Strong communities are able to create social, cultural, and economic stability through diverse markets, craft, and business. By nurturing cultural exploration and expanding economic boundaries, we can nurture a new identity that empowers locals to reach their full potential and attracts others to this area to do the same. We believe this will make Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana the city and place we are meant to be.
Prize Foundation is not your typical non-profit organization. We have found a way to grow the creative class in new and exciting ways through creative competitions and community building. We have a proven track record of activating and elevating filmmakers, culinary artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, designers, craftspeople, and other motivated individuals — some have even found a new home in our community.
Prize is more than just a series of events and festivals; we are an engine for economic activity, a spark for community engagement, and a driver for the kind of change that will continue to make Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana a premier creative and entrepreneurial destination in the United States.
These are the magic-makers who make Prize Foundation a reality.
Founder, Executive Director
Gregory is an award-winning documentary filmmaker from Shreveport. Most recently, he directed and produced the Rational Middle of Immigration, an acclaimed series of short films shining a light on immigration in America. He is also the director of The Long Game, a series documenting the massive energy development in West Texas and the impact of the energy sources on the local population and the environment. He also directed the award-winning Haynesville: A Nation’s Hunt for an Energy Future. Kallenberg is the Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities’ 2019 “Champion of Culture” and is a former journalist.
Associate Director, Prize Foundation
Amy, a native of New Orleans, oversees day to day office operations and logistics. She joined us in 2018 and brings over 25 years of logistics and event management experience to the Foundation. Prior to the Prize, Amy worked as the Assistant Executive Director for the Independence Bowl and as Donor Relations Manager for Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport.
Director, Film Prize
Chris is a filmmaker and community advocate who has called Shreveport home for almost 30 years. He has been collaborating on film projects with Gregory Kallenberg since 2008 and joined the Prize Foundation in its inaugural year 2012. Lyon produced documentary feature Unexpected Modernism: The Wiener Brother Story (2020) which is now available on LPB and Class Action Park (2020) for HBO. He currently consults on feature film story development and post production and serves as treasurer for ReForm Shreveport and is a Founding Member of ShrevePride.
Director, Startup Prize
Melissa joined the Foundation in 2018 and has been overseeing Startup Prize since its transition to Focus on Health in 2021. Her background includes over 20 years of project management, event management and hospitality work.
Director, Film Prize Junior Louisiana
Kelly joined the Foundation in 2023 after three years working in recruitment and admissions for the Digital Media Institute at Intertech. Before that, Kelly worked that Shreveport Regional Arts Council as Administrative Coordinator. Kelly’s passion for student filmmakers and teacher producers is second to none!
Director, Film Prize Junior New Mexico
Rosey is the Prize Foundation’s Director of Film Prize Junior program in New Mexico, a statewide initiative based on the Louisiana program of the same name. Prior to his work on Film Prize Junior, Rosey was the Executive Director and Founder of True Kids 1, a nonprofit focused on connecting youth media and technology. Rosey brings 10 years of experience in working with students.