Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Francisco Medina
Hi Erik, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career has always been anchored in storytelling and advocacy. I began as a journalist in Puerto Rico, working with outlets like Telemundo and Univision, where I first started to form my storytelling voice. When I transitioned to Atlanta to pursue my Master of Fine Arts in filmmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design, the pandemic shifted my focus back to my roots in communications and advocacy, especially within the political space. This time reinforced my commitment to telling untold stories and advocating for those who often go unheard.
Filmmaking became the next natural step, allowing me to explore the experiences of young people of color through a lens that integrates music, cuisine, and politics. Whether through journalism or film, my mission has always been to use storytelling as a tool to challenge perspectives and spark important conversations.
Joining Collective Moxie was a seamless evolution of that mission. Here, storytelling isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a powerful way to redefine how diversity and inclusion are approached across industries. Through projects like The Georgia List and collaborations with brands like Riot Games, Sony, and the Motion Picture Association, our shared passion lies in making sure every voice is heard and valued. I’m especially proud of how we’re reshaping entertainment, media and tech spaces with authentic, impactful narratives. The work we do goes far beyond content creation—it’s about transforming culture, and that’s why I’m fully committed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been anything but smooth, but that’s what makes it so worthwhile. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the constant need to prove the value I bring to the table, particularly when it comes to telling stories from a Latinx perspective. There’s a pervasive misconception in the industry that these stories don’t “sell,” but studies have shown the opposite—studios are missing out on billions by not engaging Latinx audiences. It’s frustrating to see such potential overlooked, especially when the data is so clear.
Another hurdle is the lack of existing spaces for underrepresented voices. Sometimes there simply isn’t a seat at the table for you, and in those moments, you have to build the table yourself. This can be incredibly exhausting, both mentally and emotionally, because you’re not just creating for yourself—you’re creating for an entire community. That’s a heavy responsibility, but it’s also incredibly empowering.
Community has been my lifeline through these challenges. Surrounding myself with people who understand the struggle, who uplift and support one another, has been crucial. We need to hold each other up, keep our heads high, and remind ourselves why our stories matter. And it’s not just about our immediate community; allyship from those outside of it is equally important. True progress comes when people from all backgrounds recognize the importance of diverse voices and actively work to amplify them.
So yes, the road has been difficult, but it’s also been filled with moments of growth, resilience, and empowerment. Every obstacle is a reminder that we’re carving out space for those who’ve been left out for too long, and that’s what keeps me going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is all about pushing boundaries and using storytelling as a catalyst for real change. I specialize in amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of people of color, and connecting creatives from underrepresented communities to opportunities in entertainment. I’m passionate about challenging traditional norms and sparking conversations that lead to meaningful transformation—not just within the entertainment industry, but in the way we engage with the world around us.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to bridging different worlds. I love bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, especially those whose stories often go unheard, and helping them carve out their place in an industry that hasn’t always been inclusive. Whether I’m writing, directing, or producing, my focus is on ensuring every project I take on reflects authenticity and depth, drawing from my own experiences growing up in Puerto Rico and navigating both the U.S. and Latin spaces.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is helping lead Collective Moxie’s first-ever GA List in partnership with The Black List, where we’re shining a spotlight on talented writers with strong ties to Georgia. Additionally, being selected as a Climate Cultura fellow has been transformative for me—it’s allowed me to combine storytelling with action, addressing environmental justice and clean energy in a way that sparks real change.
For me, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about driving change and pushing society forward. That’s at the core of everything I do, and it’s why my work with Collective Moxie feels so aligned. Together, we’re shaping a future where storytelling is more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’d have to say two moments stand out. The first is sitting with my great-grandfather, Abuelo Sico, as he shared stories—whether real or fantastical—with all of his great-grandkids about the old days. I truly believe my gift for storytelling comes from listening to him. There’s no better storyteller than an abuelo or abuela.
The second has to be Sunday afternoons with my family in Puerto Rico: cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, my brother, and close family friends. We’d all come together, laugh, joke around, and love on each other. It was the energy I needed to fuel me through the week. Even after moving away, those post-church gatherings still inspire my dream—to create a world where everyone feels seen and loved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collectivemoxie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivemox
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collectivemox
- Twitter: https://x.com/collectivemox
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CollectiveMox
- Other: You Got Moxie Podcast: https://www.collectivemoxie.com/podcast
