committee
Monique Courcy
Strategic Initiatives Lead, Northwest Folklife
Rachelle Nesta
Deputy Director
Rachelle Nesta is the Deputy Director of Wheelhouse, a nonprofit focused on giving creatives business tools, networking events, and opportunities to level up their businesses with resources that speak their language. I’ve worked at nonprofits for over 20 years and have been an active member in the community serving on numerous Boards and Development Committees. I’ve been playing the violin since I was 8 years old, love to crochet and make my own greeting cards, and so many other crafts! I am a life-long learner, deeply passionate about children’s and women’s issues, and love to talk about my home state of Wyoming.
Ryan Saunders
NFFTY Managing Director
A graduate of DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, Ryan cut his teeth in the festival world working with the Chicago International Film Festival from 2014-22 as an archivist, technical manager, programmer, and ultimately as the CineYouth Festival Director. He’s dedicated to continuing NFFTY’s mission of encouraging young filmmakers to share their art with the world. When he’s not programming films for festivals or his podcast, you can catch Ryan trekking through the mountains of the PNW or sitting with his cat reading a book.
KD Hall
Seattle Film Commissioner / Board of Governor and Scholarship Chair for NATAS NW / Partnership Chair of the Seattle Association of Black Journalists / Seattle Sports Commissioner
KD Hall is a dynamic Emmy-nominated filmmaker, storyteller, professor, and communications strategist who champions women’s leadership and representation through media, education, and community initiatives. She holds several influential roles in Seattle, including Film Commissioner and leadership positions with NATAS NW, the Seattle Association of Black Journalists, and Seattle Sports Commission. As founder of KD Hall Communications and the KD Hall Foundation, she blends strategic consulting, media production, and youth mentorship—impacting over 1,000 young women through programs in the U.S. and Nigeria. Her acclaimed talk show Conversations with KD Hall, educational contributions at the University of Washington, and extensive work with public and private clients further reflect her commitment to empowerment and equity. Recognized with numerous awards, KD balances her professional success with deep dedication to her family and community-driven values.
Handa Yoh
Career Connected Learning and Life Skills Team Lead, foundry10
Handa, Yoh (she/they) leads the Career-connected Learning and Life Skills Interest Area Team at foundry10, a youth education research and philanthropy organization, where they help set up young people to pursue a rewarding livelihood. Handa has a background in visual narrative arts, teaching and creating work in illustration, comics, and animation.
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14, 2025
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