About MiniMatters
Stories That Inspire Action
MiniMatters is a women-owned video production and marketing company that helps nonprofits, associations, foundations, and agencies transform complex ideas into compelling stories and engaging education.
Who We Are & Our Story
For more than 15 years, MiniMatters has partnered with nonprofits, associations, foundations, and agencies to transform complex ideas into compelling filmed and animated videos. Clients describe us as agile, professional, creative, and reliable partners who make the video process efficient, collaborative, and even fun.
The name “MiniMatters” reflects our founding vision: creating short videos about things that matter. Since the beginning, our work has focused on health, education, gender equity, sustainable development, and community strengthening. Our projects are shaped by our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, and we are passionate about propeling our hard-working clients to have even greater impact by using video effectively to tell stories and accomplish high-priority goals.
Meet Our Team
Elissa Leif | Co-Founder & CEO
Elissa leverages her knowledge of technology and fundraising to help clients get the most of their investments in video and communication. She’s a quick learner with 25 years of experience in communications and video production, much of it in the fields of education and health. She leads project teams, ensures that we meet project specifications and client needs, oversees finances, and maintains excellent communications. Elissa holds a Masters Degree in education administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University and a BA in history from Yale University.
Barbara Haupt | Co-Founder & President
Barbara’s both a big-picture thinker who’s driven by creativity and doing good, and an executive who gets things done. She’s excellent at managing complex projects with teams of producers, camera crews, editors, graphic designers, and animators. Barbara brings over twenty years of experience in policy, communications, and video production, much of it in the fields of health, policy, and international development. She holds a graduate degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of California at Irvine.
Janet Fox | Project Manager
Janet is a versatile, organized, detail-oriented project professional with thirty years of experience. She has worked in video production and project management across nonprofit, government, and private sectors, focusing on education, health, and the environment. Drawing on lived experience with deaf family members, Janet manages MiniMatters projects involving American Sign Language (ASL). She is a volunteer leader in a local health support group and holds a BS in Occupational Safety and Health from Purdue University and an AS in Environmental Protection Technology from the University of Cincinnati.
MiniMatters Associates
Producers
Manage all aspects of video projects
Associates: Greg, Marquita, Rebecca, Suzanne
Camera Crews
Film your project onsite
Associates: Adrian, Dirk, Mike, Tom
Graphic & Web Designers
Create inspired and beautiful designs
Associates: Christina, Jimena, Kelley
Editors
Weave the pieces of your story together
Associates: Chandler, Marquita, Paul, Suzanne
Animators
Wizards of animated graphics
Associates: Alejandro, Christina, Eric, Mark
Scriptwriters
Craft your compelling story
Associates: Rebecca
Social Media Specialists
Get the word out
Associates: Jill
Why Trust MiniMatters?
We are reliable.
You can count on us to deliver high-quality video on time and on budget. Our client list attests to the trust our clients put in us.
We clarify.
Our strength is understanding complex content and bringing it to life through compelling videos and powerful storytelling.
We are a great partner.
We’ll make your life easy. We are able to manage every element of a project, and you can do as much or as little as you like.
Sectors We Specialize In
Associations
Whether you represent a medical, professional, or trade association, MiniMatters helps you produce marketing, membership, training, fundraising, and conference videos that achieve results. We serve as your on-the-ground filming partner, expert animation partner, and strategic collaborator to meet association goals with creativity, efficiency, and impact.
Foundations & Nonprofits
With firsthand experience in nonprofit fundraising, MiniMatters understands the challenges of engaging donors and telling stories that inspire. We apply best practices in nonprofit video production to create fundraising, gala, storytelling, and campaign videos—helping your community connect to one another with purpose and take their involvement to the next level.
Agencies & Prime Contractors
MiniMatters partners with agencies and prime contractors as a WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) with additional MBE certifications in Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, and Montgomery County, MD. We bring expertise in filmed and animated video to support federal and state contracts, contributing to award-winning projects with strategic, reliable, and results-focused collaboration.
FAQs about MiniMatters
Who does MiniMatters work with?
We partner with associations, nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, prime contractors, universities, hospitals, corporations, and major research institutions. Our focus is on mission-driven organizations that want to use video to inspire action and communicate clearly.
What makes MiniMatters different from other video production companies?
Unlike many video agencies, we combine video production with marketing strategy and training expertise. Our team ensures that every filmed or animated video not only looks great but also aligns with fundraising, advocacy, membership, or education goals.
Is MiniMatters a women-owned business?
Yes. MiniMatters is a nationally certified women-owned business through WBENC and also holds state-level MBE certifications. Many of our clients choose us because we bring both creative expertise and supplier diversity to their projects.
Where is MiniMatters located?
We are based in the Washington DC metro area, serving Maryland, Virginia, and DC clients locally. However, we also provide video production and animation services nationwide for associations, nonprofits, and agencies.
How long has MiniMatters been in business?
We’ve been creating videos for more than 15 years. Over that time, we’ve built lasting partnerships with clients who value our reliability, creativity, and results-driven approach.
What values guide MiniMatters’ work?
We are motivated by a commitment to mission-driven storytelling, environmental and social responsibility, and support for diverse small businesses. Through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), we continue to strengthen our environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices while delivering creative, impactful video projects for clients working to shape a better world.