To view the accompanying photo essay, click here. To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here. To read the the accompanying article, click here.
Mama Hattie’s House is a powerful short documentary that introduces the vision for a new residential facility soon to be built to provide stability, mentorship, and opportunity for young women aging out of foster care. CEO Ms. Thema shares the history behind the project, inspired by her grandmother, Mama Hattie, whose legacy of compassion and service continues to shape the mission. The film also features the lived experiences of two former foster care participants who courageously reflect on life after the system and the impact of having or lacking support. Their voices fade into a single, unanswered question: when safety is no longer guaranteed, who becomes home?
Nathan Masachi is a senior majoring in Digital Communication focussing on Interactive Media. Nathan loves creative design and explores physical and digital design tools ranging from architecture to industrial design, and UI/UX design. Nathan aspires to be a UI/UX designer, a pathway he hopes will provide foundational skills for developing his brand. He enjoys simulation games, 3D modeling, and going on random exploratory trips with friends.
Zipporah Hayes is a senior at Florida International University who is passionate about using media as a tool for education and empowerment.
Hayes has hands-on experience in casting for major film projects and producing live music projects. She hopes to produce stories of inspiration that highlight underrepresented voices and drive meaningful conversations in the entertainment industry through digital media and broadcasting.
Hayes has an associate's degree in business management with a focus on marketing. She will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor's degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2026.
Giselle Forero is a student at Florida International University who is passionate about
the music and entertainment industry. Forero is a designer and creative arts specialist at Broward College. She creates videos, designs, and produces marketing content. Forero has freelanced within the F1 Miami Grand Prix marketing team and has collaborated with local businesses to manage and create content for social media platforms. She has also contributed to music publications as a concert photographer. Forero will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Summer 2026.
Bautista Samperi is a senior at Florida International University who is interested in digital journalism and broadcasting. Samperi is the sports director for PantherNOW where he oversees the coverage of university athletics. He interned at CNN as a researcher in Atlanta and also worked at Telemundo during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Samperi hopes to work as a journalist at a media and entertainment company in the future. Bautista will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2026.
