Creative Leadership & Vision
Dedicated to the Mission
Our multidisciplinary team bridges film production, advocacy, and therapeutic community engagement.
Purpose-Driven Storytelling
Creative Direction
Community Outreach
Founder and CEO Santiago Cirilo leads Nation Entertainment with veteran discipline and cinematic focus, creating films that honor real service and trauma recovery.
Guiding narrative development across film, audio, and visual mediums with an emphasis on emotional truth and transformative storytelling.
Connecting families and individuals with storytelling programs designed to foster mental health wellness and lasting connection.
Santiago Cirilo is a U.S. Army Infantry veteran, actor, producer, and director whose passion for entertainment began at an early age. After six years of military service, he pursued his passion for the performing arts and built a career in film and television. Today, he brings that experience, discipline, and creativity to Nation Entertainment, creating stories with purpose and impact.
"Storytelling opens a doorway to healing that traditional conversation often cannot reach. When we share lived experiences with uncompromising authenticity, we give others permission to reconcile their own burdens and reclaim their purpose."
Leading creative production and strategic outreach, her leadership ensures every project remains grounded in empathy, dignity, and real-world impact for veterans and communities nationwide.
Krystal brings a lifelong love of storytelling and creativity to everything she does. Whether developing stories for the screen, producing films, or helping bring creative ideas to life, she believes great stories can inspire people and create meaningful connections. Her passion is proving that creativity has no expiration date and encouraging others to keep chasing the dreams that matter to them.
Ken is a creative storyteller who enjoys bringing ideas to life through visuals, film, and digital media. With a passion for both creating and entertaining, he brings an energetic and collaborative approach to every project. Whether behind the camera, in the editing room, or developing creative content, Ken believes in keeping the creativity flowing and the positive vibes going.
Jada brings creativity, passion, and a strong commitment to storytelling to Nation Entertainment. She enjoys helping ideas grow from concept to reality while supporting the people behind each project. With an eye for meaningful stories and creative collaboration, Jada believes entertainment has the power to inspire, connect, and make a difference.
Shauna brings humor, compassion, and a fearless approach to meaningful conversations. A veteran and longtime podcaster, she uses storytelling and honest dialogue to help break the stigma surrounding mental health while creating a space where people feel heard, connected, and supported.
Jenny combines a passion for creativity with a genuine love of helping others. With a background in HR and organizational development, she brings both people-focused experience and a creative spirit to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys creating unique designs, spending time with animals, and embracing her love of all things horror.
Matthew Smith is a Kentucky-based filmmaker, cinematographer, and U.S. Army veteran whose work spans narrative film, music videos, and independent productions. Drawing inspiration from his Appalachian roots, Matthew brings a strong visual perspective to character-driven stories and regional storytelling. Whether behind the camera or developing new projects, he approaches filmmaking as a way to connect people through authentic stories and shared experiences.
Andrew brings a dependable, team-first approach to Nation Entertainment. Whether supporting events, helping coordinate behind the scenes, or finding new ways to connect with audiences, he believes strong teamwork and attention to detail are key to bringing great ideas to life.
Rico brings a versatile creative perspective to Nation Entertainment, blending technology, art, and imagination in his work. His ability to move between digital design, traditional art, animation, and interactive media gives him a unique approach to visual storytelling. Always curious and willing to explore new techniques, Rico believes the best creative work starts with the freedom to experiment and build something unexpected.