We set out to create a new Ascend mission video to recruit prospective teachers and talent to the organization. Anchored by Ascend’s five main values, our film tells the story of the teachers, families, and students who make learning joyful across Brooklyn every day. As both the lead writer and producer, I focused on storytelling throughout the project, from scouting locations to interviewing subjects to post-production edits—making sure each moment we captured conveyed Ascend’s values in action.