Meet the Team
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Founder and ProgrammerLeslie Zemeckis is a best-selling author, award-winning actress, and award-winning documentarian whose work spotlights formerly marginalized and stigmatized trailblazing women on our pop culture. Her books including the Amazon Editor’s pick Behind the Burly Q, Goddess of Love Incarnate and Feuding Fan Dancers. She has acting opposite Steve Carell Tom Hanks, Richard Lawson, and Colin Firth.
She is a founder of Stories Matter, a mentorship initiative supporting emerging female storytellers sponsored by ENTITY Magazine and the SBIFF. She writes a monthly book column in the Montecito Journal is a TedX speaker and was honored with the Ellis Island Island Medal of Honor in part for “sharing and preserving stories of women.
Zemeckis’s extensive experience as a writer and producer of acclaimed literary events and film projects is an invaluable asset to the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
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Director of Cuisine & Zine ProgrammingNinette Paloma is a producer, writer, and creative director with over two decades of leadership experience in the arts and culture field. Her food, travel, art, and wine articles have been published in the Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara Magazine, Santa Barbara DANCEworks, and American Riviera Magazine. She has curated and directed art exhibitions, international festivals, and performing arts productions throughout the United States and Europe. In 2021, Paloma launched American Riviera Media and ARM Studio, a quarterly arts and culture publication and salon gallery in downtown Santa Barbara. Her curations have led her across the globe, where she has produced, directed, eaten, slept and written her way around an unforgettable experience.
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Assistant Program ManagerAngela Urrecheaga is a fourth-year college student from Los Angeles, California studying Communication and Professional Writing with a focus on Multimedia Communication at UCSB. Through Urrecheaga’s diverse experience in the arts & entertainment as a musician, performer, public speaker, writer, and mentor to young children in the arts and public schools, she has understood that stories are all around us, with every individual having a tale to tell. As a proud Venezuelan-American, she believes in the importance of uplifting underrepresented voices through the power of storytelling, which is why most of her pieces tie to themes of culture and identity.
Urrecheaga spends much of her time watching films. Her participation in the 2024-2025 Rosebud Program at SBIFF sparked the continuation of her participation within the organization as an Education Intern, and working in the Ticketing Department for the festival.
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Venue Coordinator
Donnalee Austen is a Line Producer and Clothing Designer. She began her film career working on commercials, documentaries, and music videos with award winning directors including Ridley Scott, Leslie Zemeckis, Paul Feig and Sofia Coppola. After working as an Associate Producer for an Emmy nominated series, she joined the ImageMovers team to work on Feature films.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated on projects involving everything from Jet Fighter planes to NASCAR, navigating unique logistical challenges. Her expertise has made her a trusted collaborator across film, documentary, commercial, and animation projects.
In addition to her work in production, her clothing line is designed and made in Los Angeles, reflecting her commitment to craftsmanship and local manufacturing. Her pieces can be found in several boutiques throughout the West Coast, showcasing her dedication to California based creation.
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Volunteer CoordinatorMary is an experienced Global Human Resources leader who is passionate about people, connection, and community. With a strong background in building collaborative, high-performing teams, she brings a thoughtful and organized approach to her role as Volunteer Coordinator for the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
Mary loves bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences, whether through her professional work or in the community. She has lived and worked internationally, giving her a broad, inclusive perspective and a deep appreciation for different voices and stories.
Mission
To gather writers, readers, and the creative-curious in celebration of literature in all its forms. To create opportunities for intimate conversations, serendipitous encounters, and lasting connection in the luminous heart of downtown Santa Barbara.
Vision
To kindle a cultural experience in the heart of Santa Barbara: a world-class literary gathering that does things differently, with joy, intimacy, and imagination. A place where global voices meet local spirit, where lifelong connections are forged, and where stories of every kind are not only heard but allowed to leave their mark—because stories have the power to transform us all.
Values
We believe literature is a catalyst for connection, a spark that draws us together in deeper, more meaningful ways. We foster a vibrant community where the art of writing and the joy of reading entwine, where emerging voices and acclaimed authors connect in a spirit of generosity and discovery. We believe all stories matter. We champion curiosity, creativity, inclusion, and the power of all voices, cultivating a space where stories can take root, bloom, and find their audience.
