Chanessa Richa'rd has forged a distinctive path into filmmaking, beginning during graduate school where she created a documentary aimed at helping high school students weigh the advantages and drawbacks of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) versus Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Drawing on her background in psychology, she delved deeper into her subjects, culminating in a second documentary that tackled important yet often overlooked issues within the Black community.
Her journey has been enriched by advising, mentoring, and coaching college students, experiences that honed her leadership skills in facilitation, team building, time management, and logistics across diverse backgrounds. Her passion lies in nurturing growth in others, which she views as her superpower. For Chanessa, filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor, where she channels her openness and skills to weave compelling narratives.
Proudly incorporating her personal experiences and challenges into her craft, Chanessa has written and directed two narrative shorts: "Her Prerogative" and "Three's A Crowd". These films serve as platforms for important conversations within the Black community and provide visibility for Black queer individuals. Her master's degree in leadership complements her role as an effective and influential director, guiding her crew through every stage of filmmaking with empowerment and purpose.
Chanessa's ultimate goal is not just to complete projects, but to leave a lasting impact on her team, enhancing their strengths and preparing them for future endeavors. Her commitment to fostering talent extends beyond her films, aiming to elevate her crew members regardless of their future collaborations.