WIFKY Board President Nominated 2025 Most Admired Woman

Women in Film Kentucky is thrilled to announce that our Board President, Laury Christensen, has been nominated as Today’s Woman’s 2025 Most Admired Woman in the Media Category. Read a short interview below to get to know a bit more about Laury and her contributions as a producer and advocate for women in the film industry. 

WIFKY: Can you tell us a bit about your experience in the film industry?

Laury: I’ve been in the film industry for over three decades and have been fortunate enough to produce every genre of media imaginable. A highlight was producing the Kentucky unit for the Netflix limited series, "Lost Ollie.” This animated/live-action hybrid was directed by Oscar winner Peter Ramsey, created by Kentucky’s own Shannon Tindle, produced by 21 Laps and animated by Industrial Light and Magic. It managed to take home 5 Emmy Awards!

I’ve had a long and rewarding career, and now my passion is to share what I’ve learned with other women in the film industry through our nonprofit, Women in Film Kentucky. We envision a future where women and marginalized people are equally seen, celebrated and working in all facets of film and media, shaping an inclusive industry that reflects our diverse communities and perspectives.

WIFKY: What are the greatest challenges for women in media and the film industry? 

Laury: We have systemic gender imbalance. Women are underrepresented not only on screen, but as writers, directors, production crew and in the edit suite. That imbalance affects the kinds of stories that get told, who gets to tell them and how audiences ultimately experience the world. Women, after all, hold up half the sky. 

WIFKY: Do you have any advice for women in the industry in overcoming those challenges?

Laury: One way to fight imbalance is to uplift each other. Recommend women for jobs and share their work. Be sure to connect - find mentorship and networks like Women in Film Kentucky. These networks can build careers, make lifelong connections and over time, shift culture. 

Other notable nominees who work in film include: 

• Savvy Hughes (Public Service Category)

• Jessica Mathis (Media Category)

• Jessica Mattingly (Style Category)

Want to vote or support these nominees? 

• Vote Here: Voting is open and you may cast one vote per hour, per email address through Friday, May 2 at 12:00 PM (Noon).

• Purchase a Support Line: This is a short and powerful message of encouragement, love, or recognition that will appear on your nominee’s public voting page.