Media and Entertainment Advisors

Nicole Amelio-Casper is a native New Yorker and award-winning documentarian with a career grounded in honest, human-centered storytelling.  For over two decades, she lived and worked across the U.S. and Europe as part of a military family. Her filmmaking journey began with the American Forces Network in Mannheim, Germany, where she learned the importance of elevating voices often left out of mainstream narratives.  Before entering the documentary field, Nicole worked in television and radio broadcasting, serving in production and news roles at Saga Communications, Cumulus Broadcasting, American Forces Network, ABC News, Good Morning America, and Nightly News. These early experiences sharpened her ability to craft compelling stories across media and connect with wide range of audiences.

Nicole is known for her ability to take on complex, deeply personal subjects with empathy and precision. Working with a talented team, she produces documentary-style short films for nonprofit organizations across the country—projects that help drive missions forward and bring critical attention to underserved communities. Her feature documentary, The Journey Back to Normal – A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD, was funded primarily through personal resources, with additional support from Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin and Parris McBride. The film premiered at Martin’s theater in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has since impacted audiences nationwide. It was awarded Best Documentary at the International Kansas City Film Festival, The Raleigh Film and Arts Festival, and the International Show Low Film Festival, where it also received a Best Editing award. JBTN has screened at major universities including Rutgers, Drexel, and the University of Missouri, and has been integrated into college curriculums at Rutgers. Nicole’s dedication to telling underrepresented stories has led her to partner with organizations like Mend the Heart Foundation, Patriot Fund and Warrior Canine Connection, VBC Giving Foundation, Houses for Heroes, and Project One Vet at a Time.  

Her upcoming project, Resilience—the Docuseries, is a follow-up to JBTN. It was inspired by a recurring question from audiences: “Why didn’t anyone talk about their military experience?” Resilience will answer that question—sharing raw, honest, and necessary conversations that explore what service members carry long after their time in uniform.

Nicole continues to serve in both creative and strategic roles—partnering with the Military Basketball Association as a film producer and director, and working in public relations and business development for Blue Goat Cyber, a veteran-owned medical device cybersecurity company. Through every project, Nicole remains committed to uncovering truth, giving space to those often unheard, and using film as a tool for impact and change.

Dave's shift from acting to filmmaking, leveraging his extensive artistic experience, places him in a unique position to create content that not only entertains but also enlightens. With a career spanning over two decades in front of the camera, he possesses a deep understanding of storytelling, character development, and the emotional nuances that can turn a performance into a memorable experience. Now, as he steps behind the camera, his goal to move people to think differently about the world around them reflects a profound commitment to impactful storytelling.

One of Dave's passions is the exploration of human victories—stories that illuminate the resilience, strength, and capacity for triumph within the human spirit. This thematic focus resonates deeply in a world often saturated with narratives of conflict and despair. By choosing to spotlight human victories, Dave aims to offer viewers a lens through which they can witness the indomitable nature of people facing adversity, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what once seemed impossible.

Moreover, Dave's work in this area serves a dual purpose: it not only entertains but also sows seeds of inspiration among viewers. Through his films, he invites audiences to reflect on their own lives, challenges, and potential for victory. This reflective process is crucial in his mission to move people to think differently, offering not just a momentary escape through cinema but a lasting impact that might inspire action, change, or a deeper understanding of the resilience inherent in all of us.

In essence, Dave's transition into filmmaking with a focus on human victories embodies a powerful blend of artistic talent and visionary purpose. His work stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling when wielded by someone deeply attuned to the complexities of the human experience and dedicated to making a difference through the art of cinema.

Betty Diaz is director of Programs and Operations for Paramount Global’s Veterans Network. With more than 20 years’ media experience, including a robust background in market research, the native New Yorker has expanded the network’s programs fourfold: She created the Veteran Immersion Program (VIP), an internship program designed to support transitioning U.S. service members into the media workforce; established the first-ever Veterans Network Ambassador roles, enlisting notable Paramount Global talent to elevate the group’s mission and significantly grow its social media presence; and spearheaded rebranding the traditional coffee with vets meet-ups, expanding them to social podcast-style interviews featuring Paramount Global talent and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), among other initiatives.

Notably, Betty secured a multi-year television distribution deal with CBS Sports Network and Pluto TV for the Military Basketball Association and led co-productions of mental health PSAs (Public Service Announcements) that aired on CBS and Pluto TV.

The former research director at CBS Affiliate Relations previously held key positions at NBCUniversal Media, where she was recognized for her strategic insights and leadership in reviving the Latine employee resource group (ERG), UNIDOS. A passionate advocate for veterans and community service, Betty founded the Celebr8YOU Movement, a campaign that promotes community kindness and celebrates individuals on the 8th of every month, and served as vice chair of the Omega Phi Beta Foundation, a philanthropic provider of leadership, academic and community development opportunities through educational and grant-making initiatives that support individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights.

She holds an M.S. summa cum laude in media management from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a B.A. in communications from SUNY Oswego, which honored her with its 2021 Alumni Community Service Award. The 2024 George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program (STVLP) scholar resides in New York with her son.