Our story
Amplifying Latine Voices in a Time They’re Needed Most!
Latinas in Media Atlanta (LIMA) was born in Denise Santos’s living room — a spark of an idea grounded in passion and community. What began as a gathering space to connect Latine creatives has grown into a platform that empowers Georgia’s film and television industry with more visibility, more opportunity, and more representation for Latine talent.
LIMA remains steadfast in our mission — pushing forward to amplify underrepresented voices within the Latine community and beyond. Our platform champions inclusion, celebrates cultural richness, and creates a long-overdue space in media for voices that have too often gone unheard.
LIMA is more than an initiative — it’s a community.
Since 2017, LIMA has hosted hundreds of creatives at events, panels, and mixers — bringing together writers, directors, producers, actors, and crew members across Georgia. We’re also excited to welcome back one of our original co-founders, Viviana Chavez, as co-producer, helping guide this next chapter of growth and impact.
From impactful collaborations with local organizations and businesses to a thriving online presence with over 3,000 engaged followers and growing, LIMA continues to open doors, spark collaboration, and reshape narratives.
At its heart, LIMA exists to uplift, fostering professional development and spotlighting the powerful talent within our Latine community.
And we’re just getting started.
Meet the Team
-
Denise Santos is an Ecuadorian-Colombian actress, producer, and founder of Latinas in Media Atlanta. A Miami native and longtime Atlanta resident, she is best known for her role as Mamá in the EMMY-winning NFL Super Bowl LVII commercial “Run With It” and for her appearances in national campaigns alongside Shakira and Shaquille O’Neal.
Some of her television credits include roles on Fox, CBS, BET, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Tubi, as well as stage performances in La Gringa, The Vagina Monologues, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, and most recently a staged reading of In The Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda. With over 100 commercials to her name in both the English and Spanish-speaking markets, Denise continues to expand her craft through training at The Juilliard School, the Stella Adler Studio, and with several of Atlanta’s most respected acting coaches.
Since founding Latinas in Media Atlanta in 2017, Denise Santos has led the community group in highlighting, amplifying, and connecting Latine and independent filmmaking professionals. She has gained recognition as one of Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos, a cover feature in Oz Magazine for the article “Latinos Interrupting the Narrative”, features in Atlanta Magazine, and on Telemundo’s Atlanta Con Sabor Latino series. Through industry mixers like Cafe Con LIMA, community partnerships, sharing resources, and spotlighting local talent she fosters collaboration, authentic storytelling, and greater visibility for Latine creatives, strengthening industry connections and celebrating the talent in Atlanta and beyond.
Denise is a National Active Member of the Television Academy and is represented by AIRE Talent (Film/TV), Formation Talent (SE Commercial), and Applegate (FL Commercial).
-
Viviana (“Vivi”) Chavez is an acclaimed actress and producer based in Atlanta with over 14 years of experience in the Southeast film market. As a native Atlantan and a proud daughter of immigrants, Vivi has acted in over 180 projects, including notable films and TV shows such as The Walking Dead, Homeland, The Resident, Baby Driver, Dynasty, Cobra Kai, and the recent Class of ‘09, where she starred alongside Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry.
In her producing career, Vivi is a Bronze Telly Award winner with a diverse portfolio that includes high-profile brands like Coca-Cola and The Home Depot, as well as numerous independent films. She is dedicated to supporting and growing Atlanta’s film industry, aiming to create an inclusive and self-sustaining environment for filmmakers in her hometown.
Vivi is also committed to amplifying Latine and other underrepresented voices within the film industry, advocating for diversity and inclusion in decision-making roles. She is honored to have co-founded Latinas In Media Atlanta alongside Denise Santos and will continue to eagerly contribute her producing talents to the organization whenever possible.
Currently, Vivi is focused on launching her own production company and revitalizing her local directors’ group. She also serves on the advisory board of ARTE-GA and is a member of SAG-AFTRA.