Natalie Shirinian is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of NES Creative, a creative communications agency.

What is your mantra?

Stay present.

What wisdom have you received from your community?

From my LGBTQIA community, specifically comes the wisdom and motivation that our work is never done and to keep using my voice. Minority voices are crucial — hearing each one of them is more important now than ever.

What are you learning about yourself?

I'm constantly evolving, and connecting with my higher self. I trust that my spirit guides are with me, and the process is always for my best interest. I feel like I am coming into my own now that I am back on my path of filmmaking.