The Essential Image Source Foundation's film members come from all "walks of life." Some are the traditional film crew members such as the cinematographers, editors and writers. Others are the scientific advisors, retired business persons, technical specialists and corporate sponsors. Yet another very key and passionate group of members are the business and community leaders who are involved with our foundation. This month, EISF's Featured Film Member of the Month is one such leader, Lynn Mikelatos.
Lynn Mikelatos' love of community shines through like a beacon in the night. When she talks about Ventura, the surrounding communities and her involvement with them, she genuinely emits untold enthusiasm.
Her "love of community", more than likely, originated with her roots in the small town of Bonham Texas. Lynn received her degree in Art Education at North Texas State University and worked for a few years as a teacher and for a specialty ad company. In the 1970's, Lynn moved to California and, true to her "love of community and involvement", became a real estate agent.
Lynn met her husband, Makis, in 1977 while he was working on the cruise ship, Golden Odyssey, from Venice to Athens. A shipboard romance bloomed between the two and they were married in March 1979.
And, although, Lynn and Makis have spent the last 25 years as successful Greek restaurant owners, and parents of 3 children, Lynn has devoted many thousands of hours to her community and church. She admits that she was "always drawn to committees and volunteering". Over the years her involvement has been intense and inspiring. In more recent times, she has involved herself in everything from President of the Women's Council and participating in the Greek Festival in Camarillo, to organizing a Dukakis fundraiser for her church, and participating in "Leadership Ventura".
Lynn's introduction to the Essential Image Source Foundation came through her friend Jim Brye and it was a natural fit! Lynn's desire to "give back to her community" has had many outlets and a high definition film foundation dedicated to making a difference is a unique way for Lynn to help inform, inspire and initiate change in her community and beyond.
Since The Greek at the Harbor restaurant is located at Ventura Harbor, EISF's latest project "Jewels of the Pacific: The Channel Islands" is of special interest to Lynn and her husband, as well as, all the business people at the harbor. Lynn's contacts and connections with business and community leaders have been a wonderful contribution to EISF's connections to Ventura and the Channel Islands. Working to obtain additional support from the businesses in Ventura for the Essential Image Source Foundation, Lynn was instrumental in bringing the Ventura Harbor Community Council as a sponsor to the "Jewels" film project. Further, it was Lynn's persuasive manner that also convinced the Ventura Chamber of Commerce to generously mail EISF's announcement flyer regarding the same film project to thousands of businesses in the city. Lynn's latest contribution to EISF is her interest and desire to obtain programming coverage with the Ventura's public access channel, CAPS. Lynn Mikelatos is a true ambassador for the Essential Image Source Foundation. She shares our vision, our passion and our mission and a great example of how much our business and community leaders make a difference with the foundation.