Voices of Impact: Four Women in the DMV
Four stories. One region. Lasting influence.
About the Initiative
Voices of Impact: Four Women in the DMV is a storytelling initiative created by Visual14 to honor and highlight women whose work is shaping the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region.
This is not an awards program. It is a film-based celebration of leadership, purpose, and contribution.
Through cinematic short films, we document the stories of four women whose work reflects meaningful impact within their communities and industries. Each story focuses not only on achievement, but on journey the decisions, challenges, and values that shaped the path forward.
The result is a collection of personal, thoughtful stories designed to inspire while creating a lasting record of leadership within the DMV.
The Why
I was raised by women.
By a mother who worked tirelessly as a single parent to overcome barriers that were never designed for her to win. By aunts and a great-grandmother whose strength was quiet but undeniable. Women who carried families, built careers, and contributed to society in ways that often went unseen.
I watched them succeed not just as women, but as leaders, thinkers, builders, and contributors. And too often, their work wasn’t recognized the way it should have been.
Today, I see that same strength in my wife, my partner, my inspiration, my support system. Watching her lead and create has only deepened my understanding of how powerful women’s contributions truly are.
This project is personal.
Voices of Impact: Four Women in the DMV is about recognition. It’s about documenting the impact that already exists. It’s about making sure the women shaping our city are seen, heard, and remembered.
If they weren’t here, their contributions would be missed.
At Visual 14, we believe storytelling is responsibility. When stories aren’t told, history becomes incomplete. This initiative is our commitment to correcting that by highlighting women whose leadership, creativity, and resilience move the DMV forward.
This is the beginning of something bigger.
An annual initiative.
A growing platform.
A space where women’s impact is not an afterthought—but the headline.
And as we build this, we are also committed to bringing more women into the creative space collaborating with and mentoring emerging creatives so the storytellers behind the camera reflect the stories in front of it.
We invite you to be part of this journey.
Because their stories deserve to be told.
The How
How the Series Works
The initiative unfolds in three phases:
Production
Visual14 films and produces four cinematic short profiles, each centered on the voice and experience of the featured woman.
Community & Partner Support
Organizations and sponsors help make the initiative possible by supporting production and helping expand the reach of the stories being told.
Launch & Release
The films premiere together as a collection, followed by individual releases that allow each story to stand on its own while contributing to a shared narrative of impact.
Meet our Voices of Impact
Maria Maxwell
Bold Brand
Marcia's Maxwell is the visionary behind MBM Swim, a brand that
emphasizes confidence, style, and ownership in swimwear. Her
leadership is rooted in empowering individuals, encouraging them to
embrace their identities while enjoying the water. Maria's innovative
approach is reshaping the swimwear landscape.
Brand: MBM Swim
Instagram: @mbmswim
Following: 53.2K followers
Dr. Amber A. Hewitt
Equity Leader
Dr. Amber A. Hewitt is an influential equity leader in public service,
committed to transforming structures that enable more individuals to
thrive. Her leadership fosters an inclusive environment where diverse
voices are amplified, ensuring that equity is at the forefront of
community development.
Seema Alexander
Innovating Leadership
Seema Alexander is transforming the way organizations perceive and
utilize AI technology. By helping leaders rethink their strategies, she
empowers them to adapt and thrive in the rapidly evolving digital
landscape, ensuring a brighter future for the AI era.
Brand: Disruptive AI
Instagram: @seemaalexander
The Who
About Jason Flakes
Storytelling with Purpose
Jason Flakes is a filmmaker, director, and founder of Visual 14, a production company dedicated to telling stories that inspire action and preserve meaningful moments in culture and community. His work sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and human connection using film as a way to elevate voices and document impact.
With a background in industrial and multimedia design, Jason approaches filmmaking with both artistic intention and structural thinking. His projects focus on people, place, and purpose, capturing stories that might otherwise go unseen while helping audiences better understand the individuals shaping the world around them.
Through Visual 14, Jason has worked with cities, organizations, and changemakers across the country, creating documentaries, branded films, and visual campaigns that have appeared on major platforms and in national initiatives. His work spans architectural storytelling, community-focused films, and documentary projects centered on leadership, culture, and social impact.
Jason’s goal is simple: to create a lasting visual record of women whose leadership and influence are shaping the future of the city. The project reflects his belief that storytelling is not just about documentation, but about recognition—ensuring that impactful work is seen, shared, and remembered.
At the core of Jason’s work is a commitment to intentional storytelling. Every film is an opportunity to build connection, shift perspective, and highlight the people moving communities forward.
The Ask
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
For $500, gain exposure through name/logo
placement, name in end credits and social
media mentions, providing an opportunity to
support the project and engage with the
community.
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
A $2,500 investment includes prominent
logo placement, film credit, and VIP seats,
enhancing your brand’s reputation and
outreach during
the event.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Contribute $5,000 to receive opening logo
placement, on-screen credit, and VIP
seating, ensuring your brand’s visibility and
impact at the event.
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