The global producer transcending cultural barriers through
STORYTELLING
Doctor Kiona builds local teams who understand cultural relevance and nuance to not only intentionally reinvest into local communities but also to authentically tell their stories
- Award-winning
- 40,000 page views per month
- 195 countries
BLOG
SOCIAL MEDIA
- 30 million weekly views
- Top Ten Travel Influencer
- Featured in Forbes, CNN, Al Jazeera, Lonely Planet, PopSugar, Outside, Huffpost and more
- #1 in 13 Countries in Travel Podcasts
- #36 in USA in Culture & Society
PODCAST
CAMPAIGNS
- #1 most viewed commercial for Lifestraw
- Recognized by Smithsonian Institute
Doctor Kiona specializes in:
LOCAL CASTING
Actors, make up artists, camera crew, musicians and other team members can all be sourced locally.
LOCAL PRODUCTION
Costumes, music, and props can be sources from local vendors.
SENSITIVE STORYTELLING
Honoring local issues and protocols regarding locations, topics, and themes.
CULTURALLY-RELEVANT SCRIPTWRITING
Expertise in cultural accuracy, context, significance and regional language.
AUTHORITATIVE FACT CHECKING
Approval by local experts in culture and education as well as quantitative fact-checking for statistics and DEI.
PORTFOLIO
PRINT | DIGITAL | BROADCASTING
COMMERCIAL
EDUCATIONAL
WORKSHOP
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE
Doctor Kiona helps the Smithsonian Institute better understand Asian American colleagues.
MUSIC VIDEO
ANAIS ABREU
Oscar-winning Cuban musician fights back when her intellectual property is stolen.
Documentary:
The first (and only) documentary on the Afro-Cuban-Chinese identity.
It’s estimated one in six Cubans have a Chinese ancestor, yet few original Chinese immigrants exist today. Barrio Chino Havana: The Last of the Original Chinese reveals the story of Havana’s fading Chinatown as told through four elders: Pedro, Mauro, Caridad, and Georgina. Doctor Kiona serves as Director and Producer of the film that represents the Chinese diaspora while validating the Afro-Cuban-Chinese identity.
Book
Property ownership is a proven avenue to building generational wealth—but how can one own property in the most ethically way possible? Tales of Horror & Happiness in Hospitality, by Doctor Kiona and Maria Gangat, explores how short-term leasing can provide financial security while peacefully transcending cultural barriers. Kiona and Gangat share their personal hosting stories while offering tips on ethical leasing, profitability, and ultimately, how to be a welcoming host.
PODCAST
How Not to Travel is Doctor Kiona’s top rated podcast, reaching the number one spot in thirteen countries. Produced by Studio Ochenta, this collection of lessons and lived experiences in travel reached number thirty six in Culture and Society in the United States, just behind Oprah. The podcast examines the nuances of travel through twenty minute episodes that explore questions such as, What is a local? and Is Airbnb ethical? helping listeners become more informed travelers.