Team | SCIFF

SCIFF EVENT STAFF

We are a group of artists, entrepreneurs, small business owners and lovers of the independent spirit

Lisa deSouza

After graduating from the prestigious boarding school, Deerfield Academy, Lisa moved to New York where she attended Columbia University. Always an artist at heart, Lisa’s practical side gave way to…

Michele Nassif

Michele Arrieh Nassif is a local writer who started her career as a news journalist and editor/contributor for a publishing company. A Wisconsin native, Michele studied English Literature/Writing and Humanistic Studies at St. Mary’s College-University of Notre Dame. She recently received a degree in Filmmaking from College of the Canyons and completed a Certificate in Screenwriting at UCLA. She is passionate about empowering women artists and bringing a film festival to Santa Clarita. She also works as the Associate Producer for MySCV.Life, SCIFF’s community web series supporting local artists, non-profits, and businesses.

Kevin Roy

With over 20 years’ experience making movies, Kevin Roy started in the film industry as a 1st Assistant Director in the Houston independent film scene while still attending college. Upon…

Eric Strong

Eric Strong is a bi-coastal Actor/ Singer/ Writer, currently based in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Being fortunate enough to be a working artist, Eric has performed in all seven continents. Currently he is attached to a major motion picture filming in Germany in 2024. With a background in Opera and Musical Theater, Eric was Male Lead Vocalist for Crystal Cruises, the highest rated luxury cruise line in the world, for thirteen years. He has successfully made the transition to film and television appearing in major roles on NBC, Netflix, and HBO.

Earl Powell

Earl Powell is a Grammy, Billboard & Gold acclaimed American Songwriter and Music Producer from Chicago, IL, whose love for music began in elementary school. As a minor, Earl earned many music accolades & placements, including 1st chair (Trumpet), Band President, Musician of the Year, Chicago’s All City Band, and national acknowledgment in Who’s Who In Music.

Tony Oberlin

Switch, also known as Tony Oberlin, is a versatile artist who has been writing songs and DJing since 1989. Starting from rhyming on street corners and in schoolyards, he has DJed at numerous New York bars and clubs, while also performing his own songs at open mics and artist showcases. Notable performances include opening for artists like DMX, Slick Rick,KRS-One as well as Common, R.A. The Rugged Man, and Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Switch’s involvement extends to modeling for Rebel Behavior Jewelry and Clothing brand, acting on Gotham and web series like Sons Of Kingston, and being a member of Blaze The Mic NY as their DJ. He has faced challenges but remained driven, and his music reflects his life and thoughts.

Kathy Gonzales

Kathy Gonzales worked in the entertainment industry for HBO for over 20+ years. Some of her accomplishments while at HBO were supporting productions such as Band of Brother in Paris…

Dyana Gutierrez

Dyana Gutierrez is a multifaceted professional with a passion for design, event coordination and creativity. With a dynamic career that has ranged from event planning and design to now stepping behind the scenes as a backstage coordinator assistant, Dyana has always sought to bring creativity and dedication to every role she undertakes. Dyana has been privileged to be part of some of life’s most significant moments, a role that she cherishes. Now, as an aspiring actress and content creator, she continues to explore and embrace new avenues for expression and communication. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dyana is an avid karaoke singer and has a keen interest in interior and floral design, reflecting her love for aesthetics and harmonious environments. She finds joy in spending quality time with her family, cherishing the bonds and memories they create together. With a style that’s both casual and professional, Dyana brings her unique blend of skills, passion, and personality to every project she undertakes. Whether she’s planning an event, creating content, or providing backstage coordinating assistance, her commitment to excellence and her love for her work shines through.

Efrain Colindres

Efrain Colindres is an Entertainment Manager and Creative Multimedia Producer. Born in Baltimore and now based in Las Vegas, he has built many artist and brands to over 100k followers and fans across social media platforms. He also manages and runs DogFoodCircus which throws shows and pop ups across North America.

Ray Walker

With over 30 years of service to students and school communities, Ray Walker most-notably served as founding Director of Residential Life at New York City’s first Urban Boarding School for young men in Brooklyn, NY.

Ray is an alumnus of Prep for Prep, Deerfield Academy, and Georgetown University. He began his career in Residential Services in 1997 at Fountain House in New York City, working as a Supportive Housing Counselor for mentally ill adults and teens. In 2000, Ray moved to Massachusetts where he served as a Senior Supervisor and then Residential Program Director of a 16-bed Crisis Stabilization Facility at YOU, Inc.

Upon returning to the tri-state area, Ray managed 34 afterschool programs for BuildOn before being recruited to design and implement all aspects of an Urban Boarding School Program Model as Director of Residential Life at Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, New York. Ray is a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) via roles as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Deerfield Academy and Director of Alumni Engagement and Development at Cardinal Hayes High School, prior to service in his current capacity as the Executive Director and CEO of Stokes Foundation | The Foundation for Residential Education.

Ray’s volunteer work includes roles as a Trustee at Martin De Porres Schools and Schomburg Charter School as well as the Alumni Associations of Prep for Prep and Deerfield. He has served on the Advisory Team at SCIFF since 2022 and supports the festival in various capacities each year.