The Moving Picture Institute (MPI) is proud to name longtime board member Virginia Walden Ford as Board Member Emeritus, recognizing her years of service to MPI and her lifelong commitment to advancing freedom.

Virginia is a nationally recognized advocate for educational freedom whose own experience fighting for better educational choices for families inspired the MPI Original feature film, Miss Virginia. The film tells the story of a struggling mother who takes on the political establishment and helps create the nation’s first federally funded scholarship program for students from low-income families.

Virginia’s connection to MPI extends well beyond the film inspired by her life. As a member of MPI’s board, she has been a dedicated champion of the organization and its mission to promote freedom through film.

“Virginia has been a valued advocate for MPI’s mission and has brought wisdom, credibility, and passion to our work,” said MPI president Rob Pfaltzgraff. “Her leadership, her inspiring life story, and her commitment to educational freedom have enriched the organization in meaningful ways.”

Virginia’s advocacy has demonstrated the power one person can have when willing to stand up for greater freedom, a principle at the heart of the stories MPI brings to audiences.

MPI is deeply grateful for Virginia’s years of leadership and service and is honored that she will remain part of the MPI community as Board Member Emeritus.