Testimonial
Tom Bronikowski, Learning Industry Executive

“Lea-Ann has been a driving force in our successful client marketing and communication initiatives. Her unique insight and creativity have been a key to our success in marketing our Learning Programs to Fortune 500 clients. Lea-Ann has created a strategic plan for the global execution of a campaign to get employees to sign up for, attend, and evaluate a learning initiative.

Lea-Ann created a collaborative plan involving both the client and Expertus resources. Her plan exceeded their requirements. She also developed and executed the tactical pieces successfully. Another value that Lea-Ann brings is in developing and documenting the process so that is repeatable for future events.”

- Tom Bronikowski, Learning Industry Executive

How this college woman decided to pioneer her career

Posted on Apr 15, 2015
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Robotics[Guest Blog Post] Lauren McDonald joined our crew for a robotics competition shoot in North Carolina. When we asked Lauren to write about her experience with us, we had no idea we’d get such a wonderful testimonial. Thank you Lauren!

A student at UNC Chapel Hill in North Carolina, Lauren attends The School of Media and Journalism. Her goal is to one-day work as an entertainment publicist. Pictured: Producer Lea-Ann Berst, Director Ashley Maria, Volunteer Cinematographer MJ Beckman, Volunteer PR Lauren McDonald


How My Yellow Brick Road Led Me To Pioneers in Skirts

Just as Dorothy stepped into her ruby red slippers and her world changed, the same occurred for me as I stepped onto the red carpet in Cannes. The flash of the cameras, the smell of the sea, the incredible red of the carpet, and the clear translucent sky – these images are burned in my psyche as the moment my true calling was revealed to me. I was attending the 66th Festival de Cannes with my Cinephiles accreditation. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, my world had just burst with color and there was no returning to the doldrums of my colorless world. I was speaking with industry professionals: directors, publicists, cinematographers, producers and realized I had found my yellow brick road, which led me to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

LaurenMcDonald

I discovered my passion for entertainment PR while attending the 66th Festival de Cannes. I had always had a passion for the film industry, but I was unsure how I could contribute and be apart of that world. Then while standing on the red carpet at Cannes speaking with publicists and agents, I knew this was my calling. From that day forward, I had a plan and would stop at nothing to make my dream a reality. I enrolled in The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I am currently studying public relations.

As I continued on my yellow brick road, I have had the opportunity, like Dorothy, to meet many inspirational individuals who have helped me continue on my journey. When I met Ashley Maria and her mother Lea-Ann W. Berst, I knew I had struck gold. Both of these women were so inspiring and passionate about the film they were working on titled Pioneers in Skirts. Having the opportunity to work with them on set was extraordinary. From the moment I arrived on set, I was captivated by their energy and love for what they were doing. Lea-Ann immediately pulled me aside and asked me about my career objectives. I could tell she wanted to help me and in return, I was honored to be learning first-hand what it is like to be on a film set. When she asked me if I could do social media for the film for the day, I was ecstatic. Here, I thought, I would just be sitting by and watching; but I was actually able to take pictures on set, tweet #BeaPioneer, and watch as Ashley Maria conducted interviews for the film.

TweetLaurenStanding outside on the cold March day in North Carolina and watching as the cameras rolled, Ashley Maria had her microphone on and it was time to start shooting. I stood in amazement as I watched Ashley Maria, and I felt once again that I was transported to another place. I was no longer just a college student in North Carolina; I was an entertainment publicist on a film set. Once again my dreams were becoming a reality and I felt so fortunate to be able to be working on such an inspiring film with such an incredible team.

Pioneers in Skirts is such an incredible film, because it is a film with a message for women. Everyone I have told about this film were inspired by the passion Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann have for bringing attention to the issues women face in the workforce today. As college women, this is an important message and one I know myself and my friends are proud to support and be a part of. This film is history in the making.

Pioneers in Skirts is more than a documentary, it is a voice for women who have too often been silenced.

The best part about my journey on the yellow brick road is that I don’t know where the road will lead me. I never could have dreamed a month ago that I would have the privilege of learning on a film set and helping to raise awareness for such an inspirational film.

This is more than a documentary, it is a voice for women who have too often been silenced.  Pioneers in Skirts has created a platform for women all across the country. From teenage girls to CEOs, this film is for women, by women and emphasizes the importance of women helping women. College women such as myself need to learn from trailblazers such as Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann who are willing to start the dialogue and create a brighter future for career women. I know through their work on Pioneers in Skirts they are making it possible for me to reach the rainbow at the end of my yellow brick road.

Bonus! To read Lauren’s interview with Ashley Maria for HerCampus magazine – click here.


Pioneers in SkirtsPioneers in Skirts is a feature documentary that shows every woman how to #BEaPioneer in pursuit of her career. The film follows filmmaker Ashley Maria as she investigates why she is experiencing obstacles and challenges unique to women of the past. In the film, Ashley travels the United States speaking to women and men about their experiences and interviewing other young women who are going through their own unique setbacks.

You can watch the teaser and bonus video at Pioneersinskirts.com, and read more about Ashley and what inspired the film on the Our Story page.

We’d appreciate your support as we film Pioneers in Skirts!

DonateThe making of Pioneers in Skirts depends on individuals, foundations and businesses to support the film! The easiest way for YOU to make your tax deductible donation is online with a credit card.