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ATL Cinegear Expo – AWD South’s Southern Women Directors Panel
From Atlanta to New Orleans to Nashville, the South has become one of the most dynamic production hubs in the country. Behind the scenes, women directors are shaping stories with a distinctive voice, grit, and authenticity that reflects the culture of the region. This conversation will highlight Southern women directors who are breaking barriers, navigating the unique opportunities of the Southern market, and carving out creative spaces in film and television. Panelists will share their journeys, challenges, and wins, while offering insights for the next generation of filmmakers looking to thrive in the South. Join us for an inspiring discussion that shines a spotlight on the power, talent, and vision of women directors working in the South.
You must have a pass to the Atlanta Cinegear Expo to attend the panel.
Panel Location: Stage 23
Moderators: AWD South Co-Chairs Elise Hines and Tomeka Winborne
Panelists: Terri J. Vaughn, Angela Barnes, Monique Younger and Lou Simón
Panelists’ bios:
TERRI J. VAUGHN is the definition of multi-hyphenate magic. A three-time NAACP Image Award winner, she broke out as America’s favorite homegirl, Lovita Alizé Jenkins, on The Steve Harvey Show — and she’s been stealing scenes and stacking credits ever since.
From cult classics like Friday and Don’t Be a Menace… to bold TV hits like Soul Food, All of Us, and Meet The Browns, Terri has always brought heart, humor, and tons of charisma to the screen. She’s brought her talents to Ava DuVernay’s Cherish The Day, BounceTV’s Johnson, and HBO’s Insecure, where her recurring guest role was so memorable it spun off into the hit comedic podcast series We Stay Looking — a Webby Award winner (x3!) produced by Issa Rae’s Raedio and TenderfootTV.
In 2025, she’s shaking up Netflix as Antoinette Dunkerson in Miss Governor — the sharp, satirical comedy series she co-created with Niya Palmer and entertainment mogul Tyler Perry.
Behind the camera, Terri is a force. She’s directed everything from soul-stirring dramas (Kingdom Business) to laugh-out-loud holiday hits (‘Twas The Chaos Before Christmas, Christmas Belles) and even brought Hallmark its first-ever Gracie Award with Unthinkably Good Things, shot on location in beautiful Rome, Italy. Her signature? Real characters, great vibes, and stories that feel like home.
Her directing credits span several projects for BET, Paramount, ABC Studios, Disney, Viacom, and Hulu — including Reasonable Doubt and Bunk’d. She made her directorial debut with the self-produced indie hit #DigitalLivesMatter, bringing together viral comedy stars like DC Young Fly and B. Simone for a modern-day Friday.
As co-founder of Nina Holiday Entertainment, Terri has produced over 16 projects with longtime creative partner Cas Sigers-Beedles. In 2025, Terri launched TJV Enterprises — debuting her original Netflix series Miss Governor and setting the stage for what’s next in her ever-evolving creative empire.
Terri J. Vaughn is not just showing up — she’s building legacy, shifting culture, and creating lasting impact, all while leading with joy, heart and laughter.
Represented by Buchwald Talent Agency www.TJVenterprises.com / www.TerriJVaughnDirector.com
ANGELA BARNES is an AWD Icon Member and award winning writer/director known for her quick wit and thoughtful approach. She has helmed episodes of ATLANTA, LOOT, MYTHIC QUEST, WILL TRENT, BLINDSPOTTING and the Marvel/Disney+ series IRONHEART. She is also the creative force behind 2020’s viral voting campaign GET YOUR BOOTY TO THE POLL. Recently Angela wrapped production on another undisclosed Marvel series and is happy to be back in Atlanta where she lives with her two kids and their cat.
Filmmaker LOU SIMÓN is an AWD South Advisory Board Member and has been working nonstop since 2011 when she wrote her first screenplay. In the past 14 years, she has written, produced and directed seven features and one short film. Her films have won various awards and received distribution throughout the world. Her features include: HazMat, Agoraphobia, All Girls Weekend, 3:An Eye for An Eye, and 73 Minutes. Her last film, 9 Windows, with William Forsythe and Michael Paré, was just released by Gravitas Ventures in October, 2024.
MONIQUE YOUNGER is a powerhouse producer and storyteller whose work bridges creativity and execution. With 20+ years in film, television, and live production, she has brought to life everything from award-winning documentaries and indie shorts to network reality series and global brand campaigns.
A proud Howard University alum with a Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, Monique has executive produced The Level Up Experiment for AspireTV, directed the feature documentary Finally Sayin’ What I Really Mean, and produced branded content for INROADS and Pronghorn, and high-profile live events. Her credits as a Costume Supervisor span more than 30 major productions, including The Game, Cobra Kai, and Barbershop 3.
Monique’s leadership extends beyond the set — she serves on the Alliance of Women Directors National Board, the AWD South Leadership Board, and the Television Academy’s Costume Design & Supervision Peer Group Executive Committee. Known for her calm authority, cultural insight, and creative vision, she consistently delivers productions that resonate and inspire.