Meet the Panelists: Casey DeStefano, Jessica Varian Carroll & Madison Santos

The Woman’s Club of Red Bank will welcome three accomplished women from the entertainment, writing, filmmaking, and production industries for its annual fundraiser, Lights, Camera, Legacy: Women in Communications Shaping the Future of Cinema, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the historic Reckless Estate in Red Bank, New Jersey.

The panel discussion will explore the future of cinema, the changing entertainment landscape, mentorship opportunities, and the role women are playing both in front of and behind the camera.

Joanne Farina, SHRM-CP, of Positive Impact HR and the Membership Committee Chair will moderate the panel discussion. You can message Joanne from her directory page.

Casey DeStefano, DGA — Director, Producer and Writer

With more than 25 years of experience in television and film, Casey DeStefano is a Directors Guild of America director, producer, and writer whose credits span network television, film, and major production companies.

DeStefano directed episodes of the BAFTA- and Emmy-winning Even Stevens, the Emmy-nominated That’s So Raven, and Whoopi Goldberg’s Just for Kicks. She also produced the 15-time Emmy Award-winning series The Amazing Race.

Her directing, producing, writing, and production credits include What Not to Wear, Ghost Whisperer, The X-Files, Transformers, and Speed 2. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations and studios including NBC, FOX, HBO, DreamWorks, Universal Studios, Columbia Pictures, and Touchstone Pictures.

After taking time away from filmmaking to raise her family, DeStefano returned to the industry with a goal of bringing her Hollywood experience home to New Jersey. She is currently completing AngryMom, a female-forward dark action comedy filmed in Monmouth County that is being developed into a feature film.

Casey DeStefano and She Fights, She Films

DeStefano is also the founder of She Fights, She Films, a fellowship focused on mentoring young women and preparing them for high-level careers in the entertainment industry.

Through filmmaking, mentorship, and community collaboration, the fellowship works to create opportunities for the next generation of storytellers.

Link to fellowship: https://canva.link/ofa3bqhcicvr6sg

Jessica Varian Carroll — Author and Entrepreneur

Jessica Varian Carroll is the owner and founder of Organista Home, formerly Organize By Design, a home organizing company that helps clients create a more minimal lifestyle while donating excess items to those in need.

With almost a decade in business and more than 230 clients, Carroll has built her work around organization, service, and helping others. She has also expanded her creative work into writing with the publication of her first book, She Had No Business: A Real Life Tale of Faith, Courage, and Beating the Odds.

Carroll was also named Best of 2018 by Monmouth Health & Life for the third consecutive year.

When she isn’t working with clients or writing, Carroll spends time with her four children, volunteers, and gives back to her community. She is currently growing Organista Home, working on her second book, and continuing her commitment to helping others.

As an author, Carroll brings another perspective to the panel discussion—how personal stories and ideas move from the written page into the broader world of communication and storytelling.

Link to book “She Had No Business” on Amazon.

Madison Santos Wilson — Actor, Producer and Entrepreneur

Madison Santos Wilson, who will appear on the panel as Madison Santos, is a Filipino-American actor, producer, and entrepreneur working across the entertainment industries in Hollywood and the Philippines.

With a global career represented by 90210 Talent Inc. and Empire.ph/Mercator, Santos has advocated for authentic representation and opportunities for women of color. As a SAG-E actor and model, she has used her experience in front of the camera to champion greater representation in entertainment.

Santos is also the co-founder of Unlimited Studios, an independent, full-service production facility in Long Branch, New Jersey. The 3,500-square-foot studio provides production infrastructure for creators and is positioned within New Jersey’s growing film industry.

Through her production company and studio, Santos is focused on building a more accessible ecosystem for creators and creating opportunities for emerging talent.

Her experience as an actor, producer, entrepreneur, and studio co-founder offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the changing entertainment industry and the opportunities available to today’s filmmakers and creators.

Link to website: www.UnlimitedStudiosNJ.com

Women Shaping the Future of Cinema

Together, Casey DeStefano, Jessica Varian Carroll, and Madison Santos Wilson bring different perspectives to the Lights, Camera, Legacy panel—from directing and producing to writing, acting, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

The panel will address topics including breaking barriers, creating mentorship pipelines, and building a more inclusive cinematic future.

The event also honors Diane Raver, co-founder of the Garden State Film Festival, as the festival celebrates its 25th year.

Lights, Camera, Legacy Annual Fundraiser

The Woman’s Club of Red Bank’s annual fundraiser takes place:

Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Reckless Estate
164 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701

The morning includes a continental breakfast and panel discussion.

Tickets: $60
Early Bird Tickets: $50 through October 5

Limited seating is available. More about the annual fundraiser.

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser help support the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the historic Reckless Estate, the Woman’s Club of Red Bank’s clubhouse.

Join us for Lights, Camera, Legacy and hear from three women helping shape the future of cinema and storytelling.

Support Women in Communications. Preserve the Reckless Estate.

Be part of Lights, Camera, Legacy and celebrate the women shaping the future of cinema, storytelling, and entertainment—while helping preserve the historic Reckless Estate, home of the Woman’s Club of Red Bank.

Your support helps us continue caring for this historic Red Bank landmark and investing in its future. Join us for this special morning of conversation, connection, and community—and help keep the Reckless Estate part of Red Bank’s story for generations to come.

Reserve your ticket today and support women in communications and the preservation of the Reckless Estate.

Consider Becoming an Event Sponsor

Want to make an even greater impact? Consider becoming a sponsor of Lights, Camera, Legacy. We offer four different sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations that want to support this special event, the women featured on our panel, and the preservation of the historic Reckless Estate.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and find the level that’s right for you.