Executive Director

Paula Smith Arrigoni

she/her

Paula Smith Arrigoni is the Executive Director of BAVC Media. In partnership with BAVC’s staff leadership team, and Board of Directors, Paula advances BAVC’s vision and strategy, partnerships, administration, and funding.

Paula’s background blends community development, nonprofit management and independent storytelling – from her urban planning education at UCLA, to the CDFI Fund at the US Treasury, Nonprofit Finance Fund, Youth Speaks, an independent film fund, BAVC Media, and several volunteer roles with film and media organizations and collectives, including The Roxie Theater, Watsonville Film Festival, BAMMS, and the Ninth Street Independent Film Center.

Paula has executive-produced several independent films. In addition, she was part of National Art Strategies CEO program, she co-founded the Bay Area Media Maker Summit, and is currently part of WESTAF’s Bay Area coalition.

Paula loves movies, Stevie Wonder, antique stores, and running. She is the proud mama of four awesome kids.