COVID-19 DIARIES
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and fear were rampant, especially in underrepresented communities. In partnership with Community Health Councils and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, I conceived and directed COVID-19 Diaries, a human-centered video storytelling campaign spotlighting the voices and everyday experiences of Community Health Workers (CHWs).
18
DOCU-STYLE VIDEOS
6
ORGANIZATIONS
3
LANGUAGES
My Role
Creative Direction
From concept to final cut, I led creative strategy, storyboarding, and tone development, centering the campaign around empathy, resilience, and cultural specificity.Interviewing & Field Production
We conducted in-depth interviews and directed on-location video shoots across Los Angeles, capturing raw, unscripted stories from 8 CHWs across 6 organizations.Multilingual Storytelling: We produced 18 documentary-style videos in three languages (English, Spanish, and Thai), ensuring accessibility for diverse communities.
Post-Production Direction: Oversaw editing, translation, subtitling, and motion graphics to maintain consistency and emotional impact.
StrategY
Focus on CHWs as Frontline Storytellers
Rather than highlight medical experts or government spokespeople, we centered the people who had direct, daily contact with vulnerable communities.Minimalist Production, Maximum Humanity
We stripped away overproduced elements to focus on personal details placing audiences in the heart of the experience to show the “human infrastructure” behind public health.Culturally-Specific Framing
Each story honored the language, culture, and identity of its subject, reinforcing trust and recognition in the communities most affected.
REACTION
Increased Community Engagement
Videos were shared across public health channels, used in town halls, and integrated into training for new CHWs.Emotional Connection
Viewers reported feeling “seen” and “heard,” and public health partners called the series “an essential tool for rebuilding trust.”Recognition of CHWs
Participants received formal acknowledgment from city and county leadership, and several videos were featured in local media coverage of public health efforts.