an impact was needed to serve youth.
3) Exploring other programs and realizing nothing existed like what I was feeling called to do to make a difference.
4) Reflecting back on my younger self and wishing for a program and experiences like what I was envisioning.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
What I enjoy most about being a founder is creating a vision for something far bigger than myself that will leave a legacy.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish someone would have told me the importance of still finding balance in my life beyond work, as you will work 100 times harder.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
[Give First] For the first two years of Black Girls Film Camp, my co-founder and I worked full-time hours and were not paid anything. We invested in the camp, paid contractors, and even came out of pocket. We gave to everyone else in the program first before expecting any return on our work.
How do you stay motivated?
I am motivated by the transformation I witness with the girls in our program and seeing them thrive in this space, and them be so appreciative of this program by giving back.
Let's talk about your legacy. How do you hope your venture will make the world a better place generations from now?
Our program is cultivating the next generation of Black girl storytellers who will shift the narratives that have been culturally and historically limited.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
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