Mandi Robinson

Job Title:

Operations Director

Company:

Archival Ninjas

Synopsis

The following are highlights from Submission:

Mandi’s remarkable organizational skills were on display as she deftly juggled major projects like Frontline: Documenting Police Use of Force, The Real CSI: Miami, Power of the Dream, and Eyes on the Prize III, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining top-quality outcomes. Clients frequently request her involvement because of her natural ability to keep projects on track and creatively troubleshoot any hurdles that arise. 

Her knack for spotting and addressing inefficiencies is second to none: Mandi regularly identifies areas needing improvement, devises innovative solutions, and implements them with unwavering commitment. She also excels in communication, deftly simplifying complex concepts so teams and clients stay aligned. Whether mentoring new hires, lending technical support, or ensuring every last detail is in order, Mandi goes above and beyond to deliver excellence. 

Julia Palermo

Job Title:

Archival Director

Company:

Archival Ninjas

Synopsis

The following are highlights from Submission:

Julia has been nothing short of extraordinary, continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in archival research and project management. As our Archival Director, she goes above and beyond in every aspect of her work. Julia’s unique ability to develop innovative solutions within our tracking system has significantly streamlined our workflow, boosting efficiency across the team. She readily shares her insights, mentoring fellow Ninjas and creating an environment that fosters growth, skill development, and collaboration—all of which directly impact our overall success. In 2024 alone, Julia led the demanding research for Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It, Luther: Never Too Much, and The Icons That Built America. Despite tight timelines, she consistently delivered meticulous, high-quality research. Thanks to her extensive knowledge of our internal tracking system, Julia ensured every detail was seamlessly managed and ultimately licensed with ease. Her contributions have been invaluable, and her dedication to innovation and mentorship sets a remarkable standard.

Keiona Barnwell

Job Title:

Licensing Consultant

Company:

CNN Collection

Synopsis

The following are highlights from Submission:

Keiona is one of the best people to work with. Nothing is too much for her and she is always on hand to help in any way she can. I have worked with Keiona on various projects for over seven years now and I always know that if I require some CNN archive I am in safe hands. She is quick and efficient in providing answers to any queries and makes the whole licensing process very straightforward. She is also flexible to any changes that may need to happen (such an additions to the license agreement or providing an invoice rather than a PayPal link). Her calmness and efficiency was invaluable to me on a series I did about the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. She was able to delve deep into the CNN archives and get me exactly what I needed. She also handled all permissions (including we intended to show some CNN staff in b-roll which she dealt with quickly). I can’t recommend Keiona enough. Her cheery nature makes her stand out from the pack and I am thrilled to put her forward for this accolade.

Thomasin Summerford

Job Title:

Archive Manager

Company:

Huntley Film Archives

Synopsis

The following are highlights from Submission:

Thomasin Summerford talents lie within three main areas – innovation, professionalism and passion.

She has applied her archivists mind and sensitivities to the area of innovation, constantly asking more of herself and of the collection. She has tackled the problems that all archives face, but with care and integrity, striving for excellence to keep the collections safe for the future. The battle for storage, the endless demands keeping the database relevant and discoverable, care of the collection, care of the customers!, the care of the staff!!, 

She curates, she forms incredible synergy between old and new tech, and brings the unseen to the attention of all.

Her focus is unwavering, and each day brings a fresh outlook and eternal optimism that this film archive will deliver the very best.