We Are Interdependent Filmmakers, Storytellers, and Change Agents.

Red Dragonfly Foundation is a woman-led globally distributed team of artists and activists, teachers, writers, filmmakers, plus production and financial management professionals. Two of our team members live on the island, and two more have deep generational ties to St. Croix. 

Our founder and director, Laura Wall Mansfield, grew up listening to Quelbe music played by her father, who learned the music while growing up on the island. Laura’s cousin, cinematographer and musician, Laura Gasperi, also has family on the island and has visited St. Croix frequently since childhood.

Our Music & Cultural Advisor and narrator of the documentary, Karen “Lady Mac” McIntosh-Bruce is a renowned Calypso musician who comes from a family of Quelbe pioneers and culture bearers.

Laura Mansfield and Karen ‘Lady Mac’ McIntosh-Bruce speak with Neville James, host of “Analyze This” on WTJX-FM, Christiansted, USVI.

Meet the Red Dragonfly Team

  • Laura Mansfield

    Director of Narrative

    Laura’s family goes back three generations on St. Croix. She has worked as a documentary producer in Haiti, Africa, Ecuador and the United States. She is also a former professor of Film and Social Change at Portland State University in Portland, OR. She ran a non-profit filmmaking organization for 8 years in Denver, Colorado and has produced over 25 films throughout her career. She is also a serial entrepreneur. Laura’s father played Quelbe and Calypso music and she is especially passionate about the story of women being told through this narrative and being utilized to celebrate music on St. Croix and beyond.

  • Kenya Nelson

    CFO, Accountant, & Cultural Advisor

    Kenya is the accountant at Red Dragonfly Foundation and founder of her St. Croix business, KNS Business Solutions. An accountant with the heart of a teacher, Kenya has held several Board positions over the years, including:
    - Current Board Member, CMCArts in St Croix, Inductee Fall 2024 Advisory with the Massey Business School Advisory Board in Nashville, TN, Former Board Treasurer with Friends of Metro Dance in Nashville.

  • Darby Strong

    Chief of Staff & Head of Production

    Darby brings her decades of strategic operational experience with Fortune 50-500 organizations, her non-profit management experience, and production background to Red Dragonfly. She is a committed fan of live music and culture in Austin, TX.

  • Laura Gasperi

    Cinematographer & Dir. of Photography

    Laura has lived on and off of St. Croix throughout her life. She is a seasoned professional cinematographer, photographer, and editor, and has worked in film for over 25 years. Laura is also a musician and has a special connection to this project through her love of music and of St. Croix.

  • Karen "Lady Mac" McIntosh-Bruce

    Music & Cultural Advisor

    Lady Mac is a renowned calypsonian and is the reigning queen of the St. Croix Calypso Monarch crown. She is a retired math teacher and taught mathematics for 30 years at Elena L. Christian Junior High, Arthur A Richards Junior High, and St. Croix Educational Complex. Lady Mac comes from a family of Quelbe musical influencers and culture bearers, and is committed to nourishing the culture of Quelbe music and Crucian culture across St. Croix and through our Calypso In Me recordings and interviews.

  • Colleen Butler

    Head of Partnerships & In-House Counsel

    A former corporate attorney, Colleen has worked in partnership and business development within higher education, non-profit organizations, and start-up companies for 20+ years. She is an avid music lover with an entrepreneurial spirit and is committed to building partnerships with individual donors to sustain our foundation long-term and with Crucian cultural organizations.

  • David Burn

    Development and Communications Lead

    David is a music lover, a writer, communications strategist, and development officer dedicated to supporting social impact organization in the arts, education, and environment. David started his career at American Rivers in Washington, DC. Since then, he’s worked closely with many top brands, family businesses, candidates for office, and good causes. At Red Dragonfly, David is helping to identify footage for use in the documentary and working to fund all the filmmaking efforts currently underway.