OUR STORY
Latinas in Media Atlanta (LIMA) was born in Denise Santos’s living room, a spark of an idea rooted in passion, purpose, and comunidad. What began as an intimate gathering space to connect Latina creatives has evolved into a growing platform championing visibility, opportunity, and representation within Georgia’s film and television industry.
Founded and produced by Denise Santos, with Viviana Chavez as Co-Founder and Co-Producer, LIMA continues to expand its impact through intentional programming and meaningful connection. From our signature Café con LIMA cafecito mixers and conversations to Comunidad Mixers, screenings, panels, and industry collaborations, we create spaces where Latine creatives and allies can gather, learn, and thrive.
Since 2017, LIMA has welcomed hundreds of writers, directors, producers, actors, and crew members across Georgia, fostering professional development while celebrating the richness of our culture and stories. Our growing online community and in-person events continue to open doors, spark collaboration, and reshape narratives both in front of and behind the camera.
Latinas in Media Atlanta is more than an initiative, it’s a community committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and building a more inclusive media landscape.
And we’re just getting started.
Meet the Team
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Denise Santos is an actress, producer, and director whose on camera work spans television, film, and Emmy winning commercial campaigns. Her credits include projects on BET, CBS, Fox, Netflix, and Tubi, and most recently, she can be seen on A Merry Switchmas (Dir. Terri J. Vaughn) and coming up, Truant (AFI - Dir. Robyn Wholey).
Her most recent stage work includes a live musical reading of In the Heights, previously she performed in Carmen Rivera's La Gringa, The Vagina Monologues, & Alan Ball's Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Denise has trained at The Juilliard School, the Stella Adler Studio, and continues to study with respected Southeast acting coaches.
As the founder of Latinas in Media Atlanta, she is deeply committed to uplifting Latine and underrepresented voices in Georgia’s film and television community. Named one of Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos, she was featured on Telemundo's, Atlanta Con Sabor Latino, highlighting her work in the community. Denise is a National Member of the Television Academy and is represented by AIRE Talent (LA/NY/Intl), Formation Talent (SE), and Applegate Talent Agency (FL)
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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.