Meet Kimberly Hoyos

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimberly Hoyos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

When I started out in film and media, it wasn’t unusual to be the only Latina—or even the only woman—in the room. It’s intimidating, especially in an industry that has historically excluded voices like mine. But I learned to show up informed and confident, knowing I’d earned my seat through hard work and staying true to my voice.

I keep my “why” front and center—the belief that storytelling can create change. I’m not just there for myself but for others who haven’t yet had the chance to be in that room. It’s about creating space for all of us to be at the table.

Communities have always been a source of change, collaboration, creativity, and more – which is why I founded The Light Leaks community in 2017. It’s a space where women and nonbinary filmmakers can connect and thrive. The diversity of our voices reminds me that none of us are alone, even when it feels that way. That collective power drives me.

I started my career at 19 as an intern for a feminist publishing site and started to understand the impact of authorship in media. Then, my studies in Journalism and Media Studies with a Gender in Media minor at Rutgers continued to shape my belief that diverse storytelling can create real, positive impact.
As a bisexual Latina and daughter of Colombian immigrants, breaking into a traditionally white, male industry hasn’t been easy. There’s been times where I’ve been exhausted to get my ideas across in a room that doesn’t understand it – then I see our competitors do it and succeed. But my identities give me perspective and push me to keep going, even when I’m the only one in the room who looks or thinks like me. I know I have value in my voice and that every time I am more loudly my unapologetic queer Latina feminist self in media – that I can keep pushing open that door for others.

Looking back, I never expected to interview Bad Bunny or America Ferrera, win a Shorty Award, or move across the country to work in entertainment with credits from mitú, Rolling Stone, NBC, MTV, and others. But my milestones are because I kept showing up through the tough periods and early call times, trusting myself when there was no road map, and drawing strength from those who supported me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I started The Light Leaks as a college junior because I saw a huge gap in spaces for women and nonbinary filmmakers to connect, both online and offline, without needing to be part of unions or guilds. This platform bridges that gap, creating a community and providing resources for creators who might otherwise feel sidelined in the industry.

Since we launched, The Light Leaks has gained some recognition by outlets like Facebook, People en Español, Ms. Magazine, and more. We’ve built a vibrant network of filmmakers who are all about representation and making impactful stories. With our recent relaunch of Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/thelightleaks) and Discord, it’s easier than ever for members to access creative prompts, mentorship, and collaborate with others from all over.

One project I’m particularly excited about is our video series “Film Nerd Moment.” (https://www.thelightleaks.com/film-nerd-moment) It’s a feminist, informative series aimed at Gen Z audiences, diving into various topics in film and media and sparking discussions around representation and storytelling.

We’re also broadening our reach by taking on more digital strategy consulting, content creation, and creative consulting projects. This means we can help filmmakers and creators bring their ideas to life in even more ways, which is super exciting!

On a personal note, I’m available for producing, writing, and directing (https://www.kimhoyos.com/work-with-kim). I’m passionate about telling stories that uplift diverse perspectives, and I love being part of projects that align with that vision. Whether through The Light Leaks or my own creative work, I aim to push boundaries, reflect our realities, and inspire change.

So, if you’re looking for community, creative resources, or help with digital strategy and content creation, The Light Leaks has your back. We’re excited to keep growing and evolving alongside the amazing filmmakers and creators in our movement!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience:
Resilience is essential in the film and media industry, where challenges are part of the journey. I’ve learned to remain true to my vision even with setbacks. Having a strong mental health plan has been a form of resilience for me as well as recognizing rest and self care moments. For those starting out, it’s important to embrace failures as learning experiences and maintain a positive outlook, even when things get tough.

Self-Starter:
Being a self-starter has been key to my success. I actively seek out projects and always look for ways to learn new skills in filmmaking and creative strategy. My advice for newcomers is to set clear goals and take the initiative—whether that means enrolling in online courses, volunteering, or creating your own content. Your drive can open doors.

Envisioning My Future:
Having a clear vision of my future guides my decisions and keeps me focused. I practice manifestation to attract opportunities that align with my goals. I encourage others to reflect on their long-term aspirations, write them down, and develop a roadmap to achieve them.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me the importance of hard work and perseverance. They made sure I knew that no dream was too big, but that I had to work for it. They instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, not just to myself, but to my community. That’s something I carry with me in everything I do, especially in creating spaces like The Light Leaks, where others can find the support they need to chase their own dreams.

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