Women’s History Month Spotlight: Monique Palma

Monique Palma, is a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, the afro Latina entrepreneur created the platform What We Watch and her success is only getting bigger. She is an Afro-Panamanian from Dallas, Texas, who has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry. But, the entertainment industry wasn’t her first choice in a career path, she initially worked as a civil and environmental engineer, but Palma found herself yearning for something more, something that would ignite her passion and make her happier. That moment came in 2019 when she watched Parasite, the critically acclaimed film by Bong Joon-ho. It was then that she realized her true calling, writing and directing movies.

For Palma, film and television became more than just a hobby, it became her saving grace. She reflected on how the art of storytelling quite literally “saved her life,” pulling her out of an unfulfilling career and guiding her toward a creative journey that would later uplift countless independent artists.

Making a major life change is never easy, but Palma embraced the challenge. She took a leap of faith, leaving behind the familiarity of Texas for the unpredictable world of Los Angeles. In her own words, she emphasizes the importance of “taking up space,” whether in front of or behind the camera. This mindset  has become a pillar of her work, especially as she navigates an industry where Afro-Latina voices are still underrepresented.

“As an Afro-Latina, there are moments when I feel underrepresented,” Palma shared. “But I make it a point to be confident and pour that confidence into other women.”

That commitment to representation and empowerment has fueled her success and inspired others to follow in her footsteps.

 Palma’s platform, What We Watch, started as a digital show dedicated to highlighting independent filmmakers. Over time, it has evolved into many different facets of entertainment expanding its reach to include audiobooks, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and, most notably, a film festival. This festival is one of Palma’s proudest achievements, as it provides independent artists with opportunities for funding and industry exposure.

Her vision for the festival is clear, to give a platform to underrepresented voices and ensure that talented filmmakers, especially those from marginalized communities, receive the recognition and support they deserve.

 Palma’s ambitions don’t stop there. In the coming years, she envisions What We Watch becoming a bicoastal brand, with operations in both Los Angeles and New York. Meanwhile, she continues to work on her own creative projects, including short films and feature films in the horror and sci-fi genres.

Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. By creating opportunities for independent artists and championing diversity in film, Monique Palma is not just changing the industry, she’s reshaping it for the better.