PASSIONATE PROFESSIONALS

The Queens World Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, The Gaia Zine and Epicenter – NY proudly announce PASSION in ACTION, a day-long mentoring event to bring high school and college students together with Passionate Professionals in the Arts, Sciences, Finance, Women’s Sports, Nonprofit Sectors and More.

The morning session of this day long event will concentrate on developing personal professionalism related to the arts including developing a mission statement, compiling ideas on how to promote your work and creating your back pocket networking tool kit. The afternoon is devoted to a round robin speed networking event so that all attendees have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with 3 different Passionate Professionals.

The morning will concentrate on developing personal professionalism related to the arts with the afternoon devoted to a round robin networking event so that all attendees, have the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with 3 different Passionate Professionals.

Thank you to Anita Matey for being one of our Passionate Professionals!

Anita Matey

Buyer & Author; Assistant Buyer at Macy’s

My name is Anita D. Matey. I currently work as an assistant retail buyer at Macys, and a part time content creator. However, I am super excited to add that I am also now a published author! I am Ghanaian-American and very proud of my culture. However, what really drives me is being able to uplift women and remind them of their worth. Sometimes, we get lost in life, simply because we forget who we are, we forget the light we have within us, we forget how valuable we are, and we allow fear to be shadow over that light. If i can use my words, or my light to light up another woman and remind her of how amazing she is, then I know i have accomplished something, and that alone really pushes me. In all, don’t ever forget your light!!

Question & Answer

What is a personal character trait that you have leaned on in your career?

Being curious and not being afraid to ask questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question, and you’ll be surprised by how many other people had the same question you wanted to ask. Asking questions allows you to continue to learn and make room to understand to make sure you complete your task effectively.

What is your best advice for young creatives who are thinking about college?

Do not ever limit yourself, and put yourself in a box. Allow yourself to explore, and be open about learning new things. You honestly do not need to have everything figured out. Be present, be in the moment, because you get to only experience moments ONE time.

What is your best advice for young creatives who are beginning their careers?

You will not know everything and you will make mistakes, even your boss’s boss still makes mistakes in their career But the beauty of making mistakes is that is masks as a teaching moment. Learn from them , find a solution and keep going.