I first discovered I was an empowerer of empowers while living in Kenya at the age of 19. I was researching the healing practices of Swahili healers known as waganga, one mganga in particular. She was responsible for the health of over 2000 people.
Several weeks into my stay with her I found this powerful, 200 lb woman crying on my shoulder. I felt an innate power born within me. As I comforted, consoled, and assisted her, I had the first taste of my life purpose: to empower empowerers across the world.
I graduated from Amherst College and moved to New York City. I combined my career as a child actor with my interest in indigenous healing methods and began working as a documentary film producer. I made films in Africa, Europe, and Asia while working at the United Nations. I made films that won the Best Narrative Feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival and received Emmy nominations.
But while I was living in the city, hustling between films, exercising at night after work, I was also living with African parasites and was soon diagnosed with Lymes disease among a variety of other maladies.
In search of a better lifestyle, I transitioned from the New York documentary scene into the Los Angeles commercial world and formed a partnership with director Daniel Mercadante. We created the company “The Mercadantes” and traveled the world making commercials for companies including Apple, Facebook, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and AT&T.
Together we won numerous Clio awards, Cannes Gold Lions, and a nomination for Best Commercial Directors by the Directors Guild of America. Our films have been featured at the annual TED Talk Conferences and played on Oprah’s OWN network.
In the meantime I empowered empowerers. What began as a secret avocation now infused my work as a film director, empowering my crews and creative collaborators. I empowered the talent I directed, I empowered the companies I worked with and my creative partners.
In my 33rd year I finally stepped into a professional career as an empowerer of empowerers. I now split my time between New York City, Connecticut, and California. I work as a film director and am represented internationally by Park Pictures. I empower some of the most amazing empowerers around the world.
I use Human Design analysis, astrocartography, Identovate! techniques, and guidance from living and non-incarnated beings. I am a Blackfoot (Amskapi Piikani) descendant, a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and a Teotihuacan moon dancer. I speak Swahili and Spanish.
BELIEFS:
I believe each of us has a unique true core virtue that, when unlocked, carries a powerful momentum and unleashes unlimited abundance.
I believe that diversity and equality in all aspects of life create a healthier, stronger world.
I believe it is a responsibility for those of us with the privilege of manifesting our art to be cognizant of the messages we proliferate, be them subtle or direct.
I believe that the earth has enough resources for us to all have enough water, food, and medicine, and that every choice we make throughout our life is either contributing to or healing resource disparity.
I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
CONTACT
See more of Katina's filmmaking here:
The Mercadantes
Direct Contact:
katina@empowerer.us
Commercial Representation:
Park Pictures
AWARDS
2016 TED Conference selects "FIVE" to screen at TED 2016: Dream in Vancouver, B.C.
2015 Nominee for Directors Guild of America Award - "Directorial Achievement in Commercials"
2014 Winner Grand CLIO Award for direction of Dicks Sporting Goods, “Sports Matters”
2012 Selected TED Ads Worth Spreading—"Prudential: Day One"
2012 Winner Cannes Lions—Gold Integrated Lion—“Prudential: Day One” as associate producer
2008 Winner ‘Best Narrative Feature Film’ at the Los Angeles Film Festival for producing the film, “Wah Do Dem”
2007 Winner Amherst College Edward T Jones prize for excellence in thesis for the project and film ‘Sitafuga ndwele na waganga tele (I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound): The World Health Organization and Indigenous Medicine in East Africa’