Jay Gash is the Associate Director of Youth & Emerging Media Maker Programs & Creative Director of Youth Productions at Bay Area Video Coalition.

“As a creative media-maker and someone who has worked with and mentored youth and young adults for over 10 years, I understand the importance of seeing myself, a Black queer woman, and for others to see themselves represented in the media, technology, education and other multifaceted spheres. I am excited to be a part of the Surge movement because it will allow me to continue to develop my leadership skills and build intentional community with other Black and POC leaders. Now more than ever is the time to create change for a better tomorrow so I hope to come away from the program with the knowledge and tools necessary to design innovative, equitable, and accessible opportunities for historically under-resourced individuals.”