2026 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - VIEW ALL MENTORS
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- TROY CARTER
MUSIC, C-SUITE TROY CARTER Founder & CEO Q&A Troy Carter is the founder and CEO of Q&A, a technology and media company focused on powering the business of music via distribution, services, and data analytics. Formerly, Troy was the founder and CEO of Atom Factory, where he rose to prominence, nurturing the careers of global superstars, including Lady Gaga and John Legend. He most recently served at Spotify as its Global Head of Creator Services, overseeing the company’s growth strategy for artists and record labels. In 2017, Troy was also named Entertainment Advisor to the Prince Estate. His interest in the intersection of technology and culture resulted in the formation of AF Square Investments. Early investments include Uber, Lyft, Dropbox, Spotify, Warby Parker, theSkimm, Blavity, Gimlet Media, Thrive Market, PlayVs, and FazeClan. Troy currently serves as a trustee for The Aspen Institute, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and CalArts. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- NICOLE HARJO | Unlock Her Potential
NICOLE HARJO Senior Vice President Paramount Television Studios "I can help you understand the TV development process, whether it’s helping a writer shape their vision into a show or a creative executive wanting to learn more about development or producing and expanding their network." Nicole Harjo is Senior Vice President of Development for Paramount Television Studios, developing half-hour and one-hour TV series for premium cable and streaming. Nicole has creative oversight over Paramount+’s series adaption of the classic psychological thriller FATAL ATTRACTION which is currently in production, as well as Showtime’s upcoming drama AMERICAN GIGOLO, and other projects in development including adapting the movie LOVE STORY and adapting the memoir YELLOW BIRD about Lissa Yellow Bird’s courageous work finding missing indigenous women. Previously Harjo was the Vice President of Television at The Kennedy/Marshall Company. At Kennedy/Marshall she was a Producer on Netflix’s first original Polish series, ‘1983’. Prior to The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Harjo was a Creative Executive at Stars Road Entertainment where she worked on the Emmy nominated Netflix series HOUSE OF CARDS. Additionally, Harjo previously worked in Current Programming at CBS where she oversaw the CSI: franchise, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, and TWO AND A HALF MEN. "Nicole’s mentorship fosters a space for learning through openness and encouragement. She never hesitated to answer any questions about the nuances of working in the entertainment industry and has given me the the tools to help decipher this industry that feels impossible to break into. Not only is Nicole an amazing person and mentor but an inspiring entertainment executive that is dedicated to uplifting others on their career journeys and I am grateful that she is guiding me in the infancy of my career. " — Annaliese FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- BRUCE COHEN | Unlock Her Potential
FILM/TV BRUCE COHEN Producer | American Beauty "Embarking on a career in film and television or already on that journey and wanting some help with next steps? Through consulation and advice, both practical and inspirational, I can help you craft a game plan." Bruce Cohen is an Oscar and Tony-winning, Emmy-nominated producer of film, television, theater, and live events. He received the 2023 National Medal of Arts from President Biden, for whom he served as co-chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, along with Lady Gaga. He won an Academy Award for Best Picture for AMERICAN BEAUTY and earned additional Best Picture nominations for MILK and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. His recent film and television projects as a producer are EX-HUSBANDS, BLINK TWICE, THE GREAT LILLIAN HALL, and RUSTIN. He was Emmy-nominated for producing the 83RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS, and as a career producer, he is a member of Producers United. He produced both the feature film and Broadway musical versions of BIG FISH, won the Tony for Best Play for co-producing THE INHERITANCE, was Tony nominated for co-producing SLAVE PLAY and as a co-producer of GYPSY starring Audra McDonald, now on Broadway. He lives in New York City with his husband and daughter. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- ALYSSA CASTIGLIA
MUSIC ALYSSA CASTIGLIA Director of A&R | A&R Research UnitedMasters Directly out of college, Alyssa Castiglia was hired at Island Records to start their A&R Research department. One of her first signings at Island was 21-year-old singer-songwriter Olivia O’Brien . In September 2018, Castiglia spearheaded Island's deal with label Avant Garden, home to Emotional Oranges , THEY ., Chiiild , Slenderbodies , and Rynx . Castiglia then went on to serve as Senior Director of A&R at Primary Wave Music and concurrently, as an A&R consultant for Arista Records (Sony). At Primary Wave, she worked with such talents as Livvi Franc , M-Phazes , Tim Randolph , and two of the acts she signed at Island: Chiiild & Dante Jones from THEY . At Arista, Castiglia signed NYC’s own Princess Nokia as well as LA-by-way-of-Toronto R&B artist Idman . Alyssa is proud to now hold the position of Director of A&R/A&R Research at UnitedMasters , home to such inspiring artists as Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug, Tobe Nwigwe, Superstar Pride, Liana Banks, Alina Baraz, Col3trane, and more. Alyssa is also honored to manage producer The Idiot , who is signed to Pulse Music, and singer/actor Algee Smith . VIEW ALL MENTORS
- 2026 FILM/TV | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Film/TV mentors for Unlock Her Potential FILM/TV APPLY NOW ALICE GU Director | Cinematographer | Photographer KELLY GOODE Senior TV Programming Executive RACHEL RAIMIST Director BAO NGUYEN Director | Producer | EAST Films LENNON PARHAM Actor, Writer & Director SOPHIA CHANG Storyteller | The Baddest Bitch in the Room BRUCE COHEN Producer | American Beauty MARCELLE KARP Editorial/Creative Director | Brand Strategist | Marketing Magnet W. KAMAU BELL Comedian | Host | Executive Producer DEMANE DAVIS Television Director | Producer | Filmmaker MICHELLE RAIMO KOUYATE Former President | Sony Pictures Animation KATHRYN TYUS-ADAIR Former SVP Original Programming | Starz NAHNATCHKA KHAN Showrunner | Writer | Director VIEW ALL MENTORS
- LENNON PARHAM | Unlock Her Potential
LENNON PARHAM Actor | Writer | Director "I will be a sounding board, a cheerleader, and brainstorm collaborator for the direction you would like to head in your career. I can help you set goals and get specific about where it is you’d like to go. My expertise is in entertainment, specifically being a writer-actor-director mostly in the comedy world. Can’t wait to get started!" Lennon Parham is an actor, writer and director based in Los Angeles. As an actor, she just completed filming on “Holland, Michigan” a thriller directed by Mimi Cave and starring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Macfadyen. And the new season of Minx (a comedy set in the world of 70’s erotic magazines) airs late this summer on STARZ. She directed two episodes of HBO’s acclaimed series “Somebody Somewhere” which just aired. Prior to that, she was a series regular on FOX's BLESS THIS MESS, for which she also directed two episodes. She co-created and starred in her own ½ hour USA series, PLAYING HOUSE, for 3 critically acclaimed seasons, also directing a HOOSIERS-inspired episode in Season 3. From TV, you may recognize her as Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ incompetent Senior Advisor, “Karen Collins” on HBO’s VEEP. Additionally, Lennon has made a number of memorable appearances on television including CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, Netflix’s LADY DYNAMITE, AMC’s MAD MEN, ABC’s SCHOOLED, NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION and more recently BETTER THINGS. On the feature side, she also had flashy supporting roles in THE HOUSE, HORRIBLE BOSSES 2, CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC and OTHER PEOPLE. She has written a comedy feature for UNIVERSAL and is currently writing another with her long-time collaborator Jessica St. Clair. She is a proud alumnus of the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater and the University of Evansville. FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- C-SUITE | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our C-Suite mentors for Unlock Her Potential C-SUITE ANDREA HAILEY CEO | Vote.org BEKA TISCHKER Manager | Publisher | Wide Eyed Entertainment ELLA GUDWIN CEO | VisionSpring JESS TEUTONICO Executive Director | We Are Family Foundation NEAL SHAPIRO President & CEO | WNET ANIL DASH Former CEO | Glitch CARRIE GOLDBERG Attorney | C.A. Goldberg ELYSE CHENEY Founder and Agent | The Cheney Agency JIM LAHEY Owner | Sullivan Street Bakery PAUL BROUCEK Paul Broucek | President Music | WB Pictures ANNE CHOW Lead Director | FranklinCovey DANIELLE BELTON Editor-in-Chief | HuffPost GABE WHALEY CEO | Founder | MSCHF JON RUBINSTEIN Founder | Authentic RENATE NYBORG Founder & CEO | Amorai ANUSHKA RATNAYAKE Social Entrepreneur | myAgro DAVID LEVINE Chief Content Officer | Anonymous Content GORDON WILLOUGHBY Former CEO | WeTransfer MELISSA ROSENFIELD Founder | IFP Communications SARAH HARDEN CEO | Hello Sunshine BECKY CLEMENTS President | Tomorrow Studios DR. JORDAN KASSALOW Founder | VisionSpring HEATHER ANDERSON Chief Executive Officer | Global Health Corps MICHELLE RAIMO KOUYATE Former President | Sony Pictures Animation SUZY RYOO Co-Founder & President | Q&A VIEW ALL MENTORS
- ALIX TYLER
MARKETING ALIX TYLER Creative Director | Creative Strategist Instagram + Facebook “What can I do to stay inspired and brainstorm more effectively? How can I create a personal brand that will propel my career forward? How do you stand in front of a room full of people with confidence? And does a Creative Director actually get to be creative??” These are just some of the questions I can help you unpack. My process is a combination of inspiration and tangible, go-to tips and tricks. I’ll show you how to exercise your creative muscle, help you “own the room” when you present, and together we’ll hone in on your goals and build strategies to help set you on the path to success! Alix Tyler is an award-winning Creative Director and Creative Strategist at Instagram + Facebook, where she is seated at the table with CMOs, VPs and ECDs for some of the biggest fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands in the world—including Gap, Sephora, Vans and Kate Spade. Alix and her team live at the intersection of creativity and technology where she partners with brands to inspire, educate and guide as they build creative campaigns that connect with the over 2 billion monthly active users on the platform. Before Instagram, Alix spent over a decade in advertising as a Creative Director/copywriter where she created campaigns for Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Fergie…and some very sexy chips and salsa for Frito-Lay. With nearly 20 years of industry experience under her belt, Alix specializes in creative problem solving and is known for creating work that is both strategic and visually inspiring. Alix is also a skilled and engaging public speaker—something which has helped her throughout her career. She has co-hosted a Facebook Watch show with Queer Eye's Tan France, spoke at notable design conference C2 Montréal, hosted a fireside chat with celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski, shared Instagram best practices with fashion legends Inez + Vinood and Mario Testino, guest lectured at Stanford University, and even ran an Instagram Story School for the entire Vans Pro Skateboard Team. A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in anthropology, Alix is also a vintage lover, music video director, photographer and confirmed maximalist. She is a big believer that you should move through life with confidence but never take yourself too seriously. She is not afraid to admit she is a self-proclaimed Instagram addict. And no, she can’t get you verified. ALEXANDRATYLER.COM LINKEDIN VIEW ALL MENTORS
- NAHNATCHKA KHAN | Unlock Her Potential
FILM/TV NAHNATCHKA KHAN Showrunner | Writer | Director Showrunner, writer, and director Nahnatchka Khan has become one of the most sought-after creators in film and television, known for some of the most innovative works in comedy including "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23", "Fresh Off the Boat", and "Young Rock". Khan is the founder of her film and TV production company, Fierce Baby, which focuses on amplifying new voices and perspectives in both comedy and drama. In 2019, Khan made her feature directorial debut with the Netflix comedy “Always Be My Maybe", starring Ali Wong and Randall Park. The film premiered to rave reviews and Netflix announced it was viewed by 32 million households in its first four weeks on the service. In 2023, Khan journeyed into the horror category with her feature “Totally Killer,” a time-travel slasher-comedy with Blumhouse for Amazon, which starred Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Julie Bowen and Randall Park. The film released for streaming on Prime Video to rave reviews. Most recently, Khan served as writer, director and executive producer on Peacock series Laid, which is based on the Australian television series of the same name by Marieke Hardy and Kirsty Fisher. The series from Universal Television stars Academy Award Nominee Stephanie Hsu. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- 2026 SOCIAL MEDIA | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Social Media mentors for Unlock Her Potential SOCIAL MEDIA APPLY NOW ALIX TYLER Creative Director | Creative Strategist | Instagram + Facebook VIEW ALL MENTORS
- BECKY CLEMENTS
FILM/TV, C-SUITE BECKY CLEMENTS President Tomorrow Studios Becky Clements is President of Tomorrow Studios, a joint venture between ITV Studios and Marty Adelstein, with whom she’s worked for over a decade. In her role, Clements oversees the company’s robust development and current production slate. Becky is executive producer of multiple series including Tomorrow Studios’ SNOWPIERCER starring Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs (TNT); iconic Japanese anime properties COWBOY BEBOP, starring John Cho, and ONE PIECE (Netflix); and PHYSICAL starring Rose Byrne (Apple). She is also executive producer of HANNA (Amazon) and LAST MAN STANDING (FOX), starring Tim Allen. Previously, Clements served as executive producer of GOOD BEHAVIOR (TNT) and AQUARIUS (NBC). Clements, who began her career in New York at THE JON STEWART SHOW and The NFL Today, rose to the position of Executive Vice President at Brillstein Grey Television, where she shepherded over 50 pilots and long-running hit series including NEWSRADIO, JUST SHOOT ME and SAMANTHA WHO. VIEW ALL MENTORS
- JOEY BADA$$ | Unlock Her Potential
MUSIC JOEY BADA$$ Rapper | Actor | Philanthropist | Pro Era Records, Badmind Records Joey Bada$$ is a rapper and actor born and raised in Brooklyn. At 17 years old, he and his Pro Era crew took the rap world by storm with the release of his first mixtape, “1999,” which is now considered a classic. His two subsequent studio albums, “B4.DA.$$” and “All-Amerikkkan Badass,” helped elevate him to become one of the hottest names in music. His standout role in the hit TV show MR. ROBOT put his acting talents on display for the world for the first time and has led to multiple roles since. 2019 saw him expand his acting career with a role as Inspectah Deck in HULU’s WU-TANG: AN AMERICAN SAGA, as well as recurring appearances in BET sitcoms BOOMERANG and GROWN-ISH. He recently starred in the 2021 Academy Award-winning Netflix short film TWO DISTANT STRANGERS, where he played protagonist Carter James. He also appears as Unique in the upcoming STARZ original series POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN. WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER SOUNDCLOUD SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC VIEW ALL MENTORS
- GRACE TRAN | Unlock Her Potential
GRACE TRAN Director of Global Series Universal International Studios "As a mentor I can help you establish an understanding of the international tv landscape. I will help you navigate the tv development process both domestically and globally, which can range from helping writers shape their vision into a show to helping producers identify and learn the co-production model. I can also help you develop an understanding of the Current television process from the early scripting to cut stages." Grace Tran is the Director of Global Series at Universal International Studios, one of the scripted studios at Universal Studios Group at NBC Universal. She works across both scripted Development and Current across the US, UK, Australia, and Canadian series. She works production companies across the globe such as Heyday Television, Lark, and Matchbox Pictures to identify, develop, and sell global series. She has helped launch series such as Liane Moriarty’s APPLES NEVER FALL (Peacock), TRANSPLANT (NBC/CTV), and the Peabody winning series, WE ARE LADY PARTS (Channel 4/ Peacock). In addition to working with English language content and territories, she is helping to develop global projects for the Spanish speaking market as well. Growing up in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual household has informed her passion for telling global stories and hopes to continue creating shows that can help create bridges between cultures. A native of Southern California, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in Communications and started her career at CAA. FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- ERIC OBERLAND
FILM/TV ERIC OBERLAND Development Executive Amazon Studios Born and raised in Milwaukee, Eric migrated west in his early 20s to break into entertainment with an eye toward working on impactful storytelling. Eric currently is a Development Executive at Amazon Studios, working directly with First Look and Overall talent deals, including Riz Ahmed, Michael B. Jordan, and Carlton Cuse, among others. Prior to Amazon, he ran the Scripted TV Dept. of LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Co., overseeing both development and production for six years. In his time at the company, Eric worked on shows such as Starz’ SURVIVOR’S REMORSE, Netflix’s TOP BOY & SELF MADE, and produced the “Career Mode” storyline for NBA2K20. Eric’s passion lies with working alongside tremendous creators and helping bring their stories to life. Prior to SpringHill, Eric worked in various capacities on-set for both scripted and unscripted productions, spent some time in post-production, and worked in Comedy Development at Warner Bros. TV. Eric currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jessica, and two children, Maya & Oscar. WEBSITE @OberlandEric @theghostmo VIEW ALL MENTORS
- PUBLISHING | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Publishing mentors for Unlock Her Potential PUBLISHING IJEOMA OLUO Writer | Speaker | Internet Yeller MAUREEN POLO Head of Direct-To-Consumer | Hello Sunshine VIEW ALL MENTORS
- IJEOMA OLUO
PUBLISHING IJEOMA OLUO Writer | Speaker | Internet Yeller Ijeoma Oluo is a writer, speaker and internet yeller. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race and most recently, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America . Her work on race has been featured in The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post, among many other publications. She was named to the 2021 TIME 100 Next list and has twice been named to the Root 100. She received the 2018 Feminist Humanist Award and the 2020 Harvard Humanist of the Year Award from the American Humanist Association. She lives in Seattle, Washington. WEBSITE VIEW ALL MENTORS
- GUIDELINES | Unlock Her Potential
We are confident that this mutually enriching experience will be a powerful step towards achieving greater equity in the workplace. Please adhere to the following guidelines and rules GUIDELINES We are confident that this mutually enriching experience will be a powerful step towards achieving greater equity in the workplace. Please adhere to the following guidelines and rules Mentors should be engaged, encouraging, empowering. Mentors are expected to share expertise, wisdom, guidance, and constructive criticism to help their mentees develop and advance their careers. Mentees should be humble, disciplined, grateful. Mentees are expected to respect mentor’s time and do their best to follow their advice. The mentor/mentee relationship should be based in respect, trust, communication. This is a strictly professional relationship. Mentees should not discuss personal issues as mentors are not their therapists. Mentors are not expected to advocate in any way on behalf of their mentee e.g. make introductions, write recommendation letters help secure jobs, etc. If they choose to do so, it is at their sole discretion, not at the request of the mentee. Mentees can discuss projects, but must not pitch them to their mentors. If mentees asks their mentors to engage outside of a call e.g. listen/watch/read a sample, that is considered part of the monthly hour. Mentees should prepare questions for each session to maximize the time. Mentees should schedule the meetings and send calendar invites. Mentees understand their mentors may not reach the target 12 hours in the year due to unforeseen circumstances, but will try to make up the time, pending scheduling. Meetings should be virtual, unless the mentor suggests otherwise. If a mentor doesn’t hear from their mentee after two months, we will assume the mentee is no longer interested or able to participate. Should any issues arise, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@unlockherpotential.com. UNLOCK HER POTENTIAL is not an employer or employment agency and assumes no liability for any participant’s advice, action or inaction arising out of or related to participation in the program.
- MUSIC | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Music mentors for Unlock Her Potential MUSIC FEATURED DJ SCRATCH DJ & Producer | ScratchVision JANET BILLIG RICH Mus. Sup./Theater Prod./Mgr | "Rock Of Ages" JEREMY HOLGERSEN Senior Vice President of Concerts | Agency for the Performing Arts SCOTT HARDING Music Producer | Engineer | Musician | Underground Producers Alliance TY STIKLORIUS Founder and CEO | Friends At Work MUSIC ALYSSA CASTIGLIA Director of A&R | A&R Research | UnitedMasters EBONIE SMITH Music Producer | Audio Engineer | Songwriter MICHAEL OSTIN Manager | Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest, D’Angelo SUZY RYOO Co-Founder & President | Q&A BEKA TISCHKER Manager | Publisher | Wide Eyed Entertainment JANET BILLIG RICH Mus. Sup./Theater Prod./Mgr | "Rock Of Ages" NIKI SHERROD Niki Sherrod | EVP Music | WB Pictures TROY CARTER Founder & CEO | Q&A BOB POWER Grammy and Multi-platinum Producer/Mixer JENNIFER KNOEPFLE EVP & Co-Head of US A&R | UMPG PAUL BROUCEK Paul Broucek | President Music | WB Pictures TY STIKLORIUS Founder and CEO | Friends At Work CRISTINA CHAVEZ VP of A&R | Universal Music Publishing Group JEREMY HOLGERSEN Senior Vice President of Concerts | Agency for the Performing Arts SCOTT HARDING Music Producer | Engineer | Musician | Underground Producers Alliance VANESSA ANGIULI Sr Director A&R | Interscope DJ SCRATCH DJ & Producer | ScratchVision JOEY BADA$$ Rapper | Actor | Philanthropist | Pro Era Records, Badmind Records SHIRIN NURY Music Agent | Creative Artists Agency (CAA) YOUNG GURU Record Producer | Executive | Engineer VIEW ALL MENTORS
- FILM/TV | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Film & TV mentors for Unlock Her Potential FILM/TV CASTING | CREATIVE EXECUTIVES | DIRECTORS | EDITORS & CINEMATOGRAPHERS | HR & LEGAL MANAGERS & AGENTS | PRODUCERS | PRODUCTION EXECUTIVES | SCREENWRITERS & SHOWRUNNERS | TALENT casting CASTING KIMBERLY WILLIAMS Casting Director LIZ PAULSON EVP of Casting and Talent | Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon, & Awesomeness creative executives CREATIVE EXECUTIVES ALEX KIM VP of Development | Monkeypaw DAVID LEVINE Chief Content Officer | Anonymous Content KATHRYN TYUS-ADAIR SVP Original Programming | Starz NEAL SHAPIRO President & CEO | WNET SHARLA SUMPTER SVP Film & TV | Chernin Ent. ALLIE WASSERMAN VP Programming | HBO ERIC OBERLAND Development Exec | Amazon KATIE BARON VP Creative | Sony Pictures Animation NICOLE HARJO SVP Development | Paramount AMELIA HANIBELSZ Former Executive Director of Development | Founder | ABC News Studios JAIMIE LEE Development Exec | Amazon KELLY GOODE SVP | Warner Bros. TV ROBERT KESSEL EVP of Narrative Film | Participant BETH OSISEK VP of Content Development | Hulu JESSIE DICOVITSKY SVP Original Programming | Showtime MAL STARES SVP, Global Scripted | Blink49 Studios SAMANTHA MILITANTE Director | FX CABRINA QUESADA VP TV | Heyday JULIA ZAK Development Exec | Cinetic MARK R WRIGHT VP of Development & Production | The Obama’s Higher Ground SARAH HARDEN CEO | Hello Sunshine directors DIRECTORS ALICE GU Director | Cinematographer | Photographer ONE9 Director | "Nas: Time Is Illmatic" ALLEN HUGHES Executive Producer | Director BAO NGUYEN Director | Producer | Be Water JOSEPH PATEL Producer | Director | Writer | "Summer Of Soul" LINDA GOLDSTEIN KNOWLTON Emmy-Nominated Producer & Director editors cinematographers EDITORS & CINEMATOGRAPHERS CHRISTINA VOROS Cinematographer | Director | Producer | Screenwriter JEREMIAH SMITH Cinematographer JERRY HENRY Cinematographer | Director LISA CHURGIN Oscar-Nominated Editor hr legal HR & LEGAL HILARY STRAW VP of People | Hello Sunshine MARCIE CLEARY Partner | Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Sel MANAGERS & AGENTS managers agents ANNE WOODWARD Manager | Authentic Talent & Literary JON RUBINSTEIN Founder | Authentic KIMBERLY CARVER Talent Manager | Producer | Anonymous Content LAUREN JANE HOLLAND Agent | Creative Artists Agency (CAA) MITCH SOLOMON TV Screenwriter | Director Literary Manager | Authentic PRODUCERS producers ADAM NEUHAUS Founder | Neuhaus Ideas MICHELLE RAIMO KOUYATE Former President | Sony Pictures Animation BECKY CLEMENTS President | Tomorrow Studios MICHELLE SY Producer | Symmetry BRUCE COHEN Producer | American Beauty RAKHEE JETHWA Producer/Director | "Taste The Nation" FRANCIE CALFO Producer LORI TILKIN Producer for Legendary Director John Woo PRODUCTION EXECUTIVES production executives GIGI CAUSEY VP of Production | FX Entertainment SCREENWRITERS & SHOWRUNNERS screenwriters showrunners ALEX TSE Screenwriter | Xen Diagram Media ILANA PEÑA Showrunner SOPHIA CHANG Storyteller | The Baddest Bitch in the Room BRIAN YORKEY Showrunner | 13 Reasons Why JACQUE COFER Executive Producer STACY TRAUB Executive Producer & Writer CHARLES YU Author | Screenwriter KEITH ANTONE Screenwriter | "Gentified" Netflix TAZBAH CHAVEZ Co-Executive Producer | Episodic Director | FX’s Reservation Dogs CHELSEY LORA Screenwriter KELVIN YU Actor, Exec Producer, Screenwriter DAVAH AVENA Screenwriter | Producer PATRICIA RESNICK Screenwriter, Playwright, TV Writer TALENT talent ALYSIA REINER Actress, Activist, & Producer RUSSELL PETERS Comedian CELIA AU Actress | Filmmaker SARAH PODEMSKI Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi Multidisciplinary Artist GBENGA AKINNAGBE Activist | Actor | Entrepreneur W. KAMAU BELL Comedian | Host | Executive Producer KELVIN HARRISON JR. Actor YUL VÁZQUEZ Actor LENNON PARHAM Actor, Writer & Director VIEW ALL MENTORS
- Unlock Her Potential | Mentorship for Women of Color
Mentorship for Women of Color - Unlock Her Potential's epic roster of mentors will share their expertise, experience, wisdom, insights, and guidance in order to help their mentees develop and advance professionally. Just 1 hour with any of these mentors could change the life of a woman. MENTORSHIP FOR WOMEN OF COLOR CREATING COMMUNITY, COALILTION, AND CITIZENRY. 2026 PROGRAM UPDATE For 2026, we are looking for applicants who seek to accelerate their careers in the world of media — FILM/TV, MUSIC, MARKETING, or SOCIAL MEDIA. The full mentor roster will be available on the UP website on August 1. Make sure you’re following us on Instagram . DETAILS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP & BUILD UP SESSIONS Up BUILD UP SESSIONS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING We are planning an exciting schedule of quarterly on-line BuildUP sessions to help you navigate your career, develop hard skills, and gain industry insights. They will cover topics you told us matter most to you, including: PITCHING, PERSONAL BRAND, NEGOTIATION, IMPOSTOR SYNDROME, TV DEVELOPMENT, SECURING REPRESENTATION, etc.Mentors already committed to sharing their wisdom include: Academy and Tony Award winning producer Bruce Cohen , Academy Award winning producer Joseph Patel , Meta Creative Director and Strategist Alix Tyler . (subject to change) BuildUP sessions will also available on an adhoc basis for $49 each . Thank you for your continued sUPport and belief in our mission of empowering women of color in the workplace! Please feel free, as always, to email us at support@unlockherpotential.com . OBJECTIVE UP Mentors share their expertise, experience, wisdom, insights, guidance, and constructive criticism in order to help their mentees develop and advance professionally. Just 1 hour with any of these mentors could change the life of a woman. IMAGINE WHAT 12 HOURS COULD DO. THE IDEAL MENTOR EMPATHETIC remembers what it was like just starting out ENGAGED listens to what is and is not being said and how ENCOURAGING helps the mentee believe in themselves EMPOWERING gives the mentee the tools and guidance, but not the answers MENTEE HUMBLE eager to learn and benefit from the mentor’s wisdom CURIOUS asks questions that will help them attain knowledge and skills DISCIPLINED follows through with advice and applies the tools provided GRATEFUL acknowledges and appreciates the mentorship DYNAMIC RESPECTFUL mindful of the other’s time TRUSTING conversations remain confidential COMMUNICATIVE better rapport = more fruitful outcomes RECIPROCAL both mentor and mentee learn from each other GUIDELINES We are confident that this mutually enriching experience will be a powerful step towards achieving greater equity in the workplace. Please adhere to the following guidelines and rules Mentors should be engaged, encouraging, empowering. Mentors are expected to share expertise, wisdom, guidance, and constructive criticism to help their mentees develop and advance their careers. Mentees should be humble, disciplined, grateful. Mentees are expected to respect mentor’s time and do their best to follow their advice. The mentor/mentee relationship should be based in respect, trust, communication. This is a strictly professional relationship. Mentees should not discuss personal issues as mentors are not their therapists. Mentors are not expected to advocate in any way on behalf of their mentee e.g. make introductions, write recommendation letters help secure jobs, etc. If they choose to do so, it is at their sole discretion, not at the request of the mentee. Mentees can discuss projects, but must not pitch them to their mentors. If mentees asks their mentors to engage outside of a call e.g. listen/watch/read a sample, that is considered part of the monthly hour. Mentees should prepare questions for each session to maximize the time. Mentees should schedule the meetings and send calendar invites. Mentees understand their mentors may not reach the target 12 hours in the year due to unforeseen circumstances, but will try to make up the time, pending scheduling. Meetings should be virtual, unless the mentor suggests otherwise. If a mentor doesn’t hear from their mentee after two months, we will assume the mentee is no longer interested or able to participate. Should any issues arise, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@unlockherpotential.com.
- MARKETING | Unlock Her Potential
Check out our Marketing mentors for Unlock Her Potential MARKETING FEATURED ALIX TYLER Creative Director | Creative Strategist | Instagram + Facebook MARKETING ALIX TYLER Creative Director | Creative Strategist | Instagram + Facebook MAUREEN POLO Head of Direct-To-Consumer | Hello Sunshine DOUG FRISBIE VP Marketing | Snap MELISSA ROSENFIELD Founder | IFP Communications ILEANA DIEZ Brand Strategist | Roc Nation JESSIE WEINSTEIN Senior Manager of Celebrity Relations and Talent Producer | BSE Global MARCELLE KARP Creative Director | Pandora VIEW ALL MENTORS
- OUR STORY | Unlock Her Potential
Mentorship for Women of Color - Creating Community, Coalition, and Citizenry. In order to qualify for the program, you must be a woman of color, 18 years or older, residing in the US (including Puerto Rico) and have an active LinkedIn profile. MENTORSHIP FOR WOMEN OF COLOR CREATING COMMUNITY, COALITION, AND CITIZENRY. PRESS OUR STORY Research has revealed that very few women of color get mentored. Even worse, many don’t even think to seek mentors. That’s how systemic racism + patriarchy work hand in hand. IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THAT. It’s time to equip women of color to ascend to the C-suite, run the shows, direct the films, and take over. It’s time to break up the boys’ club that has kept the gates closed off to us for too long. OUR FOUNDER SOPHIA CHANG Sophia Chang is a life and career guide, author, and screenwriter who is developing numerous TV properties, including a scripted series based on her Audible memoir “The Baddest Bitch In The Room.” You can listen to the prologue here . Her memoir was released in print on 9/8/20. She was also the subject of an episode of the Hulu series “Defining Moments.” Sophia created Unlock Her Potential, a program that provides mentorship for women of color. Sophia Chang is the music business matriarchitect who managed Ol’ Dirty Bastard (RIP), RZA, GZA, D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Q Tip, and A Tribe Called Quest as well as working with Paul Simon. She did marketing at Atlantic, A&R at Jive, A&R Admin at Universal, as well as serving as General Manager of RZA’s Razor Sharp Records, Cinematic Music Group, and Joey Bada$$’ Pro Era Records. She trained with and managed a Shaolin Monk, who became her partner and father of her children. She produced runway shows for Vivienne Tam and "Project Runway All Stars," was an account executive at a digital agency, and did business development at a cannabis company.
- MELINDA HSU | Unlock Her Potential
MELINDA HSU Writer | Producer | Showrunner "I will share my knowledge from two decades as a TV writer-producer to help you craft effective strategies to manage your creative journey. And as a former introvert who is also the daughter of Chinese immigrants, I am committed to helping you overcome parental discouragement and cultural inhibitions so that you can step forward powerfully into the world, joyfully take up space, and boldly voice your perspective. While I won’t offer detailed notes on your writing or hear pitches, I will give you insights about the current TV landscape as well as pro tips on navigating the entertainment industry in a way that sustains your internal calm." Melinda Hsu is a TV writer-producer who was the showrunner of NANCY DREW and its spinoff TOM SWIFT, both on the CW; currently, she’s in a multi-year development overall deal at ABC Signature. A lifelong genre geek, she started writing at age 8 when she authored a Star Trek fan fiction novella series on a stack of spiral notebooks in her childhood bedroom in Bangor, Maine. Her TV credits include LOST, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, THE GIFTED, FALLING SKIES, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, MEDIUM, and one-hour pilots for Amazon, Netflix, NBC and Lifetime. In her nonprofit life, she mentors writers and producers through the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE), helped found the Asian American Pacific Islander Writers’ Brunch and the CAPE Showrunner Incubator, and serves on the Executive Board of the Sarah Jones Film Foundation, which fosters set safety through awareness and accountability. She has also been a staff member of service organizations providing education and advocacy for adult refugees and people living with HIV/AIDS. Recently, the Center for Strategic and International Studies appointed her to a U.S. delegation to evaluate NATO facilities throughout Europe in order to craft new messaging around NATO’s work and engagement with the public. Her podcast, Lead With Kindness, is aimed at changing the culture of Hollywood and the world; this series of ten 30-minute conversations is available in audio and transcript form via Apple Podcasts (IG: @LeadWKindness). FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS
- GABE WHALEY | Unlock Her Potential
GABE WHALEY CEO | Founder MSCHF "I can help with business, creativity, going from zero to one, building a team, fundraising, dealing with lawsuits, managing employees, hiring / firing, breaking into the fine art world, breaking into the fashion world, etc." Gabriel Whaley is the CEO and founder of MSCHF, a collective of approximately 20 artists who are all about poking fun at contemporary trends and riding on the wave of controversy. In 2020, the brand received global attention when they customized a pair of Air Max 97s into "Jesus Shoes" where the soles contain holy water from the River Jordan. The design collective, MSCHF, sold the shoe for over a thousand dollars. Fast forward to 2021, their collaboration with Lil Nas X on the Air Max 97 "Satan Shoes," drew major controversy, that fed off of the common saying, "no press is bad press." Whaley once said, that their "perspective is everything is funny in a nihilistic sort of way. We're not here to make the world a better place. We're making light of how much everything sucks." It appears that with each controversial project, Whaley drove more and more interest and buzz toward MSCHF. The label was once again been at the top of the news when it sold 1,000 Warhol artworks for $250 USD each, but only one would be real. Playing Russian Roulette with one of the most coveted artists in the world would be unimaginable for some, but for MSCHF, it was the perfect way to make art accessible. This year, the Brooklyn-based startup kicked off the season with a project that resold designer shopping bags. On brand with the company's ethos of being "fans of mischief," Whaley and his team are exactly that, always looking to gain attention for their art, whether it is negative or not. Continuing on this creative path, MSCHF came together with Tiffany & Co. to handcraft "The ultimate Participation Trophy." Continuing its foray into the footwear world, the company officially launched its Air Force 1-inspired Super Normal sneakers in white and "5 O'Clock Shadow." MSCHF captures the entirety of the world with the release of the adventurous Gobstomper, drawing notes from the iconic Gobstopper candy that shows off hidden colors with wear in collaboration with Jimmy Fallon, and later arriving in a "Sour Edition." The mischief does not end with painting, as it also recently sold 1,000 keys for one shared mystery car that was located somewhere in New York City. With all that they have done in 2022, MSCHF shows no signs of stopping when it comes to fun and causing chaos. ART VIEW ALL MENTORS
- DONATE | Unlock Her Potential
Your donations go to funding program implementation, administrative overhead, and operational costs. UP pairs Women of Color with Mentors to help them break through the glass ceiling and become leaders in their respective fields. UP Mentors share their expertise, experience, wisdom, insights, guidance, and constructive criticism in order to help their mentees develop and advance professionally. MAKE A DONATION MAKE A DIFFERENCE Your donations go to funding program implementation, administrative overhead, and operational costs.















