Michael Lopez is the Director of Diversity Development at Film Independent, and he has worked in philanthropy for over 10 years, working in Development for non-profits, foundations, and politics.

Formerly, he served as Development Director for the UCLA Williams Institute where he raised funds for the organization's research and student fellowships. Michael also worked at the Liberty Hill Foundation as the Director of Special Events, overseeing all fundraising and donor education events. While at Liberty Hill, he also coordinated the Lesbian & Gay Community Fund (LGCF) Advisory Board and produced two OutGiving Conferences for LGBT philanthropists in partnership with the Gill Foundation.

Michael worked for Rock the Vote in 2004, producing fundraising events and concerts in support of their GOTV efforts. He also worked at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, MA and as advance staff in the "battleground states" for Kerry/Edwards 2004.

He began his career at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), serving as the Associate Director of Special Events, producing the GLAAD Media Awards in L.A. and San Francisco, Absolut Summer Parties, and all other fundraising events.

While at UCLA, Michael worked for Outfest and the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival as a J. Paul Getty Center Fellow. He graduated from UCLA in 1999 with a B.A. in Women's Studies and Film Critical Theory. He also attended Cambridge University, England. Michael is also a Film Independent Project:Involve Fellow (2008).