Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvia Soto-gleaton
Hi Silvia , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hola, I’m Silvia Soto Gleaton, a Chilean-born producer who arrived in Los Angeles at the age of 14 with her twin sister Gloria and family, coming from a country just emerging from a dictatorship. My view of the world and the U.S. was incredibly limited back then, but living in the U.S. and Mexico expanded my mind and taught me that dreams can be as big as you dare to make them. I’m lucky to have come here legally, thanks to my dad, who made countless sacrifices to help us get our residency in USA. He would be proud today of the multi-Emmy-nominated executive producer and showrunner I’ve become. After 15+ years in the entertainment industry, I’ve had the privilege of creating impactful, globally recognized documentaries for major platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney, BET, ABC, NFL Network, and ESPN+. My work has earned multiple Sports Emmy nominations, a testament to my passion for telling stories that matter and that truly resonate with people.
But beyond the accolades, what matters most to me is balancing my career with my family. I’m a proud mom to two incredible kids: Imani, my 22-year-old daughter who graduated from NYU with a film degree and is already making a name for herself as a cinematographer, and Amari, my 12-year-old son, a talented young musician whose skills are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
I’m also fortunate to have my husband, Michael Gleaton, by my side both personally and professionally. Together, we co-founded DG West, Inc., a boutique production company where we focus on creating authentic content that speaks to diverse audiences—especially communities that don’t always get the spotlight.
I’m here to create stories that are more than just entertainment. They’re reflections of who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed. As a proud Latina in this industry, I’m determined to represent my community, create content my kids and their generation can relate to, and empower others through storytelling. I hope my journey encourages young Latinx voices to take up space, make their mark, and chase their dreams, just as I did.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an Executive Producer in sports-driven content hasn’t been an easy road. There have been countless moments where I’ve been the only woman in the room, where I’ve had to navigate through a space that wasn’t always welcoming. The struggle has been real, and the hurdles high. But despite the challenges, I’ve been lucky to work alongside incredible partners and colleagues who have always made me feel supported, valued, and respected.
Through it all, I’ve learned that the most important thing as an artist is staying true to your authenticity. This industry, with all its pressures and expectations, will try to mold you into something you’re not if you allow it. But I’ve realized that those who withstand the pressure and remain grounded in their true voice are the ones who endure. They are the ones who not only survive, but thrive and make their mark.
It hasn’t always been easy, and there have been moments of doubt and difficulty, but each challenge has made me stronger and more resilient. I’ve gained wisdom along the way, and it has only reinforced my determination to stay true to my values and vision. I’ve realized that while production is one of my passions, it doesn’t define me. I am the storyteller, the dreamer, the visionary behind it all. Production is just one of the ways I bring that vision to life, and it’s truly magical to see it come together. When I watch content that I’ve poured my heart and effort into, sometimes over the course of years, it’s a rewarding reminder of why I do this. It motivates me to keep pushing forward and to continue creating meaningful stories that resonate with others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DG West, Inc. ?
At DG West, we’re more than just a production company—we’re storytellers at heart, driven by a passion for crafting premium sports-driven content that resonates. We thrive on telling the stories of underdogs, those who rise against the odds, but we also have the privilege of working with high-profile celebrities that Hollywood adores. What makes us different? We’re dedicated to peeling back the layers of every story, diving deep to uncover what truly makes a person tick. It’s about connecting with audiences on a human level—showing the raw, authentic side of every character, and finding those universal connections that make viewers feel seen and understood.
As a Black and Brown production company based in Los Angeles, and as one of the few Black and Brown showrunners in the industry, we take immense pride in representing our community. Our work is a reflection of who we are, and we’re passionate about telling stories that uplift and amplify voices that often go unheard. Being able to share those narratives is not only a privilege—it’s a responsibility we carry with pride.
Carving out your identity in a city like Los Angeles can be daunting, but for us, finding our unique voice as producers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our careers. We are dedicated to delivering the kind of stories that matter—stories that connect, inspire, and challenge the status quo. At DG West, we’re not just creating content; we’re shaping culture.
We’re always open to collaborating and helping develop exciting new shows that push boundaries and connect with audiences on a deeper level. If you’re looking for a partner who understands authentic storytelling and diversity, check us out at dgwestinc.com.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
We don’t need offices to make TV shows! Haha…
I believe many people are rethinking their lives and how they approach the world around them. COVID really opened our eyes to the importance of community—connecting with others, being present, and sharing experiences. For me, it was a time to confront personal fears and challenges, ultimately making me a better person. It deepened my empathy and compassion for others. I also realized how crucial it is for me to have a supportive community around me. The sense of connection is everything, and it’s something I truly value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dgwestinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgwestinc/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgwestinc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviasotogleaton
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgwestinc/
