Judith A. Proffer
Vice Chair, Meteor 17 Group of Companies
Oversight of Literary, Charitable Activities
Judith oversees literary and charitable initiatives for the Meteor 17 group.
Former Publisher/Associate Publisher of leading alternative newspapers LA Weekly and OC Weekly, Proffer helmed some of the most dynamic and successful issues in alt weekly publishing history. She played a key role in launching OC Weekly, sat on the Association of Alternative Newsweekly Board of Directors, was named Vice President and Associate Publisher/West Coast for Stern Publishing (parent company of Village Voice) and created a dynamic series of community events benefiting non-profits locally and abroad.
As founder of Magpye Media, Judith produced a weekly topical radio show, executive produced progressive musical theatre, consulted non-profits on marketing, and shared her vast knowledge of the alternative newsweekly world by offering consulting services to papers in need of a little spit and polish.
Co-founder of the Southern California Sun Community Newspapers, as Executive Editor Judy created three unique publications to serve the Valley communities: Studio City Sun, Sherman Oaks Sun and Encino Sun. The papers were honored by both the city and the SFV Business Journal for bringing much needed local coverage to the vast San Fernando Valley.
Judith is also the co-writer of "Art of the Soul," the award-winning title song recorded by Anna Nalick for the Maya Angelou narrated documentary (partially financed by Robert Redford and produced for the Sundance Channel) “As Seen Through These Eyes.”
An avid photographer, Judith’s image of a Nashville storm taken during the June 2009 CMT Awards was named among the best travel photos of 2009, as selected by the Los Angeles Times. A photo she took on safari in Kenya received the same honor five years later.
Judith founded Southern California based and award-winning Huqua Press (HP) in 2010 as a boutique book publishing house to nurture talent and creativity ("Small Press. Big Ideas"). HP houses a diverse catalogue which includes culinary, juvenile, fiction and popular culture titles. Proffer seeks authors and works that uplift, inspire, inform and engage.
As an author, she has a passion for creating stories that help children better understand the world around them, with a focus on empathy and well-being.
Publishing highlights:
Huqua Press launches fifteen years ago with the Supernatural Kids Cookbook. A follow-up edition, Haile’s Favorites, included back cover quotes from Rachael Ray, Deepak Chopra, and Chelsea Clinton. The SNK Cookbook partnered with the Jeff Bridges’ non-profit No Kid Hungry to bring attention to their efforts to end hunger in America. The book was used in youth cooking school curriculum and author Nancy Meghagian did numerous television appearances and cooking demonstrations/classes.
Dog & Butterfly by Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart) based on their popular song with a back cover note from Sarah McLachlan
Caroline, a children’s book based on the Brandi Carlile song with a back cover note from Elton John
Our House, based on the best-selling Graham Nash song with a back cover note from Carole King and art directed by the supremely talented Hugh Syme
American Pie and Vincent, collaborations with Don McLean on his iconic songs
Other titles include the Magic Ponytails series by Karen Young, two books by best-selling author Patti Davis, four culinary titles from Hollywood caterer Gwen Keneally and a travel memoir by actor Thaao Penghlis.
HP also co-published I Hope You Dance: The Power and Sprit of Song. Proffer edited the book and served as Co-Producer on the Meteor 17 produced film.
In response to the covid pandemic, Proffer teamed with LMFT Tara Fass in 2020 to write the award-winning book, When We Stayed Home, to help children and families lift themselves up during the pandemic.
She is also the author of the award-winning Bondi and Poppy Help Heal the Planet, a gentle but impactful story that addresses the impact of climate change.
Proffer was honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal as one of the leading “Women Who Make A Difference” in Southern California. Additionally, she was honored by Friends of the Family for her family centric community work. Judith teamed with Hollywood Caterer Gwen Kenneally to establish Magpie Mini Pies, an artisanal petite pie company with proceeds benefiting local non-profits. Additionally, Judy has also taught writing workshops to children, adults and incarcerated at-risk youths. She recently completed Bibliotherapy studies and is working on The Word Garden, both a book and a non-profit to celebrate and promote the joy and art of written communication.