Our Team
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Samah Damanhoori
Founder
Samah Damanhoori, founder of Madina Papel LLC she empowers individuals to redefine their narratives, celebrating authenticity and strengths beyond societal stereotypes in a world often bound by conventional fairytales.
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Linda Button
Executive Assistant
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Jessie Gill
Script Writer
An award-winning writer and BFA graduate from NYU Tisch, has worked alongside notable figures like Joey Soloway and Shonda Rhimes, producing films, TV, and live comedy shows, while contributing to SMOSH, Snapchat, and Topple Productions, and aiming to foster acceptance and visibility through her narrative and interactive storytelling.
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Wylie Rush
Writer Assistant
An award-winning filmmaker with a BA in art history from Pomona College and an MFA in Film Directing from CalArts, has worked with production studios like Marvel and Stonestreet Studios, founded a New York-based production company, and had his screenplays and short films featured at festivals including HollyShorts and FilmQuest.
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Sarah Natochenny
Voice Over
The voice of Ash Ketchum and over 30 characters on Pokémon since 2006, is an award-winning voice actress, filmmaker, and speaker, who has collaborated with Vanity Fair, UC Berkeley, and international comic cons, and is excited to join Samah, Jessie, and the team to empower women globally.
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Brandon Engman
Voice Over
Actor, dancer, and singer with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch, who has studied musical theatre and film acting under notable instructors and enjoys traveling, sports, and supporting Seattle sports teams in his free time.
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Marlene Stewart
Creative Mentor & Production Advisor
An award-winning costume designer recognized for her work on "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and "JFK," will mentor the Madina Papel project by leveraging her industry expertise to assist with pitch decks and proposals, oversee production management, and enhance the project's creative direction for success in the entertainment industry.
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Stephan Bugaj
Content and Production Advisor
A seasoned veteran with over 20 years of experience in transmedia, notably spending 12 years at Pixar Animation Studios where he contributed to films like "Cars," "The Incredibles," and "Wall-E," and later shaped narrative and visual storytelling for iconic game franchises such as "The Walking Dead" and "Game of Thrones," making him a master at crafting deeply resonant narratives.
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Chris Cross
Interactive Experience Advisor
A 30-year games industry veteran and elite game director known for his significant contributions to the original "Medal of Honor" series and its success with over 50 million units sold, as well as for his roles at Nexon North America, Heavy Iron, and Genvid, while also serving on the boards of Studio Monsoon and Sortium AI.
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Karen Kramer
Business & Legal Affairs Advisor
A powerhouse legal advisor and strategic leader with decades of experience in tech and media, specializing in GDPR, data privacy, and intellectual property, who provides pragmatic guidance to clients, including startups and Fortune 500 companies, on navigating AI and the creator economy in the digital landscape.
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Thomas Barnhill
Strategic Financial Advisor
CFO and COO recognized for his transformative leadership in financial and operational management, with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, financial planning, and strategic planning, using his entrepreneurial background and communication skills to drive financial transformations and optimize outcomes while fostering strong relationships with diverse teams and clients.
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Scott Nisbet
Entrepreneur and Business Development Advisor
Experienced Founder, Investor and Entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the life sciences, video gaming and automotive industries. Skilled in Life Sciences investing, Autonomous Vehicles, Impact Investing, Telecommunications Policy, Clinical Trials, and Mobile Game Development. Strong entrepreneur and business development professional
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Naomi McDougall Jones
Business and Entertainment Advisor
Championing female voices in cinema, Naomi drives change through advocacy, investments, and filmmaking. Her viral TEDTalk and articles showcase her passion, while The 51 Fund helps female-led films flourish (Shayda even entered the 2024 Oscars!). Now leading reGEN films, she builds a sustainable system for diverse voices to transform audiences, and reconnects with her theatrical roots as Director of The Liberty Theatre Company.
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Jeremy kirshbaum
Generative AI Advisor and Strategist
Jeremy is a venture builder and strategist who has been working with clients to understand, plan and implement generative AI projects since 2019. He founded the generative AI consultancy Handshake (https://handshake.fyi), where he builds custom generative AI systems for companies, conducts strategic research, and trains organizations all over the world in generative AI. Alongside his work with Fortune 500 executive teams, governments, and NGOs, he teaches the Generative AI Masterclass -- one of the top-rated courses on Maven.com. He is writing a book with Bob Johansen of Institute for the Future about the intersection of senior leadership and generative AI, on shelves in March 2025.
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Amina Al Sharif
Technology Innovation Advisor
Amina Al Sherif is a highly accomplished individual with a background in government and technology. She has extensive experience in the Department of Defense and is currently a Generative AI lead at Google. Amina's expertise lies in bringing innovation to the government sector, particularly in areas such as cloud computing, machine learning, and data security. She is also a published author and a consultant for Madina Papel, where she combines her AI knowledge with storytelling and video games as part of her PhD study. Her involvement with Madina Papel aligns with her passion for advancing technology and its impact on mission effectiveness.
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Charlene Sanjenko
Impact Strategy Advisor
Charlene SanJenko is a visionary leader and Indigenous storyteller with over 20 years of experience in social innovation entrepreneurship. As the Founder of reGEN impact media, she spearheads a dynamic media franchise that includes a regenerative film studio, impact amplifier network, and forthcoming publishing house. Charlene's passion lies in transforming the future's narrative through media with vision, collaborating with brands, investors, and storytellers who share her commitment to positive impact. Drawing inspiration from her Indigenous heritage and working closely with community mentors, she weaves stories of hope and possibility. With a solid reputation in the social impact space and a dedication to empowering others, Charlene is an amplifier of expansive impact, guiding select individual and corporate clients to unlock their leadership potential and creative fulfillment.