Biography
Margaret Fontana is a highly accomplished media executive renowned for her extensive expertise spanning various industries, including nonprofit, healthcare, film, media, television, technology, and digital-driven broadcast. Her career boasts a remarkable track record of accomplishments and a storied reputation in these diverse fields.
Margaret has worked as a writer for various documentary and educational programs and as a producer in both talk television for NBC, Studios USA, Fox, Discovery Channel and independent documentary productions. Fontana's professional experience also spans over 10 years in corporate Fortune 500 not for profit, where she led award winning media, and interactive marketing and communications strategies.
Margaret is also the Founder of The Filmmaker Forum, an online resource and community for aspiring and experienced arts, media and filmmaking professionals. Students are welcome as well. In keeping with her cultural first generation Italian roots, Margaret is also the Founder of another popular online community and blog called Italian American Girl with over 45,000 members across various social media networks. The community has become an online networking resource for many Italian Americans to share educational stories, history, ancestry traditions and connections. Margaret also features celebrities, musicians and filmmakers on the blog.
Margaret graduated Rider University with a BA in Communications: Radio and Television along with completing her Mini-MBA from Rutgers University in Brand Development & Marketing Communications. Margaret is a lifelong learner and has also completed various business courses in Nonprofit Management, CMO Marketing Leadership, Film Marketing, Digital Media and Public Relations. Margaret is the recipient of the Rider University Alumni Achievement Award given for her volunteer efforts in continuing to contribute her time to various media and marketing courses with students throughout the year. Margaret has been volunteering since 2010.
In 2024 Margaret assumed the role of Executive Director for the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission.
In her "free" time, Margaret acts as a guest speaker and influencer while regularly presenting and teaching on media topics at Rider University and national digital conferences including Advertising Week in New York City
Margaret is the host of the self produced podcast called, The Margaret Fontana Media Podcast The podcast covers topics from media, marketing, public relations, film, production, business, lifestyle and more. She features guests from the entertainment, design, lifestyle, style, culinary, cultural, wellness, business, & media industries. (Available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital platforms-- Search 'Margaret Fontana Media' )
Margaret leads marketing and public relations for the The Ashley Lauren Foundation, which provides hope & help for children with cancer throughout New Jersey.
In September of 2024, Margaret announced the official launch of Fontana Film Productions, a dynamic new content company dedicated to bringing stories to life through various forms of media, including documentary filmmaking, living history projects, educational content, and more.
With a commitment to high-quality, impactful storytelling, Fontana Film Productions aims to capture and preserve the essence of human experience, cultural heritage, and educational narratives through its diverse suite of content services. Led by the visionary founder Margaret Fontana, a seasoned media professional with a track record of success, this new venture will serve as a creative hub for producing meaningful and engaging stories that resonate across industries and audiences.
