Silicon Valley African Film Festival Appoints Teresa Chapman to International Advisory Board
- BFW Staff
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
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April 13, 2026
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) has announced the appointment of Teresa Chapman to its International Advisory Board, effective immediately.
Teresa’s addition marks a strategic step for the festival as it continues to expand its influence as a leading platform for African and African diaspora storytelling in the United States and beyond. Known for her leadership in organisational development and civic engagement, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective that aligns with SVAFF’s mission of cultural connection and authentic narrative building.
“Teresa has been a friend and generous supporter of our festival for many years, and we are deeply honoured that her schedule now permits her to join our International Advisory Board,” said Chike C. Nwoffiah, Founder and Executive Director of SVAFF. “Our festival will benefit immensely from her brilliant mind, vast experience in civic leadership and community building, and her grounding in cultural authenticity.”
Chapman currently serves as Chief People Officer at Santa Clara Family Health Plan, where she leads people strategy for a mission-driven healthcare organisation serving thousands of residents across Santa Clara County. Her work has earned her recognition from the Silicon Valley Business Journal, where she was named among its Power 100 for her contributions to modernising human resources and advancing workforce wellbeing.
Beyond her executive role, Chapman is an educator and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, teaching Organisational Development and Change at UCSC Extension. Her academic credentials include degrees from the University of San Francisco and the Pepperdine University School of Law, alongside her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
Her connection to Africa is deeply personal. A transformative journey to Ghana awakened a profound cultural and spiritual bond with the continent, where she received the Akan name Adwoa, symbolising empathy, peace, and unity.
“For the last four years, SVAFF has been a homecoming of a different kind for me,” Chapman said. “Through its films and conversations, the festival reveals the richness and complexity of African stories and reminds us that storytelling is one of the most powerful bridges between people and their truth.”
With Chapman joining its International Advisory Board, SVAFF continues to strengthen its leadership as it prepares for its 17th annual festival, scheduled for October 8–11, 2026, at the Historic Hoover Theater in San Jose.
As submissions open for the upcoming edition, the festival remains committed to amplifying African voices and creating a global stage where stories from the continent and its diaspora can inform, inspire, and transform audiences worldwide.
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