In Hollywood, women don’t have to be in front of the cameras to shine.

Each of the 15 women profiled in Film Makers share a common trait: she is, as Shonda Rhimes says, First. Only. Different.

These phenomenal women have entered into the film and television industry often being the first woman at a prestigious film school, the first woman to win an award usually given to their male counterparts, or even the first BIPOC to be nominated as-and win-best director at the Academy Awards.

While their resumes are impressive, it is how they live their lives that has made a greater impact in the communities they serve.