National Screen Institute appoints Ursula Lawson to senior programs manager

Ursula Lawson
Rachel-Young

Rachel Young

Outreach and Engagement Lead

The National Screen Institute celebrates Ursula Lawson as she steps into her new role as senior programs manager.

In this role, Ursula is responsible for providing support, management and training to National Screen Institute program managers to ensure the organization meets the needs of participants, sponsors and funders.

This includes meeting regularly with program managers and the director of operations to ensure programs stay relevant to industry needs.

Ursula will work alongside the CEO and director of operations to develop new programs, manage program budgets and ensure funder and sponsor contract requirements are met.

Ursula continues her work as manager for the EAVE On Demand Access Program and secretary to the board of directors.

“I’m excited to contribute to the growth of the National Screen Institute, especially our program staff who bring new perspectives and a passionate commitment to nurturing and developing our storytellers,” says Ursula. “I’m inspired by our talented participants, faculty, presenters, mentors and colleagues – who I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from over the years.”

From her start with the organization in 2004, Ursula has been instrumental in the growth of the National Screen Institute. She co-developed NSI IndigiDocs in 2012, a documentary development and production program for Indigenous filmmakers, which she managed for six years.

In 2013, Ursula was awarded the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Circle of Inspiration Award for her contribution to the CBC New Indigenous Voices program, which she managed for 12 years.

“Through Ursula’s 18 years of service with the National Screen Institute, she has touched every single aspect of our organization and brings a unique knowledge, much needed skill set and commitment to each student and project she encounters,” says CEO, Joy Loewen. “Knowing Ursula is part of this team gives me confidence as we move through this exciting period of organizational growth.”

Ursula previously managed NSI Business for Producers, NSI New Northern Voices, TELUS STORYHIVE and NSI Aboriginal Journalism and coordinated NSI Global Marketing, NSI Aboriginal Cultural Trade Initiative, NSI Totally Television and NSI Pitch to Win!

Ursula began her new role on February 7.

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About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)

We partner with a visionary network of donors, businesses, and private and public organizations to provide industry-informed training in screen-based media, equipping creators across Canada with the skills to tell unforgettable stories.

By prioritizing storytellers from equity-deserving communities – including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), women, LGBTQ2S+, people with disabilities, and those in regional and remote areas – we help build a more sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands.

Our students and alumni find their voices and places on the global stage, strengthening the creative economy and shaping a better world.

Media enquiries

abiola.agbayewa@nsi-canada.ca


The National Screen Institute is supported by: Core Funders: Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council; Benefactors: TELUS, Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund (CMF), Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE); Patrons: CBC, Paramount+, Creative Saskatchewan; Builders: APTN, TikTok Canada, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), The Winnipeg Foundation; Strategic Sponsors: Manitoba Film & Music, Bell Media, RBC Emerging Artists, documentary Channel, CBC Gem, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), Alberta Film Commission, Creative BC, Manitoba Arts Council; Industry Partner: National Film Board of Canada; Friends: Ontario Creates, Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), Bell FundWilliam F. White International, Company 3.