MAAC at Global Events

A few highlights of our President and Founder, Azita Ghanizada speaking.

TEDx: Invisible to Stereotyped

Overcoming Stereotypes

Diversity in Casting

 

Testimonials

 

“Azita’s ability to call attention to things that have so long been overlooked in our industry is phenomenal. I’ve had the pleasure of both watching her engage in a small conference room amongst industry leaders and alongside her to a full theater of her peers. Her focus, her insights, her expertise come out effortlessly. As a storyteller, there is a flow and a rhythm that makes it easy for her to captivate her audience small or large.”

— President, Casting Society of America

“Ever since I met Azita, I was beyond impressed with her. Every time I meet up with Azita and learn more about her work in the entertainment industry, I increasingly admire her determination. When Azita speaks about her. Work and the work that still needs to be done in this area, I am so engaged. She is an extremely passionate and articulate woman, with the ability to explain her mission and inspire those around her all at the same time. She has been able to create massive change in the industry using light-hearted anecdotal humor and a soft engagement approach, which is extremely effective when trying to explain to others why. A different approach is very much needed. Her experiences and what she has to say is very important to the world. Azita embodies the image of the strong MENA woman we need and uses. Her voice to change hearts, minds, and policy.”

— Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Hollywood Bureau

“As a leadership and inclusion strategist. With over fifteen years in the arts and entertainment industries, I have had the privilege of facilitating and appearing on scores of panels for film festivals, and industry organizations, as well as city, state, and federal agencies. It was my great good fortune to meet Azita Ghanizada several years ago when we first worked together on a panel discussion. Azita immediately impressed me with an obvious passion and demonstrated dedication to issues of diversity and inclusion. Azita is a true joy as both a participant and as a discussion leader around the fight for visibility: as a woman, as a diverse woman, and as someone who answered a much-needed call to action for Middle Eastern North African performers. Her insights, her humor, and her ability to engage any room are a testament to her strength as an advocate and storyteller. Highly focused and eloquent, Azita is able to remain connected to her audience and inspire through her stories. I offer this as my full and enthusiastic recommendation of Azita as she continues to empower people of all backgrounds, all identities, and all abilities.”

— National Director of EEP & Diversity for SAG-AFTRA