It is important to Kataneh that directors have a safe haven where they can form

authentic connections and support one another. To that end, she organized a monthly

gathering that began remotely during the pandemic and later transitioned to in-person

meetings. The group continues today, providing more than 30 directors with a valuable

support system through the industry’s ups and downs.  

Kataneh created and moderated a monthly community event called “The Connection Series” to spotlight internal talent. Imagine Inside the Actors Studio meeting NPR’s Tiny Desk. Each month, Kataneh led in-depth conversations among various groups within the studio—including feature directors, producers, editors, storyboard artists, service workers, and expats—to foster empowerment, collaboration, and trust. These events regularly drew audiences of over 500 hybrid attendees. 

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NASA/JPL invited Kataneh to join a unique collaboration bringing together creatives from multiple disciplines—animation, music, and entertainment—to use storytelling as a means of uniting people. This ongoing partnership continues to plant seeds for future projects that inspire connection through art and science.

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2000 attendees, 130K Instagram followers, inspired by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Kataneh wanted to connect children around the world through live animation sessions. Every Friday for an hour, she animated stories with messages of kindness featuring her characters, Kat and Juju.

Her role was social media manager and artist rolled into her lives, requiring active community engagement. By the end, Kataneh's young audience called her Auntie Kat.

Together with the LeoProject team, Kataneh launched an animation program in Kenya, teaching animation and storytelling remotely every Friday and Saturday night. She and her team built multiplane cameras to teach stop-motion and cut-out animation to young Kenyan girls. Her goal was to empower them to express themselves through creativity and art—an experience she cherishes deeply, especially seeing their smiles as their creations came to life.

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Kataneh organized monthly hybrid meetings for members and allies of SWANA (*South West Asia and North Africa), providing a safe space to connect and feel seen in an industry where their community remains underrepresented. She filmed and edited videos featuring SWANA colleagues and screened them during town halls to amplify their voices and celebrate their presence: “We are here.”

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Kataneh initiated monthly hybrid gatherings for first-generation immigrant colleagues to share lived experiences and cultural memories. As a first-generation immigrant and refugee who cannot return to her homeland, Iran, Kataneh understands the importance of storytelling in uplifting one another. These conversations also encouraged meaningful cross-cultural exchange and understanding throughout the studio.