The Filmmakers
Diane Wagner – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WRITER/PRODUCER, CAMERA – Diane grew up in Marin County, California. Her past career success in market research consulting for Fortune 500 clients, made it possible for Diane open up her own shop to create documentary films. Diane’s grateful for the educational opportunities she has been privileged with – going to Claremont McKenna College, earning an MBA from UC Irvine and for hearing she “CAN” at every step of her education. She was known as one of the smart kids and was expected to go to college. Diane believes the stories in this film will help more children gain access to educational opportunities and recognize their own potential.
Jesse Gift – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, CAMERA, EDITOR. – Jesse is a Breaking News, Primetime Emmy® Award recipient and multiple Emmy® Award nominee. His work has been watched by tens of millions on ABC, NBC, CBS, A&E, PBS, BBC, RAI Italy and more. Now an independent filmmaker, Jesse relishes telling stories that transcend reporting the news. Told They Can’t features the inspiring stories of ten kids who, against all expectations, triumphed over poverty and seemingly impossible hardships to become personally and professionally successful. Their lives remind audiences of the indomitable human spirit, and of what is indeed possible for every child, no matter background, family income, connections, status or anything else. Their treatment calls out society’s cruel indifference toward kids who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. Their success, in spite of such dire hardship, brings up questions worth consideration: Why were they told they can’t; How did society get it so wrong; Are kids like them still being told they can’t today?