Zinha Productions
Envisioning New Suns
They call me Zinha...
Biography
A born and bred New Yorker, I have been raised with a profound belief in using the visual to contemplate humanity and foster empathy. My father lovingly calls me Emmazinha- little Emma- a nickname reflecting our diasporic roots, and a reminder of my commitment to bring my fantastical and ambitious storyworlds front and center.
A graduate of Swarthmore College, and current Marshall Scholar, I am particularly drawn to questions surrounding race, reproduction, and the body. Committed to Black Radical Joy, I see liberation within the creative celebration and engagement of those who have survived and thrived in spite of the odds. London based for 2020-22.
Professional History
Education and Positions
Education
September 2016 - May 2020
Swarthmore College. Graduated with Phi Beta Kappa and with High Honors. Awarded National McCabe Scholarship by Swarthmore for 2016-2020.
Marshall Scholar '20
November 2020 - Present
Awarded the Marshall Scholarship for 2020-2022. Pursuing a MA of Filmmaking (Screen documentary) at Goldsmiths, University of London for 2020-21. Then will begin a Doctorate of Social Policy and Intervention at Oxford for 2021-22.
Co-Director, E.A.T.T. Company
March 2015 - Present
Co-founder and Executive Director of Eat at the Table Theatre Company; a fiscally sponsored, sole proprietor, non-profit organization. Established EATT, a youth multi-media company, to create space for young creatives of color to explore and celebrate race through repurposed and original theatrical pieces. Obtained partnership with Manhattan Class Company (MCC) Theater. Oversaw $10,000 budget from 2015-2020.
Awards and Honors
Awards, grants and fellowships won individually or as a group
2020
NCAA WOTY (Finalist)
Nominee and top 30 finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year. The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.
2019
William J Cooper Grant
A Foundation Grant awarded in support of topical events in a future academic year featuring guests who are eminent in their fields. Awarded $27,300.00 for creation and coordination of, “Beyond The Field: Activism, Athletics, and Empowerment in the Modern Political Era” a day for the Eagles champion and anti-incarceration activist, Malcolm Jenkins, to visit Swarthmore and discuss the intersections of political dissent and athletic capital.