Mary Ann is managing director of the Beyster Foundation for Enterprise Development and Beyster Ventures.  She has a 30-year career as an engineer, manager and executive in high-technology mfg, environmental management and systems consulting, and small business early-stage innovation. Mary Ann, founder of Yellow Warbler Media, has produced and directed award-winning independent documentary films since 2010. She is primarily focused on entrepreneurial initiatives and film projects advancing land and ocean-based food systems solutions that support climate resilience, community health and wealth building. 

Documentary Filmmaker

Mary Ann’s documentary films and educational videos capture stories of entrepreneurial spirit, community, and sustainability.  She has received a national Public Media Award and CA Legislator’s civic recognition award for her film work. Her film festival awards include best director, best short, and best feature documentary.  Her films have been broadcasted nationally on PBS/public television, and distributed by Cinema Guild, Films Media Group, Apple TV and global digital platforms. 

Yellow Warbler Media is inspired by the charismatic yellow warbler whose vibrant color and song express beauty, hope, and tenacity.  Mary Ann recently released the short “Ebb+Flow” on visionary kelp forest artists/scientists, updated and re-released “We the Owners” about innovative companies owned by their employees, is advising on the feature “Wealth Untold” about inspiring women leaders protecting Belize’s marine resources, and is arranging screenings/panels for the feature “The Kitchenistas” about Latinas advocating for healthy food traditions to transform communities and lives.