2026 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - VIEW ALL MENTORS
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- ALEX KIM | Unlock Her Potential
ALEX KIM VP of Development Monkeypaw Alex Kim is Monkeypaw's VP of Development. Since joining the company in 2017, Kim has been integral to building Monkeypaw’s expansive TV and film slate, working on the development and production of HUNTERS, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY, LORENA, WEIRD CITY and THE LAST OG. Most recently, Kim has served as a producer on the second season of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. Across Monkeypaw, Kim manages content curation, project development, creative oversight, and production workflow, ensuring that all projects are aligned creatively with the Monkeypaw vision. Caveats: "I'm okay with reading projects to discuss, but I'm not interested in project pitches for Monkeypaw consideration. I'm happy to talk at length about any advice or feedback I can give to help someone better understand the process, but if they want to pitch something to me for Monkeypaw consideration, I will only consider hearing the pitch if we set that up through the proper channels/reps outside of this program. I would like to use this time to focus on how I can help an individual and not on purely developing/producing a project for someone." Languages: I speak some Korean. I'm somewhat conversational, but definitely shy of saying I'm fluent. FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- CABRINA QUESADA
FILM/TV CABRINA QUESADA Vice President of TV Heyday "As a mentor, I will help you establish a foundation for development, networking and honing your brand, particularly for those with creative executive or producing aspirations." Cabrina Quesada is the Vice President of TV at Heyday, David Heyman’s Oscar-winning production company (HARRY POTTER, GRAVITY, MARRIAGE STORY, CLICKBAIT). Previously, she was the Director of Development at Anonymous Content, where she oversaw TV & Film for the Producer Joy Gorman Wettels (13 REASONS WHY) and covered Dana Fox’s Overall Deal with AC Studio and Paramount TV (HOME BEFORE DARK). Prior to AC, she worked at Netflix, starting in International Series & Film. On the creative team, she helped launch their first original slates in India and the Middle East (SACRED GAMES, DELHI CRIME, BARD OF BLOOD, LITTLE THINGS) and traveled to Mumbai to grow their regional office. Later on the U.S. Original Series Team, she worked in the Drama department on titles such as Molly Smith Metzler’s award-winning limited series MAID, as well as Overall and First Look deals, such as Obama's Higher Ground Productions and Regina’s King’s Royal Ties. Prior to the streamer, she worked for Director Ruben Fleischer’s and Producer Dave Bernad at The District (THE BOLD TYPE, SUPERSTORE, WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS, WHITE LOTUS), Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment, Barry Josephson’s Entertainment and Freeform. Additionally, she worked for Rob Lowe on-set of multiple scripted and unscripted series (CODE BLACK, ORVILLE, THE LOWE FILES), helped him adapt his memoir to the stage, STORIES I ONLY TELL MY FRIENDS, and co-ran the show on tour. As the daughter of a Naval Submarine Officer and a Military Therapist, she attributes her passion for telling universal stories that transcend borders to her family’s time stationed across the U.S. and Abroad. She is also an UCLA’s school of Theater, Film and Television Alum where she majored in Directing. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- MARYA SPENCE
PUBLISHING MARYA SPENCE Literary Agent Janklow & Nesbit Associates Marya got her B.A. at Harvard and her MFA at NYU, where she taught undergraduate creative writing. She spent her 20’s waitressing in NYC and working/interning at The New Yorker, PAPER, Travel & Leisure, Vanity Fair, Publishers Weekly, and more. As a literary agent, Marya represents a diverse range in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Her writers have been on the New York Times Bestseller List, collaborated with Beyoncé, featured in Valentino campaigns, and been awarded or honored by such distinctions as the NAACP Image Award, the African American Literary Award, the PEN Ackerley Prize, Center For Fiction First Novel Prize, the San Francisco Public Library Award, the LA Times Book Prize, an NPR Best Book, an Oprah Magazine Best Book, the Michener Copernicus Fellowship, the Wallace Stegner Fellowship, the Windham-Campbell Prize, and more. WEBSITE VIEW ALL MENTORS
- ANDREA HAILEY
SOCIAL IMPACT & ADVOCACY, C-SUITE ANDREA HAILEY CEO Vote.org Andrea Hailey is the CEO of Vote.org , the nation’s largest nonpartisan digital voter engagement organization. Andrea led Vote.org to record-breaking growth during the 2020 General Election and the Georgia runoff elections, helping more than 4.4 million people register to vote and more than 3.3 million request mail-in ballots, and leading a 50-state get-out-the-vote operation which made over half a billion voter contacts across the country. Andrea and Vote.org’s work in 2020 has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and Bloomberg. With nearly two decades of experience in voter engagement operations and campaigns, Andrea is a recognized expert on civic engagement, and a staunch defender and promoter of democracy. Prior to joining Vote.org, she served as the founder of Civic Engagement Fund, an incubator for grassroots nonprofit organizations focused on voter empowerment and engagement. She has advised and supported the efforts of presidential and congressional candidates, ballot initiatives, and historic landmarks, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Andrea launched her career on Capitol Hill in the office of Representative Patrick Kennedy. In addition to leading Vote.org, Andrea sits on the boards of NARAL and Bend The Arc, serves on the Leadership Council of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and is a member of the Society of Fellows for the Aspen Institute. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- SAMANTHA MILITANTE | Unlock Her Potential
SAMANTHA MILITANTE Director of Current Series FX Networks "As a creative executive who has seen the evolving landscape of TV over the last several years, I can help give you perspective on the business and help you hone in on your creative voice. Whether you’re an aspiring exec, producer, writer, or director – being confident and articulate about your voice is a key quality to lean on." Samantha Militante is a director of current series at FX Networks, where she works on comedy, drama, and docuseries across all of FX Networks. Currently, she is overseeing ATLANTA, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, SNOWFALL, MAYANS, & RESERVATION DOGS. In addition, she helped develop and launch the initial FX docuseries slate, including shows like CHILDREN OF THE UNDERGROUND, HIP HOP UNCOVERED, THE MOST DANGEROUS ANIMAL OF ALL, and HYSTERICAL. Before joining FX, Militante began her career in the mailroom at Gersh and went on to work for multiple agents within the motion picture literary department. "I am incredibly grateful to have Samantha Militante as my mentor. From the start, she has actively supported my aspirations of being a TV writer, both in affirmation and in action. As an executive, she has given me invaluable insights from the development process to navigating the TV industry (and life!) as a woman of color, and has provided me with resources that have tremendously helped my writing craft. Her wisdom and talent is matched by her kindness and generosity, which altogether have helped me build greater confidence in myself, my work, and the path I’ve set on. Thank you, Sam!!" — Chloe FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JANET BILLIG RICH
MUSIC JANET BILLIG RICH Music Executive | Supervisor | Producer | Manager Janet Billig Rich is a music supervisor, Tony-Award nominated theater producer, artist manager and music executive. Among Janet Billig Rich’s most recent theater projects include, MOULIN ROUGE – THE MUSICAL, MJ The Musical and the five-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical ROCK OF AGES, and the musical theater/ cabaret hybrid show FOR THE RECORD: THE SERIES. She is also the music supervisor for the Steve Aoki documentary, I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD, Sundance winner, STEP and recently released documentaries FOUND and SISTERS ON TRACK, both on Netflix. After starting her professional journey in the rock clubs of New York City, Billig Rich partnered with Gold Mountain Entertainment as an artist manager before landing at Atlantic Records, where she established herself as one of the youngest senior executives and department heads ever appointed at the company. Her work as a publicist and artist manager during her early years helped to advance the careers of some of the biggest bands in history, including the Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Hole, Sugar Ray, Matchbox 20, Jewel and, Grammy-award winning artist Lisa Loeb. Janet’s other ventures include being a Commercial Music Supervisor for Peloton, and a partner in The Lisa Loeb Eyewear Collection (now featured at Costco), and a partner in Loudspeaker Music Group, which provides music supervision & clearance for numerous independent & documentary films as well as national TV commercials. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JERRY HENRY
FILM/TV JERRY HENRY Cinematographer | Director Jerry Henry is a LA-based Director/DP who received his MFA degree from UCLA's prestigious Production Program with an emphasis on Documentary and Cinematography. His award-winning short documentary "I Promise Africa" premiered in over 100 film festivals worldwide and won many prestigious awards, among them a Directors Guild of America Student Award. Jerry’s visual talents can be seen in the Oscar nominated documentary "Exit Through The Gift Shop" directed by Banksy, and Peabody Award winning documentary "American Revolutionary" by director Grace Lee. He lent his visual talents to help shoot the Grammy Award winning HBO doc series titled "The Defiant Ones" which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Dre. and Jimmy Iovine. Jerry contributed cinematography on the Oscar Nominated documentary short film "St. Louis Superman" by directors Smriti Mundra and Sami Khan. His most recent work is the Documentary/ Narrative hybrid adaptation of the Ta-Nehisi Coates book "Between the World and Me" directed by Kamilah Forbes for HBO Max and "High on the Hog" Season 1 directed by Roger Ross Williams for Netflix. He is recently lensed the documentary series "The 1619 Project" with the Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones for Hulu/ ABC/ Disney+ and Season 2 of High on The Hog. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JULIA ZAK
FILM/TV JULIA ZAK Senior Development Executive Cinetic Media Julia Zak runs Cinetic Media’s TV and film development division. Since joining the company in 2020, Zak has been curating a slate of projects that highlights female voices, queer voices, and people of color by fighting for stories about those who have been systemically erased or cast in the shadows of others’ stories. Most recently, Zak has served as a producer on Restaurants at the End of the World for Disney+ and is also in post on a series for Apple that will premiere later this year. Zak previously worked at Red Wagon Entertainment and WME. She was born and raised in Queens, NY. “I deeply appreciate Julia’s commitment and leadership in wanting me to grow and develop to my truest potential. Julia’s mentorship has been an invaluable asset to my journey. Because of her guidance and support through difficult times, I applied my learned skills and navigated my way to Tribeca Film Festival working with a director. This unique opportunity led to a full-time position working as a Social Media Producer at a production company. Today, I am doing amazing work and helping others in ways that I never could have imagined for myself.” — Jaresiah W. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- LINDA CAMACHO
PUBLISHING LINDA CAMACHO Literary Agent Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency Linda was always a fan of escaping into a good book, so the fact that she gets to make it her career is still surreal. She graduated from Cornell with a B.S. in Communication and has seen many sides of the industry. She’s held various positions at Penguin Random House, Dorchester, Simon and Schuster, Writers House, and Prospect Agency. She's done everything from foreign rights to editorial to marketing to operations, so it was amazing to see how all the departments worked together to bring books to life. Somewhere in between all that (and little sleep), Linda received her MFA in creative writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. At Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency, Linda represents children’s and adult fiction across various genres, along with select narrative nonfiction. My specialty is in books, especially fiction. I don't represent screenplays, poetry, or short stories/novellas, so I wouldn't be the best advisor for those arenas. I'd love to work with someone who's interested in becoming an agent or editor in the book publishing industry. I won’t be reading pages or accepting pitches. WEBSITE TWITTER INSTAGRAM VIEW ALL MENTORS
- KIMBERLY CARVER
FILM/TV KIMBERLY CARVER Talent Manager | Producer Anonymous Content Kimberly Carver is a talent manager and producer at Anonymous Content in Los Angeles. She represents a diverse and talented group of writers, producers, directors and talent in the entertainment industry, specifically in television and film. Kimberly is the executive producer of the HBO Max series, JULIA, starring Sarah Lancashire and David Hyde Pierce. She also co-created and executive produces the non-scripted version of THE JULIA CHILD CHALLENGE for Food Network. In addition, she executive produced several comedies series, including BARELY FAMOUS, COMEDY GET DOWN and VERY SUPERSTITIOUS. At the very heart of what I do is the ability to effectively be many things to many people, be it an entrepreneur, advisor, producer, therapist, and cheerleader. Vital to my role as a manager is the capacity to package and manage client ideas, persuade others to see the value of their vision and act on it all the while pushing client career goals to new heights. While I may have a passion like others in the business, the path that led me here is a little different. I was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and believed my career lay in the finance world. However, shortly after my career in finance began, it quickly ended. I knew this was not where I wanted to be, and it did not fulfill my creative aspirations. So, I did the only thing I could do, I quit and headed out west. My biggest asset during that time was my willingness to do whatever I needed to do to make my dreams a reality, which all started with the first step – the willingness to bet on myself. I learned early on in this journey that there are a million different ways into the entertainment business, and it was critical to be open minded every step of the way. That open mindedness paid dividends when I gave a contact a stock tip that paid off. As a result, this “contact” was so impressed with the information I gave him that he passed along my contact information to a friend of his at a talent agency, CAA, which led to a job as an assistant. From that seemingly inconsequential stock tip, my career took flight. For over 20 years I’ve continued to maintain that level of openness and intellectual curiosity as a manager and producer. Combined with the knowledge that I’m doing exactly what I want and love to do. What propels my career is the choice to continue to make something happen in the face of a thousand no’s. This thinking has led to a very rewarding and unpredictable journey in bringing the artists vision to life. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- LIZ PAULSON
FILM/TV LIZ PAULSON EVP of Casting and Talent Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon (Live-Action & Animation), & Awesomeness (Live-Action) "I hope to help shine a light on my mentees vulnerabilities and strengths, for me they’re often one and the same. I will remind one another that we’re constantly evolving and growing and that this relationship will ideally be reciprocal. I truly appreciate the role of the mentor and deeply identify with teaching. With that said, I’m reminded that we’re often mirrors and gain immense knowledge and strength through learning from one another and our ever evolving landscape." Liz has spent the past 20+ years immersed in the casting community. She joined Nickelodeon Animation Studio as SVP of Casting and Talent Development in February 2020 and expanded her oversight to include live-action for Nickelodeon and Awesomeness series and movies in May of 2021. Recently promoted to EVP with a purview to include; Nickelodeon, Awesomeness & Paramount Animation. Prior to Nickelodeon, she was SVP of Casting at 20th Century Fox Television, with oversight of both scripted television and animation. She attributes a large part of her success to leadership, creativity and the ability to attune to others and the marketplace. Her strengths and entrepreneurial spirit help to effectively implement a structure that is organized yet immensely creative. In October 2015, Variety honored Liz as one of Hollywood's New Leaders. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- 2026 MARKETING | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Marketing mentors for Unlock Her Potential MARKETING FREE MARKETING APPLICATION For the first time ever, a third party is sponsoring a full cohort! Top digital marketing agency Razorfish, part of Publicis Groupe, is providing all of the Marketing mentors in 2026. Thanks to Razorfish's generosity, ALL applicants to these 5 Marketing mentors will be free. Please apply here for Marketing mentors only. MELANIE GEE GVP, Client Partner | Razorfish OMAR FAJARDO VP, Creative Director | Razorfish RICARDO LATORRE VP, Group Experience Design Director | Razorfish SUNYA GANBOLD Head of Delivery, EVP | Razorfish THEO JONES VP, Brand Creative + Social Strategy | Razorfish VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JOSEPH PATEL
FILM/TV JOSEPH PATEL Producer | Director | Writer “Summer Of Soul” "As a mentor, I can share my experiences, my advice being on both sides of the creative equation, and any guidance you may need wherever you are in your journey. I can’t guarantee reading or watching anything, or making any professional introductions. But if you commit time and effort to this mentorship, those things can happen organically." Joseph Patel is an Academy Award-winning Producer, Director and Writer on documentaries and short films. He recently produced the documentary feature, SUMMER OF SOUL (...OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED), directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, which won the Oscar in 2022 for Best Documentary Film. The film won multiple awards (BAFTA, Independent Spirit, PGA, Critics Choice, Sundance Grand Jury & Audience Award) and was declared “The Best Film of 2021” by The New York Times. Patel began his career as a music & culture journalist, writing for magazines and websites. He went on to produce and direct television and digital content for MTV News & Docs and Vice Media, and served as Content and Creative Director at The FADER and Vevo. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- MARKETING | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Marketing mentors for Unlock Her Potential MARKETING ALIX TYLER Creative Director | Creative Strategist | Instagram + Facebook ILEANA DIEZ Brand Strategist | Roc Nation MARCELLE KARP Editorial/Creative Director | Brand Strategist | Marketing Magnet MELISSA ROSENFIELD Founder | IFP Communications VIEW ALL MENTORS
- TY STIKLORIUS
MUSIC, C-SUITE TY STIKLORIUS Founder & CEO Friends At Work I can help you: in fields of music, film, TV and entertainment, understand how better to build a team culture that lasts, stay healthy and whole as an entrepreneur, manage artists and make a positive social impact on the world. Ty Stiklorius is the Founder and CEO of Friends At Work, an entertainment and social-impact company that partners with leading creators, influencers and brands to elevate important voices and help their vision thrive. Founded in 2015, LA-based Friends At Work supports the careers of artists including John Legend, Raphael Saadiq, Lindsey Stirling, and Charlie Puth, among others. Friends At Work also advises organizations and individuals on social-impact strategy, business development, and creative storytelling and production. In 2019, Ty started managing impacters Neal Katyal and Erica Chidi Cohen recognizing the important need for infrastructure around changemakers. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- TEAM | Unlock Her Potential
If you're interested in joining the Unlock Her Potential team or want to get involved, send us a message. TEAM BRAINTRUST CARLA MILLER ELLA GUDWIN JESSICA TEUTONICO SARA SIDNER TREVA LINDSEY CREW BRANDI NEUWIRTH HR TEAM MICHELLE NAM CREATIVE DIRECTOR WEBSITE INSTAGRAM GRACE OLIVER COPYWRITER LINKEDIN ROSIE CHU GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINKEDIN INSTAGRAM JOLIA THADAL SOCIAL MEDIA - RESEARCH & INSIGHTS LINKEDIN SHWETA DASAI HR TEAM LINKEDIN KITKAT FISHER MENTOR LIAISON LINKEDIN INSTAGRAM TIKTOK STEPHANY ADAORA MOGHALU SOCIAL MEDIA LINKEDIN INSTAGRAM WEBSITE LANI WILLMAR HR TEAM LINKEDIN SYLVIA MUNGUIA PITTMAN HR LEAD LINKEDIN If you're interested in joining the Unlock Her Potential team or want to get involved, send us a message. MESSAGE US
- AMELIA HANIBELSZ
FILM/TV AMELIA HANIBELSZ Former Executive Director of Development | Founder ABC News Studios Amelia Hanibelsz is the former Executive Director of Development for ABC News Studios. In this role and in life she uplifts communities of color, underrepresented voices and under estimated audiences. She is a Prime Time Emmy nominated Supervising Producer and Genesis Award Winning Producer. Most recently she worked as Executive Producer at the USC SHOAH Foundation - founded by Steven Spielberg- supporting the creation of immersive and educational content inspired by over 55,000 testimonials of Holocaust and Genocide survivors from around the world. In 2020 Amelia wrapped as a Senior Producer for VICE on an 8-part series about young global activists. Over the past 20+ years, Amelia has acquired extensive experience in discovering and cultivating new talent for content initiatives on leading media networks such as Discovery, A&E, National Geographic, Animal Planet, The Smithsonian Channel, MTV, and VICE. She worked as the VP of Development for the award-winning production company Pangolin Pictures in New York for seven years. In 2013, Amelia founded Tell2C Productions to continue to utilize her storytelling skills for good. Since then, she has collaborated with FilmAid and the talented filmmakers of Kakuma Refugee Camp and is now proudly a FilmAid Kenya Board Member. She has worked with UNICEF, ActionAid, The Sesame Street Workshop, and The Gates Foundation to create compelling advocacy films on women and empowerment all over Africa. In South Sudan, she produced and distributed multimedia content for the United Nations, featured in Vanity Fair, Discovery, and Global Citizens social media platforms. She was a judge for the Reel Impact and IOM Global Migration Film Festival, which was in 106 Countries with over 500 screenings, a judge for the 41st, 42nd News & Doc Emmys, 73rd LA Emmys, the Netflix "New Voices" competition @ "Sunny Side Of The Doc" and a judge for the International Documentary Awards. She is an active member of the Television Academy, Global Impact Producers Assembly, and last but not least, a proud member of Brown Girls Doc Mafia. "Thank you for choosing me as your 2022 - 2023 Unlock Her Potential mentee, Amelia Hanibelsz. You've been a friend, sister, mentor and much more. Thank you for reminding me of my worth and pushing me to dream bigger. If it weren't for you, I may have learned lessons the hard way. Thank you for sharing inspo videos and WOC career advice podcasts. Thank you for showing up to Disney as a mover and shaker. ABC News President Kim Goodwin noticed your light and love. You glow without trying to. I'm most grateful for your transparency as you navigate grief. Thank you for feeling it because you've given me permission to feel mine too. Like you always say, it's wild how similar our lives are (right now). Thanks for making sure I didn't navigate this thing on my own. Cheers to that and as Sophia Chang says, 'Being the baddest b**** in the room." — Aja VIEW ALL MENTORS
- MICHELLE RAIMO KOUYATE | Unlock Her Potential
FILM/TV MICHELLE RAIMO KOUYATE Former President | Sony Pictures Animation "As a mentor I can help you understand the perspective of both the producer and studio buyer, how to put a project together and move it forward and how to advocate for yourself and know your true worth." Michelle Raimo Kouyate is a producer with over two decades of experience producing and developing for film and TV. Formerly President of Production at Sony Pictures Animation, she has the rare distinction of success in the live action and animation spheres, both as a producer and top-level executive at companies such as Nickelodeon, and Miramax Films. The films she has been involved with, which range from CHOCOLAT and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK to PUSS IN BOOTS and HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 1 & 2, have grossed over $3 billion worldwide. Michelle currently has a deal with Sony Pictures Animation where she is producing a slate of movies and is running LENS: Sony Pictures Empowerment and Leadership for New Storytellers which seeks to develop filmmaking leadership from underrepresented communities in an effort to allow them to create the content that reflects their worlds and perspectives. She is deeply committed to creating space that includes more marginalized voices and viewpoints. She also serves on the board of A Place Called Home, which offers services to the youth of South Central Los Angeles. "My mentor's name is Michelle Raimo Kouyate and from our 1st call where I admitted to being nervous and she replied “don’t be” I instantly felt that I was in good hands. She is a role model for how to “wear” your success while creating a space for others to also be successful. When I explained to her that I wanted to move from being a “corporate creative” to a creative in my own right as a writer/producer I felt that she totally supported me and would be invaluable on my journey. On her advice I have taken classes which have already strengthened my ability to tell the stories that I want to tell with more clarity and confidence. It’s incredible what I have learned through her insights and our mutual passion for storytelling. I am amazed at how much I have grown in just 4 sessions and excited to meet myself at the end of this year. I am also grateful to her and Unlock Her Potential for giving me this awesome chance and opportunity." — Nicole VIEW ALL MENTORS
- HILARY STRAW
FILM/TV HILARY STRAW Vice President of People Hello Sunshine Hilary can help you plan what’s next in your career, how to navigate finding your dream job, preparing for those conversations or interviews. Additionally, she can delve deeper into executive coaching and support your communication plans. Hilary Straw is the VP of People at Hello Sunshine, a media brand anchored in storytelling, on a mission to change the narrative for women. Hilary supports Hello Sunshine’s Executives and their teams across the organization to engage, grow, develop, and retain, by creating programs that support the empowerment of the individual and streamline communications. In partnership with the Executive leadership team, Hilary fosters the culture and community around the growing organization. Being a People-First leader, Hilary embraces innovation to find new and creative ways to engage with her audience, the hello sunshine team. Understanding how important it is to show up for our team the way we show up for our audiences. Prior to joining Hello Sunshine, Straw led Human Resources for a number of venture-backed start-ups in food and tech. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- STACY TRAUB
FILM/TV STACY TRAUB Executive Producer | Writer "I believe that everyone has an important and unique story to tell. I enjoy helping writers find their specific voice and share their story with the world." Stacy Traub created and executive produced NOTES FROM THE UNDERBELLY, with Warner Brothers Studios, which ran for two seasons on ABC. She has since developed numerous produced pilots while also writing/producing on GLEE (FOX) and TROPHY WIFE (ABC). She was an executive producer and showrunner on THE REAL O'NEALS and BLACKISH on ABC Network. After being a co-executive producer on DAISY JONES AND THE SIX for Amazon Network she wrote a pilot for Ben Affleck called HOME based on the British series of the same name. She just finished her first novel. She has also been a SHAPER for the Imagine Impact program several times. “For a long time I’ve wanted a mentor who was not only an experienced and accomplished tv writer and showrunner but a kind, funny human who cares about changing Hollywood for the better. As a creator I’ve been super hungry to be mentored by someone who has had the actual jobs I want to do! I’ve found this in Stacy. She’s been supportive and kind but doesn’t sugarcoat things, which I appreciate. She gives very helpful writing feedback and Stacy is FUNNY AS HELL and KNOWS HER STUFF. I’m so grateful we matched. She’s the real deal. Vamos. Onward." — Jen VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JESSIE DICOVITSKY
FILM/TV JESSIE DICOVITSKY Senior Vice President of Original Programming Showtime Networks Jessie Dicovitsky is Senior Vice President of Original Programming for Showtime Networks, where she’s worked for over a decade. As a senior leader programming across drama, comedy, and documentary, Jessie brings an end-to-end producorial approach to premium series development and in-house productions for the network. Jessie has creative oversight over Showtime dramas AMERICAN GIGOLO starring Jon Bernthal, HALO airing on Paramount Plus, and upcoming series THREE WOMEN created by bestselling author Lisa Taddeo and starring Shailene Woodley. Additionally, Jessie works on the comedy series FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS and oversees acquisitions for international series WAKEFIELD and WE HUNT TOGETHER. During her time with Showtime, Jessie has overseen the network’s tentpoles like the Emmy Award-winning SHAMELESS as well as THE L WORD: GENERATION Q, BLACK MONDAY, and EPISODES. On the nonfiction side, she shepherds ongoing docu-series THE CIRCUS: INSIDE THE GREATEST POLITICAL SHOW ON EARTH among others. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JOSEPH PATEL | Unlock Her Potential
JOSEPH PATEL Producer | Director | Writer “Summer Of Soul” "As a mentor, I can share my experiences, my advice being on both sides of the creative equation, and any guidance you may need wherever you are in your journey. I can’t guarantee reading or watching anything, or making any professional introductions. But if you commit time and effort to this mentorship, those things can happen organically." Joseph Patel is an Academy Award-winning Producer, Director and Writer on documentaries and short films. He recently produced the documentary feature, SUMMER OF SOUL (...OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED), directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, which won the Oscar in 2022 for Best Documentary Film. The film won multiple awards (BAFTA, Independent Spirit, PGA, Critics Choice, Sundance Grand Jury & Audience Award) and was declared “The Best Film of 2021” by The New York Times. Patel began his career as a music & culture journalist, writing for magazines and websites. He went on to produce and direct television and digital content for MTV News & Docs and Vice Media, and served as Content and Creative Director at The FADER and Vevo. FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- KELLY GOODE | Unlock Her Potential
FILM/TV KELLY GOODE Senior TV Programming Executive "As an Unlock Her Potential mentor, my goal is to offer a mentee personalized career guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. I hope to use my entertainment industry background and experience to help a mentee create a vision for her professional development and offer advice on how to realize that vision. My approach is to meet a mentee where she is, providing a space where she can get feedback both on daily concerns as well as bigger picture strategies." Kelly Goode most recently served as Senior Vice President & Team Leader, Current Programming, at Warner Bros. Television (WBTV), the entertainment industry’s largest provider of original scripted programming for streaming platforms, premium cable, and the broadcast networks. In this capacity, Goode was responsible for day-to-day programming activities on a number of scripted series and worked closely with many of the Studio’s most influential producers. In this role Goode oversaw series such as “Dr. Wolf” and “Superman & Lois,” from Berlanti Productions; “Bob♥Abishola,” “Bookie,” and “Young Sheldon,” from Chuck Lorre Productions; “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” from Roberto Aguirre Sacasa’s Muckle Man Productions and Alloy Entertainment; the upcoming “Just Cause,” starring and executive produced by Scarlett Johansson; and more. Prior to her promotion to SVP, Goode was Vice President, Current Programming, WBTV, from 2015–2020. During her tenure, Goode worked on series such as “Riverdale,” “Westworld,” “Batwoman,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “DC’s Stargirl,” “The Flash,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Kominsky Method,” “Kung Fu,” “Legacies,” “Peacemaker,” “Shrill,” and “Titans,” among others. Before joining WBTV, Goode was Vice President, Original Programming, at ABC Family (now Freeform), overseeing the current programming department. She began her executive career at Columbia Pictures Television and then moved on to CBS Entertainment, first as an executive in the comedy development department and then as Vice President, CBS Productions. Later, Goode was named Senior Vice President, Programming, at Lifetime Television, as part of the team that launched the network’s first original scripted series. Goode has been involved in many professional and civic organizations, and is a board member of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation-Los Angeles. She also serves on the Reform Advisory Council at the Vera Institute for Justice, and the Advisory Council of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS). Goode received her A.B. from Harvard College. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JENNIFER KNOEPFLE
MUSIC JENNIFER KNOEPFLE Executive Vice President & Co-Head of US A&R UMPG As Executive Vice President & Co-Head of US A&R, Jennifer Knoepfle leads the UMPG team with Co-head David Gray to foster the company’s culture of creative collaboration, nurturing the next generation of both songwriting and A&R talent and reinforcing UMPG’s position as the market leader in talent development. Knoepfle works with UMPG’s songwriters, artists, and producers and co-leads the A&R team in identifying, signing, and developing early rising talent, supporting legacy talent by providing opportunities to strengthen their careers, and further grow the company’s unparalleled catalog of hits. Prior to UMPG, Knoepfle was at Sony Music Publishing, serving as SVP, Creative. During her tenure, Knoepfle was responsible for signing and developing some of the most exciting, acclaimed, and decorated songwriters in the U.S. including; Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner, Dan Nigro, Ariel Rechtshaid, Bloodpop, Joel Little and artists including; WILLOW, Tate McRae, King Princess, Remi Wolf, Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges, Wallows, Salem Ilese, Noah Kahan and Lord Huron in recent years. Other notable songwriters that Knoepfle has signed and worked with throughout her career include Grimes, Foster The People, Mikky Ekko and Sam Dew. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JUST BLAZE | Unlock Her Potential
MUSIC JUST BLAZE Director of Music & Culture | Hip Hop Producer Just Blaze is a legendary hip hop producer who has been a household name in the music industry for the past 20 years. He’s worked on classic albums such as Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” and “The Black Album,” Drake’s “Take Care,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” and Beyonce’s “Lemonade”. He’s won multiple Grammy awards and has worked with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Usher, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Diddy & Christina Aguilera, Eminem, TI & Rihanna, and many more. In addition to his record production projects, he’s scored various video games for EA Sports, Capcom and Midway, including game-changing projects like Def Jam Vendetta and NBA Street, Volume 2. Just has also toured extensively worldwide as a festival and club DJ. He recently released the smash hit single “We Win” featuring Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin as the lead single off of the Space Jam 2 Soundtrack. Just was a star of the Netflix documentary series “Rapture,” which tells the story of his musical journey. He executive produces and hosts the upcoming series “Fresh Pair” for Uproxx, and is currently serving as the Director of Music & Culture for Brass Lion Entertainment, a AAA video game studio focused on telling diverse stories in interactive mediums. VIEW ALL MENTORS






















