JoAnne Fishburn has worked in media for 20+ years with a background in feature film production as well as documentary filmmaking. For the last 10 years her work has been focused in the area of impact producing and developing social impact initiatives centred around using the power of media to drive social change. As an impact producer she has built campaigns and strategic partnerships with Google, AARP, RBC Foundation, and Inspirit Foundation.

As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, she worked with community groups to launch the Indigenous 150+ film and conversation series focused on celebrating Indigenous voices. In 2010, this work grew to include the development of a media training programme for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, to empower them with digital media skills, helping build pathways for meaningful work opportunities, as well as addressing the training gaps and helping to cultivate diverse talent for the media industry.

JoAnne was born on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. As an adult she had the opportunity to live and work in the UK for 9 years, where she gained experience in film financing, international co-productions, as well as her first introduction to impact producing. She recently moved to Hamilton, the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas.