Santiago Tijerina

Early-career professional with international experience, garnered in the NGO industry, focused on accelerating the impact of NGOs through strategic development practices, developing and implementing global community building and engagement initiatives, and storytelling for fundraising and impact. In an NGO environment, experienced career growth that originated in volunteering and progressed to developing, managing, and measuring effectiveness of programs on-site in Honduras. Proven ability to cultivate intimate and collaborative relationships with community leaders. Areas of expertise include:

Global Community Impact
International Development
Marketing Communications
Audio/Visual Media Production
Grant Writing, Budgeting, Fundraising, Campaigning
Multilingual Instruction & Interpretation (ENG, FRE, SPA)

Experience

Development & Community Manager, Maine Film Association

The Maine Film Association’s mission is to advance the art, craft, and business of filmmaking in Maine. MFA seeks to make Maine a great place to live and work as a media-maker.

Program Director, The Children’s Initiative

The Children’s Initiative is dedicated to improving the lives of children in developing countries through strategic, long-term investments in community-based projects and programs. TCI works in partnership with local communities to help them realize their aspirations for their children.

Impact Producer, Immigrant Welcome Center

The Immigrant Welcome Center serves as a hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration and civic engagement.

Credits ︎

Courts of Belonging

Documentary • 2025

Soccer has the power to address the most pressing global challenges facing underprivileged youth within the communities in which they operate. This story intimately explores the role of soccer in the lives of immigrant youth in Maine struggling with community integration, language barriers, social isolation, and mental health.

Restaurants at the End of the World

TV Series • 2023–

Kristen Kish learns from chefs who overcome the formidable challenges required to serve memorable
meals in the most remote outposts on Earth.

King on Screen

Documentary • 2022

1976, Brian de Palma directs Carrie, the first novel by Stephen King. Since, more than 50 directors adapted the master of horror's books, in more than 80 films and series, making him now, the most adapted author still alive in the world.

Education

Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, Portland, ME
Graduate Certificate in Short Film, 2023
Honors & Awards: Maine Outdoor Film Festival Emerging Maine Filmmaker Award

University of Maine, Orono, ME
Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, 2023
Honors & Awards: Summa Cum Laude, Highest Honors, Phi Beta Kappa, Honors College Service Award, Center for Undergraduate Research Fellowship & Symposium 1st Prize Award
Honors Thesis: Climate Action at University of Maine: Documentary, Disquisition & Defense

Santiago Tijerina

AboutDocumentaryHonors & Awards Global Community Impact

Santiago Tijerina ︎ ︎ ︎

About

Documentary

Honors & Awards

Global Community Impact