Dr. Claresa Baggs, PhD, hc
Award-Winning Filmmaker · Humanitarian · Author · Speaker
Dr. Claresa Baggs is the founder of Red Petunia Productions, a mission-driven media company where storytelling meets social impact. Her work spans documentary film, public speaking, and advocacy — all unified by a singular belief: that the right story, told with courage, can change everything.
Her debut book, But First, Forgive Yourself, has become both a personal manifesto and a platform — inspiring audiences to trade self-condemnation for accountability, and shame for the audacity to begin again.
As the creator and executive producer of Still Surviving and the forthcoming documentary Consequence, Dr. Baggs brings a filmmaker's eye to every stage she steps on — crafting narratives that don't just move audiences, but move them to act.
She holds an Honorary Doctorate from Bendecida Christian College International in Uganda, recognizing her contributions to humanitarian storytelling across borders.
- Founder & CEO, Red Petunia Productions
- Author, But First, Forgive Yourself
- Creator & Executive Producer, Still Surviving
- Creator & Executive Producer, Consequence (forthcoming)
- Honorary Doctorate, Bendecida Christian College International, Uganda
- Founder, Banter and Business Community