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 Dora Naughton for being one of our Passionate Professionals!

Dora Naughton

Director of First Impressions Citrin Cooperman

Dora is originally from Columbia, MO and has lived in Astoria, Queens for 21 years. She holds a BGS in Theatre and Film from the University of Kansas. Dora has many years of experience in office services, front of house operations and production. She founded, directs and produces her own reading series, Business Casual Productions, designed to help playwrights in the beginning stages of their works. In 2017 she ventured into the world of film, producing a narrative short titled MICHAEL JOSEPH JASON JOHN, written and directed by her creative partner, Scott T. Hinson of roger rocco productions. Dora currently sits on the board of the Queens World Film Festival and enjoys her work as the Festival’s volunteer event coordinator. Her love of people and the arts makes her a warm, open presence in professional and creative forums alike.

Question & Answer

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

Compassion and Empathy.

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

Choose your courses very carefully, mindful of what they will do for you out in the “real world”. Also find an option that is affordable!!

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

We’ve all probably been told we can’t make money in creative fields – this is not true! Research your career goals and find what routes make the most sense for your potential path. Be open to recognizing that you might change your mind or find another role in your field that is a better match for you.