Focus On Me was conceived as a free digital media program dedicated to empowering young people to tell their own stories.
Our MISSION is to teach visual storytelling as a way to develop self-reflection, embrace creativity, cultivate authentic self-expression, and take control over one’s narrative, rather than allowing other peoples’ stories to define who we are.
Participants learn mediamaking and storytelling skills, identifying a personal story they want to share, and creating short films and photographs that bring their life stories into focus.
Our workshops are built on the premise that to be seen and heard is a core human need and everyone has a story to tell and everyone’s story matters.
Our VISION is to contribute to a more compassionate and just society by generating safe and empowering spaces that teach visual storytelling to:
- Increase Empathy
- Enhance Self-Esteem
- Encourage Authentic Expression
- Cultivate Creativity
- Strengthen Communication
- Create Connection
- Foster Meaning Community & Belonging
FOCUS ON ME launched in February 2022 with the workshop THIS IS ME which taught young people involved in foster care and the juvenile justice system to develop and produce a 3-minute film reflecting on their life experiences. The 3-day workshop was led in partnership with CASA for the Children of DC. Participants learned to write, film and edit their own visual story which they shared and presented at a community screening held at the CASA DC headquarters.
In October 2022, FOM launched a new workshop THROUGH MY EYES in which CASA DC youth produced a series of photographs offering glimpses into their everyday lives. The works were displayed in a month-long public exhibition held at the District of Columbia Public Library in Shaw.
Throughout 2023, FOM continued to expand its partnerships and programming, launching FOCUS ON NATURE, a one-day nature photography workshop. In partnership with Project Purpose, we take young people from the historically underserved neighborhoods in wards 7 and 8 to spend a day out in nature, using the camera as a tool to explore forest habitats.
In 2023-2024 we led mediamaking workshops with SMYAL, an organization that supports and empowers LGBTQ youth in the Washington DC metropolitan area; with T.R.A.P.P. Stars Inc, an organization that provides afterschool programming and wrap-around services to young people in the Congress Heights neighborhood of DC; and with Hillcrest Children & Family Center.
Most recently, FOM launched THIS IS US, a workshop in which young people collaborate to produce a short film about their community.
Meet our team
Zoe Couacaud
Founder & Director
BIO
Zoe (she/her) is a seasoned documentary filmmaker, educator, and advocate for youth and social justice. With over fifteen years in media production, Zoe has created content for platforms including National Geographic, Smithsonian Channel, and PBS, among others. Beyond her work in media, Zoe is deeply committed to mentorship and advocacy for vulnerable groups. As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and a volunteer Child Advocate, she supports youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system and also advocates for unaccompanied immigrant children. Zoe’s role as a teaching artist at Reel Works has empowered underserved NYC youth by teaching them narrative and documentary storytelling, notably in collaborations with HBO and at Brownsville Academy High School through the transformative “Transformation Stories” project. Zoe’s profound understanding of visual storytelling’s power to foster empathy and connection inspired her to found FOCUS ON ME. This initiative, symbolically named to emphasize the importance of focusing on individual stories rather than viewing people as case numbers, aims to amplify the voices of young people who are often marginalized. By bringing together diverse guest speakers and instructors, FOCUS ON ME strives to build a more inclusive and compassionate community through the lens of personal narratives.
Ashley Strange
Advisory Council
BIO
Ashley is an impassioned advocate with a journey from foster care to the forefront of legislative reform. As she nears the completion of her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the Catholic University of America, Ashley’s deep-seated commitment to child welfare and behavioral health is evident in her role as a Legislative Assistant for the Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee on Health. Here, she has pioneered pivotal legislation, including the “Behavioral Analyst Licensure Amendment Act of 2023” and the “Alternative Restorative Therapy (ART) Options for Youth Amendment Act of 2023,” to enhance service quality and expand therapeutic options. Her role in observing the launch and contributing to the evolution of the Focus On Me initiative, during her tenure with the Preparing Youth for Adulthood program at CASA DC, underscores her dedication to healing through storytelling. On the advisory board for Focus On Me, Ashley leverages her expertise in communications and her personal advocacy to help at-risk youth harness digital media as a form of therapeutic narrative. Her commitment to social justice is not just a professional mandate but a personal mission, driving transformative change for young voices in the city.
Francis Ramirez-O’Shea
Advisory Council
BIO
Francis Ramirez-O’Shea is the Emmy Award winning Showrunner of the PBS documentary “Italy Made With Love.” She has over 17 years of experience working as a Producer, Director and writer for documentary film, TV and digital media. Her work has appeared on National Geographic Channels, the Smithsonian Channel/Paramount, PBS, and film festivals around the world. She has also produced digital content for ESPN, TedActive, and various museum exhibits at The Smithsonian Institute. In 2021 Francis founded her production company, Alta Gracia Media Productions, which is named after her mother who raised her and her sisters on her own and always encouraged their dreams. Francis is currently developing projects relating to topics she is passionate about including: BIPOC stories, technology, conservation, and social justice issues. When not working, Francis enjoys volunteering for various non-profits in the D.C. area, doing photography, and spending time in nature with her dog and family.
Rafa Castelló
Advisory Council
BIO
Rafa is a creative director from Spain. He has worked primarily for advertising and tech companies, helping build brands and create content for US and European audiences.