Maura Towey (she/her) is a producer & multi-hyphenate creative currently working in the non-profit artist development space. She has previously held positions at the Sundance Institute & Gerber Pictures where she honed her skills in creative development and supporting emerging artists. 

In her current role at the American Film Institute, she runs the AFI DWW+ program (formerly know as the AFI Directing Workshop for Women), overseeing the education, creative development, and production for eight underrepresented directors & their short films, a year. In 2024, the program kicked off its 50th year celebration at the DWW+ 2024 Showcase, hosted at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.

Independently, Maura produces & consults for projects under her production company, Ciné Cara. She is also the founder of FROM FRIENDS & FAMILY, a soon to be published independent zine that strives to bridge the gap between community based connection and influencing. 

She holds a BFA in Film from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a graduate of UCLA’s Professional Program for Television Writing. Hailing from the Chicago area, she is very indebted to her Midwestern roots.