From Filmic Brilliance to Industry Leader
Mercedes Garcia Returns to Inspire
Mercedes Garcia’s journey with the NEW Women’s Business Center (WBC) is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and perseverance. Since becoming a WBC client in 2022, Mercedes has participated in 22 workshops, trainings, and networking events, investing more than 52 hours in growing her entrepreneurial and filmmaking career.
As the founder of Stray Cats Productions, Mercedes is an accomplished writer, director, producer, and educator dedicated to creating opportunities for independent storytellers. Her award-winning work has screened at film festivals across the country, and her feature screenplay Little Adults earned recognition from The Black List along with multiple screenplay awards.
Mercedes was honored as the 2023 Filmic Brilliance Award recipient at the Women in Entertainment Conference. This year, she returns not as an award recipient, but as a 2026 Women in Entertainment Roundtable Speaker, sharing her expertise on “Owning Your Story as an Independent Filmmaker.” Her session reflects this year’s conference theme, “Owning the Narrative: Power, Presence & Profit in Entertainment,” encouraging filmmakers to take control of their creative careers and build sustainable businesses.
“Mercedes exemplifies what is possible when talent is paired with continuous learning and community support,” said the NEW Women’s Business Center team. “Her journey from Filmic Brilliance Award recipient to featured speaker demonstrates the lasting impact of investing in women entrepreneurs.”
Meet Mercedes Garcia at Women In Entertainment Conference “Owning the Narrative, Power Presence & Profit in Entertainment” Event Registration and Vendor opportunities are still open. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-women-in-entertainment-conference-owning-the-narrative-tickets-1988570371512
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