We were lucky to catch up with Sabina Alcocer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sabina, 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?
There are many layers of contradictory feelings when you find yourself in a room where decisions are being made and you are the only person with your characteristics. It’s complex, emotional, and often heavy.
When I’ve been the only one in the room that looks like me, a lot of thoughts arrive at once. First, there’s the fear that I don’t belong there, that at any moment someone will realize I’m not as good as they think I am (hello, impostor syndrome). Then there’s frustration, especially when I realize that many people in the room have never had to imagine being anything other than what they perceive as “normal.” That gap in lived experience has often meant extra work for me: having to justify my instincts, defend my decisions, and convince higher-ups that my point of view doesn’t just represent me, but thousands of people, people whose stories matter even if they haven’t been personally experienced by those making the decisions.
There’s also sadness. It can feel deeply lonely to fight for your seat at the table. And then comes the anxiety, the weight of responsibility that comes with being given the opportunity to represent people who look like me, or simply people who don’t fit the norm. That responsibility is real, and it’s heavy. You become aware that you have the power to open doors, shift perspectives, and help others reach spaces they might not otherwise access.
All of that may sound overwhelming, and it is, but here’s where it becomes contradictory. Alongside those feelings, I also feel immense pride. Pride in my cultural heritage, my country, my family, and in other communities that have existed on this side of the equation. I feel a sense of community whenever I encounter anyone fighting for a cause, anywhere. It makes me hopeful about the future we’re building. It’s exciting to slowly see yourself reflected more in the world, and incredibly rewarding when you see even the smallest impact your work has on someone else. Those small moments matter and they’re essential to the bigger picture.
So yes, it’s complex and deeply contradictory. What’s helped me be effective is making peace with that complexity. Understanding that complex situations feel complex. Learning to be comfortable with discomfort. Reconnecting, again and again, with the reason I’m doing this work, especially when I feel exhausted, unrecognized, or like the effort isn’t worth the cost. Often, it means working twice or three times as hard just to prove I’m as worthy as the next person.
It’s not easy, but nothing meaningful ever is. Being part of change is a privilege, and that perspective is what keeps me coming back. Even in the hardest moments, I try to find a glimmer of joy: in learning, in connection, in knowing the work matters.
Curiosity has also been essential. It’s been a key driver of everything I’ve succeeded at in life. Wanting to understand, to listen, to grow. It grounds me and keeps me open, even when situations are challenging.
Finally, I’ve learned the importance of knowing when to set emotions aside. As intense as all of this can feel, I’ve practiced entering rooms as the most centered version of myself, giving myself permission to believe I am just as worthy as anyone else there. That clarity allows me to be effective, to advocate well, and to play a strong role for all of us. And then, outside the room, I make space to process: through therapy, exercise, meditation, and reflection.
That balance is what allows me to keep going.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At the core, I’m a storyteller and a builder. My work lives at the intersection of film, creative development, and strategy, and it’s always been driven by a desire to help meaningful stories find their way into the world.
Professionally, I work in film and television development, where I support projects from early idea through packaging, production, and release. What excites me most about this work is being close to the creative process while also understanding the real systems that shape what gets made, how decisions are made, how stories are financed, who gets access, and whose voices are amplified. I care deeply about bridging the gap between art and structure, creativity and execution.
Alongside my studio work, I’ve been intentionally expanding my own creative and professional footprint. I’m building a personal brand around thoughtful, honest development support for writers and filmmaker, particularly those who may not yet have access to traditional industry gatekeepers. Through script development and advisory work, I help creatives sharpen their voice, strengthen their stories, and understand how to position their work within the industry without losing what makes it personal or brave.
What feels most special to me about everything I do is that it’s rooted in trust and collaboration. I love being the person who sees the potential early, who asks the hard questions with care, and who helps others feel more confident in their work. I’m especially drawn to projects and creators that live slightly outside the norm, stories that are emotionally grounded, culturally specific, and quietly bold.
Right now, I’m focused on growing this development and advisory side of my work in a more intentional way, creating space for deeper one-on-one collaboration with writers and filmmakers. I’m also continuing to build my own creative projects, with an eye toward long-term storytelling and sustainable creative careers.
More than anything, I want people to know that my work is about curiosity, rigor, and heart. I believe stories matter, not just because they entertain us, but because they shape how we see ourselves and each other. Being part of that process, in any form, feels like a responsibility and a privilege.
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?
Looking back, curiosity, humility, and work ethic have been three of the most impactful qualities in my journey, both professionally and personally. They’re the things that have kept me moving forward, getting better, and staying grounded as I grow.
Curiosity has allowed me to find something to learn in every situation, no matter how “boring,” menial, sad, or difficult it might feel at the time. It’s helped me connect with people across all kinds of backgrounds and roles, and it’s also been a source of hope and optimism during dark times. Curiosity keeps things open; and it reminds me that there’s always more to understand.
To develop curiosity, I always recommend starting with active listening. Try it first with someone you trust. Really listen, repeat what they’re saying in your head, and notice where your attention drifts. If you miss something, ask them to tell you more or to repeat that part. From there, practice asking questions, especially with strangers. People genuinely appreciate being met with interest, and most love talking about what matters to them. The questions don’t need to be impressive or clever, just sincere. There’s always something genuinely interesting if you’re paying attention.
Humility naturally grows out of curiosity. The more you listen and learn, the more you realize how little any of us actually know… even when we’re experts. And that’s the exciting part. Humility opens the door to deeper connection, shared learning, and real collaboration. It allows you to meet people where they are, regardless of title, background, or experience.
Work ethic has been equally essential, especially once I learned to define it for myself rather than measuring it against external validation or requirements. When you’re able to show up with the same level of care and effort regardless of the job, the pay, the recognition, or the outcome, you grow. Inevitably. It’s not easy, particularly in underpaid or invisible roles, but when your work ethic becomes something you own, you stop waiting for others to assign you value. You give it to yourself.
That mindset also helps you become more intentional about where you spend your time and energy. And in a world where many people do the bare minimum, showing up consistently with integrity and effort becomes a real advantage. It helps you stand out, and more importantly, it helps you build trust in yourself.
Together, these three qualities have shaped how I move through the world: staying curious, staying humble, and staying committed. They’re simple ideas, but practiced daily, they’ve made all the difference.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always open and excited to collaborate with people who care deeply about storytelling and are excited to build things with intention. I’m especially interested in working with writers, filmmakers, and producers who are in the development phase, whether that’s shaping an early idea, strengthening a script, building layered characters, or figuring out how a project fits into the industry landscape. I love collaborating with people who are curious, open to feedback, and willing to dig into the emotional and structural work that makes a story truly resonate.
I also enjoy partnering on film projects more broadly, from development through production, particularly with teams that value collaboration, trust, and thoughtful process. Whether it’s offering development notes, co-developing stories, helping refine a pitch, or simply talking through big creative questions, I’m most energized by work that feels grounded, honest, and purposeful.
Beyond specific projects, I’m always happy to connect with people who want to learn more about the industry, how it works, how to navigate it, and how to stay creatively aligned while doing so. Mentorship, shared learning, and community-building are all things I care deeply about.
If you’re reading this and feel like our values or interests align, I’d love to hear from you. The best way to connect is via email at [email protected] I’m always excited to start a conversation and see where it might lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14015416/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinaalcocer/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabina-alcocer-6b0979118/
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