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  • SUNYA GANBOLD | Unlock Her Potential

    MARKETING SUNYA GANBOLD Head of Delivery, EVP | Razorfish APPLY FOR MARKETING MENTORS WITH THIS LINK "I can help you: sharpen your leadership skills and elevate your personal brand—whether that means navigating tough moments with clarity and confidence, building high-performing teams rooted in trust and purpose, or finding your voice in the room. As a woman of color myself, I’ve learned how to navigate within complex organizations, negotiate cultural nuances, and facilitate alignment across stakeholders with different backgrounds and agendas. I’ve led program management and operations for some of the world’s biggest brands and built and managed massive high-performing cross-disciplinary teams. And along the way, I’ve picked up tools to lead with executive presence, resilience, and empathy. I’m passionate about supporting other women of color as they step into their power." 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. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • W. KAMAU BELL | Unlock Her Potential

    FILM/TV W. KAMAU BELL Comedian | Host | Executive Producer "As someone who has navigated a unique path through my career, but has somehow managed to make some headway in this business in comedy, writing, producing, and directing, I can help you brainstorm ideas and come up with plans to get ahead in your chosen career" W. Kamau Bell is a stand-up comedian and the host and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning CNN docu-series UNITED SHADES OF AMERICA WITH W. KAMAU BELL. His latest stand-up comedy special, PRIVATE SCHOOL NEGRO, is available on Netflix. Kamau wrote a book with the easy-to-remember title, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian. He’s the ACLU Celebrity Ambassador for Racial Justice and serves on the advisory boards of Hollaback! and Donors Choose. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • CELIA AU | Unlock Her Potential

    CELIA AU Actress | Filmmaker "As a mentor, I can help you navigate the ups and downs of being an actor and working in the entertainment industry. Together, we can set goals and manage expectations. Drawing from my personal experiences, I will provide you with valuable insights and advice, helping you find the balance between the business and artistic aspects of your career." Celia Au is well known for playing a variety of characters across Netflix's Wu Assassins, Comedy Central's Nora from Queens, and AMC's Lodge 49. Au believes the power of storytelling is to change perception and her producerial slate is centered around uplifting AAPI voices. She is an alumni of Berlinale Talents and her current projects include an untitled cooking show in co-production with Hearst Media Productions, a TV show and 3 feature films in development. She recently produced a Music Video Don't Give Up by artist Calistar and directed by Ron Yuan. Her films were nominated at the SoHo International film, Asian on Films and her VR project premiered at Cucalorus film festival. In addition to acting and producing, Au has been an outspoken activist in the AAPI community and has spoken at engagements with Goldman Sachs, IPG group, AEG Studios, Wash the Hate, Act to Change, and others. in 2020-2022 Celia was named the "Ambassador of Hope" at the Rise Above the Storm Gala. FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • JAIMIE LEE

    FILM/TV JAIMIE LEE Drama Development Executive Amazon Studio As a mentor, I will guide you through challenging situations, help you establish a foundation for creative development, and boost networking skills, particularly those with creative executive or producing aspirations. I will not be able to submit scripts officially for consideration but can provide personal feedback for writers. Jaimie Lee is a Drama Development Executive at Amazon Studios. Currently, she is overseeing shows such as Donald Glover’s upcoming series Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Prior to joining Amazon in 2022, Jaimie held development positions at SISTER, Apple TV+ and FX Networks, where she worked on shows like FARGO, AMERICAN CRIME STORY and PACHINKO. Jaimie initially intended on going to med school while at UCLA, but with a science degree in hand, decided to pursue storytelling and started her entertainment career in the mailroom at WME. Pronouns: She/her VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • JUJU CHANG

    JOURNALISM JUJU CHANG Co-anchor ABC News’ “Nightline.” Juju Chang is an Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline.” Born in South Korea and raised in Northern California, Chang graduated with honors from Stanford University with a BA in political science and communication. A former news anchor for “Good Morning America,” Chang joined ABC News as a desk assistant in 1987, later becoming a producer for “World News Tonight.” After reporting for KGO-TV in San Francisco and the ABC News affiliate service NewsOne in Washington, she co-anchored the overnight show “World News Now.” Chang’s work has won numerous awards, including multiple Peabody Awards, Emmys, Gracies, a DuPont, and a Murrow. Chang’s decades-long reporting career converged in two hour-long prime time specials in 2021. She co-anchored an ABC News Live special “Stop The Hate: The Rise In Violence Against Asian Americans.” Following the mass shooting at three Asian-themed spas, Chang co-anchored and reported from the scene for an “ABC News 20/20” breaking news special “Murder In Atlanta”, which won a Front Page award in 2022. Chang’s in-depth personal narratives cover pressing national and international news, spanning from natural disasters to terrorism and racial equity. Chang won a GLAAD award for her coverage of Matthew Shepard’s murder and the legacy his parents built in his honor. Chang has covered major breaking news for decades for ABC News including extensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, mass shootings, and global climate issues. Chang has profiled newsmakers like Joe Biden and Oprah Winfrey as well as high-profile celebrities including Jamie Lynn Spears, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Her extensive feature reporting covers mental illness, opioid addictions and parenting dilemmas. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • MITCH SOLOMON

    FILM/TV MITCH SOLOMON Manager Authentic Talent & Literary Mitch Solomon is a well-established feature film and television literary manager, with over 15 years of experience representing writers and directors. He is also a veteran producer, with high level experience running production companies at major studios. In his position at Authentic Talent and Literary Management, Mitch’s special focus is his talent for finding the core story within any piece of material and identifying the right constellation of talent to give it traction in the marketplace. His passion for development is informed by his roots as a producer, running the production arm for Magnet Management, as well as previous stints leading production at financier Film Roman, independent production companies with Miramax and Warner Bros. and heading development at Robert Redford’s Wildwood Enterprises. As a producer and executive, Mitch oversaw award-winning productions such as Lasse Hallstrom’s CIDER HOUSE RULES and Redford’s QUIZ SHOW. Independent producing includes Sundance opener MY FIRST MISTER and thriller BLOOD IN THE WATER. In all, Mitch has been directly involved with over fifty produced television shows and movies as a manager, executive and producer. Mitch has a particular interest in politics, creating and partnering on 501c3 organizations that merged the film, television, and music businesses for Presidential and Congressional campaigns. Mitch is a graduate of Vassar College and is proud to live in Eagle Rock with his partner who runs digital marketing for ArtCenter College of Design and raising a rambunctious teen. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • HEESOK CHANG

    PUBLISHING HEESOK CHANG English Literature | Author | Educator Vassar College "I will help you express yourself - your questions and ideas, provocations and arguments, your major and minor feelings - with power and precision, elegance and variety. I will not proofread your writing for publication. Rather we will discuss samples of your work with an eye on rewriting and put it in conversation with close readings of texts you and I love. At the close of our year you will be writing a prose that is conversational but free of bromides and catchphrases, that sounds assured even in the interrogative mood, that moves at a brisk clip but can stop on a dime, that can switch rhetorical registers from high to low and be steady in the pocket." Heesok Chang teaches English literature at Vassar College. He is the author of British Modernism (Blackwell) and various articles on literature and media, philosophy and critical theory. His areas of interest include continental philosophy, poetry, world lit, Asian and Asian American literature and film, media and politics. Heesok has decades of experience mentoring students: college goers who want to improve their academic performance and students who would like help navigating the various stages of grad school (starting and finishing a thesis, securing letters of rec, writing for academic publication, applying and interviewing for jobs and fellowships). But he will also mentor anyone interested in improving their reading and writing skills, non-fiction or fiction, poetry or prose. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • ALLEN HUGHES

    FILM/TV ALLEN HUGHES Executive Producer | Director Award-winning filmmaker Allen Hughes’ major leap into the entertainment industry came with his and twin brother Albert’s jolting debut as the 20 year-old creators/directors of Menace II Society. His other films with Albert include Dead Presidents, From Hell, The Book of Eli and the documentary American Pimp. Hughes’ most recent project was the critically acclaimed four-part HBO documentary series The Defiant Ones, the stories of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre. The series was nominated for five Emmys®, a Peabody® Award, and won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film, the IDA Documentary Award for Best Limited Series, and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special. The series was also nominated for the NAACP for Outstanding Documentary (Television), a Critics’ Choice Documentary Award, and an ACE Eddie Award. Hughes is the director and executive producer of FX’s Dear Mama, the first definitive, comprehensive five-part documentary series on the late hip hop icon Tupac Shakur and his mother Afeni Shakur, who was an activist, with the full cooperation of his estate, including access to all of his music and poetry. The series debut scored FX’s most watched premiere for an unscripted series ever, and currently holds a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. Hughes is the executive producer of Netflix’s Arnold, the upcoming three-part documentary series which will chronicle Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey from the countryside of Austria to the highest echelons of the American dream. The series is produced by Hughes’ production company Defiant Ones Media Group. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • JEMELE HILL

    JOURNALISM JEMELE HILL Journalist | Author | Podcaster Co-Founder of Lodge Freeway Media Jemele Hill is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster. Hill is the Co-Founder of Lodge Freeway Media, a writer for The Atlantic, host of the Spotify podcast, “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” and author of Uphill, a Memoir. Hill’s decades-long journalism career has included stops at the biggest sports media networks and several reputable newspapers. Before joining ESPN, Hill was a sports columnist for the Orlando Sentinel from 2005-2006 – the lone African American female sports columnist in North America. She joined ESPN in 2006 as a national columnist for espn.com . Her profile gradually rose as she began to make appearances on television, hosting and featuring in SportsCenter, First Take, Around the Horn, The Sports Reporters and Outside the Lines. After her stint as SportsCenter host, Hill was a senior columnist for The Undefeated, ESPN’s sub-site that focuses on the intersection of sports, race, culture and politics. Her foray into daily television began in 2013, when she and longtime friend Michael Smith began co-hosting the daily sports discussion show, His & Hers, inspired by their popular podcast of the same name. In 2020, Hill and former ESPN anchor Cari Champion launched a weekly late-night show on Vice Network called Cari & Jemele (Won’t) Stick to Sports. The show covered politics, sports, news, current events and pop culture. Hill also is stretching her muscles behind the camera. She is the executive producer of the ESPN documentary on former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick. Hill is also currently developing a comedy series for Showtime with acclaimed actress Gabrielle Union. She has also appeared in crime series Power Book II: Ghost and The Best Man: Final Chapters movie. A veteran in the podcasting space, Hill’s two-time Webby award-winning podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered features in-depth, thought-provoking conversations with some of the biggest newsmakers across entertainment and politics. In 2022 the podcast won two NAACP Awards for Outstanding Podcast in the Arts and Entertainment and Society and Culture categories. Previous Unbothered guests include Vice President Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Colbert, and more. In 2020 Hill co-hosted The Wire: Way Down in the Hole, a podcast recapping every episode of the HBO series. In July 2016, Hill participated in Emmy Award winning The President and the People: A National Conversation, a one-hour town hall with President Barack Obama on race relations, justice, policing and equality. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • SCOTT HARDING

    MUSIC SCOTT HARDING Music Producer | Engineer | Musician Underground Producers Alliance "As a mentor I can help you understand the different aspects of music production and decide which path you might want to take. Are you an audio engineer who wants to expand into production? Are you an artist or producer who wants to learn the language and techniques of engineering to better express what you want to achieve during the recording or mixing process? Are you a DJ or artist who wants to learn and develop the skills to make your own tracks? These are all things I’ve done and can help you understand. The other things I can help you understand are the different roles one plays in the studio. What do you do if you’re recording an artist or a band when there is no producer? I can help you understand the dynamics of the situation and how to read the room and see when to offer ideas and when to lay back and listen. How do you go from being a beatmaker to fulfilling the full role of the producer, from making decisions about arranging and editing to writing budgets and booking studio time. These are essential lessons in order to maintain a long lasting career in the studio. I have recorded, mixed, arranged, performed and composed on hundreds of records over decades and this has allowed me a unique understanding of the process of music production and I can help you shape the direction you want to take to make music." I am a Brooklyn, NY based music producer, engineer and musician. I have been making records for over 40 years both domestically and internationally, spanning multiple genres from hip hop to jazz, rock to singer/songwriter, folk to classical . I have worked with international art figures Matthew Barney and Stan Douglas and recently remixed the De La Soul catalog. I am also a founding member of the Underground Producers Alliance, an independent school for post graduates and professionals looking for advanced knowledge and extended techniques in music production, sound design, composition, performance and audio engineering. I was involved in developing 2 of its’ signature courses, The Ghost Program and Mixing the Hard Way, my personalized course on the concept and techniques for mixing music. As I play numerous roles in the studio, I have worked extensively in collaborative as well as non-collaborative situations and can help you to learn how to understand your role in the process. I have recorded, mixed, arranged, performed and composed on hundreds of records over decades of working in numerous countries and continents. This has allowed me a unique understanding of the process of music production. Some of the artists I have worked with include The Master Musicians of Jajouka, Wu Tang Clan, Teo Macero, Vijay Iyer, Nação Zumbi, Mos Def, Vernon Reid, Chris Rock, Medeski, Martin and Wood, The Jungle Brothers, Sexmob, Mach Hommy, Harriet Tubman, Salif Keita, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many more. WEBSITE LINKTREE VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • RICARDO LATORRE | Unlock Her Potential

    MARKETING RICARDO LATORRE VP, Group Experience Design Director | Razorfish APPLY FOR MARKETING MENTORS WITH THIS LINK "Sometimes, in life's journey, you just need someone to help guide your inner light in the right direction. It's not always easy to find clarity alone, but I'm here to listen and support you." Ricardo Latorre is a dynamic experience design executive with over 20 years of experience transforming brands through innovative digital solutions and creative leadership. As VP, Group Experience Design Director at Publicis Razorfish, he has inspired award-winning teams and crafted user-centric experiences for leading companies. Ricardo’s journey spans pivotal roles at Prophet, Spredfast, Chasse C, and CompassLearning, where his passion for team culture, creative direction, and digital innovation has driven impactful results. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ricardo thrives on building connections between people and technology to deliver meaningful, transformative experiences. 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. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • KATIE BARON

    FILM/TV KATIE BARON Vice President of Creative Sony Pictures Animation As Vice President of Creative at Sony Pictures Animation, Katie Baron has supported a multitude of animated feature films, including the studio's Academy Award® winner "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," and Academy Award® nominee “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.” She seeks out and acquires new material to be developed from the conceptual stage, through story development and production, working with directors, writers, and artists at all stages. In addition to her work in film, Baron is also overseeing development and production of a slate of adult and family animated television shows, working closely with filmmakers on several projects set up apple+, HBOMax, Netflix and Adult Swim. Prior to joining Sony Pictures Animation, Baron worked in current series at Disney TV Animation on projects such as "Mickey Mouse,” "Pickle and Peanut,” and various Marvel series for the Disney Channel and Disney XD. Before venturing into animation, Baron began her career in live-action working as an assistant and then moving up to a Creative Executive role at Shawn Levy's 21 Laps Entertainment, where she worked on titles such as "Real Steel," "Date Night", and "The Spectacular Now." INSTAGRAM VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • MARCELLE KARP | Unlock Her Potential

    FILM/TV MARCELLE KARP Editorial/Creative Director | Brand Strategist | Marketing Magnet "I was never mentored at any point during my career. I had to navigate everything on my own and I made A LOT of mistakes. As a mentor I will guide you towards your potential and help you avoid burning bridges as I did. I will share whatever I possess in my skill set to help further you in your career path. My mentorship is a marriage of my experience, my wisdom and my devotion to my mentee." I have built my career understanding the power of the female brain on fire, the girl who is at the front, the woman juggling and struggling. Are you a writer? I'll show you how to find your voice, nurture it, unleash it. Are you interested in being a Creative Director? I'll unpack what that entails, guide you through corporate shenanigans, bolster your LinkedIn profile. Are you contemplating your next move? Oh my, let's get started. I can help you with any of those things. Here's some part of what I reign at: being your cheerleader. And here is a short list of some of what makes me right for you, how I tap into my voice, how I am always searching for more: I've had to tell Tyler Perry not to sing Millie Jackson's "Phuck You Symphony" in my on-air spot, I've had the great pleasure to produce a monthly stand-up show and I co-founded one of the pioneering zines of Third Wave Feminism, BUST. I've worked at SiriusXM/Pandora, BET, Madison Square Garden, the NFL, HBO, Lifetime, and so many other brands, as a Creative Director. I published my first YA novel GETTING OVER MAX COOPER in 2022. I got my Master's in Women and Gender Studies in 2023. And I'm just getting started. At my core, I'm a storyteller. I'd rather write than do most anything, and I know this: every woman has a story to tell. I'll mentor you to tap into yours. PRESS BLOG REEL "My marvelous mentor Marcelle expanded my perception of who I was by offering a safe space for me to explore my place in this chapter of my life. She told me, "Rejection is not the obstacle, it's lack of effort." This statement propelled me into my potential as a writer. Not only did Marcelle light the fire, but she also fanned the flame." — Janel "My experience with the Unlock Her Potential mentorship program has been nothing short of fantastic. I was selected to be a part of the program the first year and that’s when I met Marcelle Karp. During that year Marcelle encouraged and inspired me with her words of wisdom and kindness during our one-hour sessions. Her jovial spirit added a light-heartedness to our virtual meets which were during the pandemic. She always gave me a task to complete to help me stay on track to meet my goals, rather it was ways to expand my audience with my podcast or writing every day for 15 minutes, which eventually turned into one hour. As a writer, stand-up comic, and artist she was instrumental in helping me develop my level of discipline towards how I approach my creativity. I always left those meetings with my head held higher and a little bit more pep in my step. Thank you a million times to Marcelle for guiding and mentoring me, still!" — Rukeyah "I met my UHP mentor Marcelle Karp in 2021, the pivotal year I chose to break-up with my 10-year career as an academic mindfulness researcher. Determined to pursue a dream life as a creative professional, I pushed myself to land a new job as the Director of Communications at a Global Health NGO. I was ready to work with them to produce international video series about activist health workers in the pandemic, but found myself battling with severe nerves and impostor syndrome. Marcelle's mentorship helped me leap past my fears and step into the role to lead my team with confidence. She offered invaluable feedback as I successfully pitched, funded, produced, and launched the video series. Every conversation inspired me to tap deeper into my strengths, build new professional networks, and navigate the ups and downs of being a multidisciplinary creative leader. Since our year together, her advice has supported my capacity to take on new writing clients, travel internationally as a creative producer, and instill a work-life balance that aligns with my health and life goals. Meeting up with Sophia and Marcelle in New York after a year of Zooming in from California was an added layer of bliss to my mentorship experience. Now, as a UHP alumni, I aim to pay my blessings forward and open doors for other women of color within my industry. I'm honored to have been part of this mentorship cohort, and believe in growing this movement so more women of color can access lifechanging opportunities." — Sami VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • MICHAEL OSTIN

    MUSIC MICHAEL OSTIN Manager Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest, D’Angelo Michael Ostin is a veteran of the entertainment industry. As Senior Vice President of A&R at Warner Bros. Records, Michael was involved in signing and recording some of the most admired artists of the time: Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Green Day, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Seal, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Nile Rodgers, and Q-Tip. After WBR, Michael served as President of DreamWorks Records where he worked closely with the film, animation, and television divisions and their principals Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. In addition to his contributions in the music industry, Michael was an early investor/producer in the Tony Award winning hit Broadway show The Book of Mormon. These days, Michael manages the career of Q-Tip and legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest and peerless singer songwriter D’Angelo. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • JULIE BLOOM

    JOURNALISM JULIE BLOOM Live Editor The New York Times Julie Bloom is the Live editor at The New York Times where she oversees a team of reporters and editors that respond to big breaking news across a variety of subjects with hubs in New York, Seoul and London. She grew up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 2002 and has a master's degree in Journalism from N.Y.U. with an emphasis on cultural criticism. Prior to The Times, she worked as an editor at Jane Magazine. She joined The Times in 2007 on the culture desk. She worked there as an editor for eight years, before being promoted to International Culture Editor for the international edition based in Paris. She then returned to New York in 2014 to become deputy weekend editor, before becoming a deputy on National where she oversaw multiple big breaking news stories, including the Las Vegas shooting, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news, coverage of California, as well as the trial of Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. In addition she regularly writes for the culture section. She is also a member of the Metropolitan Opera Guild and has volunteered for Girls Write Now. She lives in Brooklyn and is most interested in working with young women who want to develop as journalists. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • KATHRYN TYUS-ADAIR

    FILM/TV KATHRYN TYUS-ADAIR Senior Vice President of Original Programming Starz Kathryn Tyus-Adair is Senior Vice President of Original Programming at Starz where she has recently championed, developed and overseen production of series: BMF, BLINDSPOTTING, RUN THE WORLD, THE SERPENT QUEEN, STEP UP and VIDA. She has also developed and served as a production executive on OUTLANDER, POWER and THE SPANISH PRINCESS. Before joining STARZ, Kathryn oversaw TV and film development and production for industry icons Robert Redford, Halle Berry and Don Cheadle. With Cheadle, she was a producer of the Bill Murray film ST. VINCENT, as well as an executive on Showtime’s HOUSE OF LIES and on the Sony Pictures Classics’ Irish film THE GUARD, starring Brendan Gleeson. Kathryn’s earlier television work included series development for SESAME STREET producers Children’s Television Workshop. She later championed acclaimed Showtime series SOUL FOOD and the films BARBERSHOP and MEN OF HONOR for writer/director George Tillman’s State Street Pictures. Prior to joining Starz, Kathryn segued to the buyer side of the business as a Drama Development executive for NBCUniversal’s UTV Studios, selling and developing series across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • THEO JONES | Unlock Her Potential

    MARKETING THEO JONES VP, Brand Creative + Social Strategy | Razorfish APPLY FOR MARKETING MENTORS WITH THIS LINK "To break the ice, I usually open with that Björk once called me cool in 2008. With nearly 15 years in creative + social marketing, I am passionate about growing brands and teams that connect with culture and conversation. I have led innovative and award-winning campaigns for global clients across entertainment, QSR, technology, sports, auto, enterprise, and more at platforms like Twitter & Snapchat and agencies like Edelman and AKQA. Currently, I lead a talented and diverse team at Razorfish that aims to make our clients more welcoming, responsive, and relevant for their customers and audience. I want to ensure that whomever I mentor is put in a position to take my job (or be at the level that I am in their current profession) one day. From navigating office politics, understanding creative + social media, and/or developing the soft leadership skills to ensure that they’re growing in the right direction professionally. At the end of the day, your job should be enjoyable, fulfilling, and fun; and I’ll do my best to make sure you’re put in the right position to thrive." 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. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • PATRICIA RESNICK

    FILM/TV PATRICIA RESNICK Screenwriter | Playwright | TV Writer Patricia Resnick is a highly accomplished and esteemed American screenwriter, playwright, and television writer, known for her unique storytelling abilities that have made a lasting impact on both the big and small screens. Born in Miami Beach, Florida, Resnick found her passion for writing at an early age, eventually paving her way to a successful career in the entertainment industry. Following her work on two Robert Altman films, “A Wedding” and “Quintet” Resnick's breakthrough came in 1980 when she co-wrote the iconic feminist comedy “9 to 5" alongside Colin Higgins. The film, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, became a cultural phenomenon and propelled Resnick to prominence. Her ability to seamlessly blend humor, wit, and social commentary made her one of the most sought-after writers in Hollywood. Throughout her illustrious career, Patricia has contributed to numerous film and television projects, such as "Straight Talk" “Maxie” “Mad Men” and”Better Things.” Her extensive experience in various genres, ranging from animation to political satire, demonstrates her versatility and adaptability as a writer. In 2008, Resnick's theatrical adaptation of "9 to 5" premiered on Broadway, further showcasing her talent for translating stories across different mediums. The musical, featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, earned multiple Tony Award nominations and solidified Resnick's status as a creative force in the industry. A passionate advocate for women in film and television, Resnick has been actively involved in organizations such as the Writers Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Throughout her career, she has been a mentor and role model for aspiring female writers, helping to pave the way for future generations. With a career spanning over four decades, Patricia Resnick's unwavering dedication to her craft, ability to tackle important social issues, and talent for creating memorable stories have earned her a well-deserved place among the pantheon of great American screenwriters. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • SHIRIN NURY

    MUSIC SHIRIN NURY Music Agent Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Shirin Nury (she/her) is a Music Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Nury’s work places a direct emphasis on diverse female fronted talent with a roster including HAIM, Charli XCX, Tate McRae, FLETCHER, Gracie Abrams, Ava Max, Conan Gray, Maisie Peters, Jamila Woods, Nao, Betty Who, Sharon Van Etten, Deb Never, amongst others. In her 11 years at CAA, she has overseen multiple sold out tours for all of her clients. Based out of the Los Angeles office, Nury oversees her roster’s touring careers and books West Coast arenas and amphitheaters across the entire CAA contemporary pop and rock rosters. Nury secured two of her clients, Gracie Abrams and HAIM, a spot touring with Taylor Swift this Summer with Gracie Abrams performing at 30 dates – more than any other support act on the tour. Nury understands the importance of lifting up the next generation of women in music – mentoring young female artists, managers, and agents across all genres and companies. She is a Next Gen Femme mentor, a member of City of Hope’s Future Hope committee, and board member of EarthPercent, raising money from the music industry for the most effective environmental charities. Nury began her career at CAA and graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in English and Spanish VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • ALLIE WASSERMAN

    FILM/TV ALLIE WASSERMAN Vice President of Programming HBO Allie Wasserman is a Vice President in Programming at HBO and part of the comedy team that develops and oversees the production of original half-hour series. She currently oversees HOW TO WITH JOHN WILSON from documentary filmmaker John Wilson and executive producer Nathan Fielder and the new series RAIN DOGS, from Cash Carraway and Sid Gentle, starring Daisy May Cooper. She also works on BARRY and AVENUE 5. Previously, Allie oversaw BETTY, BALLERS, and ROOM 104, and worked on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES, and the limited series THE BABY. Prior to HBO, Wasserman worked for a Motion Picture Talent agent at UTA after moving over with the comedy group from CAA in March 2015. She graduated with a BA in Radio/Television/Film and English Literature from Northwestern University in June 2014. VARIETY - New Leaders of 2022 VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • FRANCIE CALFO | Unlock Her Potential

    FRANCIE CALFO Producer Undisputed Cinema "I will help you sharpen your voice and hone your story. 25 years of developing and producing TV series from every angle of the industry has given me a unique insight into how to encourage a writer to be at their best. I will share my holistic view of how the machine works and how to navigate it." Francie Calfo currently oversees development and production for UNDISPUTED CINEMA, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood’s production company. Together, they are currently producing the fourth season of GENIUS – a dual biography of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. She also continues as Executive Producer of Marc Cherry’s Why Women Kill /Paramount +, Alex Tse and The RZA’s WuTang: An American Saga /Hulu, Reggie Bythewood’s Swagger /Apple and Jordan Cooper and Ms. Pat’s The Ms. Pat Show /BET. Calfo oversaw Imagine Television development and production for ten years, joining partners Brian Grazer and Ron Howard in 2010. During her tenure, she developed and produced numerous series, including mega-hit Empire on FOX and Emmy-nominated Genius on NatGeo. In 2017, she was elevated to Chairwoman of Imagine TV, where she guided the TV division’s transition from POD (production overall deal) to fully independent studio. In 2019, she led Imagine to its most prolific year ever, landing six new series orders. Prior to joining Imagine, Calfo was an ABC Television Studios-based independent producer, where she sold and executive-produced numerous network comedies and dramas. From 2004-2008, she served as Executive VP of ABC Network, overseeing all scripted development and current programs. In that time, she developed and shepherded some of primetime’s biggest hits, including Desperate Housewives, Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ugly Betty. Calfo had her first successful stint as a producer in 2003-2004, during which she executive- produced ABC’s Life As We Know It. This followed her work as a studio executive for Touchstone TV, where she oversaw all drama development, including CSI and J.J. Abrams’ Alias, as well as current series, including Home Improvement, Felicity, The PJs, and Sports Night with Aaron Sorkin. FILM/TV VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • ANNE CHOW

    STEM, C-SUITE ANNE CHOW Lead Director FranklinCovey Anne Chow is a transformative business leader whose trailblazing corporate career spans over three decades in the technology and business sectors. She is currently Lead Director on the Board of Directors of FranklinCovey, a company dedicated to organizational transformation through leadership, individual effectiveness, execution, and culture. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of 3M, a company focused on applying science in collaborative ways to improve the daily lives of people around the world. Anne is an Adjunct Professor of Executive Education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and actively supports numerous local organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including serving on the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council. In her prior role, as the first woman of color CEO in AT&T’s 140+ year history Anne led AT&T Business, a $35B global operating unit comprised of 35,000 people. Appointed to this role in 2019, she guided this team, through the pandemic amid unprecedented market upheaval around the world, to serve customers with communications solutions across all sectors including small and medium sized businesses, global multinational enterprises, the public sector as well as nearly all of the Fortune 1000. Anne’s leadership experiences span product management, marketing, sales, strategy, customer service, operations, network engineering and more. Widely recognized for her role model inclusive leadership and her impact in driving success at the intersection of people, culture, and technology, Anne was named to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business twice, Forbes inaugural CEO Next List of Leaders set to revolutionize American business, Most Inspiring Woman in Communications by Light Reading, and received the Legend in Leadership Award by Linkage, a SHRM company. Anne is also one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Gender Equity. As a lifelong learner committed to inspiration and impact, Anne engages with local, national, and global audiences through keynotes, panel discussions, and as a best-selling co-author of The Leader’s Guide to Unconscious Bias: How to Reframe Bias, Cultivate Connection, and Create High-Performing Teams . She also shares thoughts through her publications and blogs which have been featured in Fortune, Chief Executive Magazine, The Huffington Post, MarketWatch, and USA TODAY. She holds B.S. and M.Eng. degrees in Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA with Distinction from Cornell University and is a graduate of the Pre-College Division of the Juilliard School of Music. THE REWIRED CEO LINKEDIN TWITTER VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • ALEX TSE

    FILM/TV ALEX TSE Screenwriter | Executive Producer Xen Diagram Media Alex Tse was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. After discovering his passion for film in college, he made the short pilgrimage to Los Angeles, bouncing around from temp jobs to gigs producing and promoting low budget music videos for such artists as Hieroglyphics, Living Legends and Del the Funky Homosapien, before breaking in as a screenwriter with his script ’87 Fleer. Besides co-writing the feature adaptation of Watchmen, Tse was also the writer and Co-Executive Producer of the Spike Lee directed Sucker Free City, an original movie for Showtime for which he won a PEN Award, and Superfly for Columbia Pictures. Over his career, Tse has also written projects for directors Michael Mann, Zack Snyder, James Mangold, Guy Ritchie and Justin Lin, and developed drafts of The Crow, The Phantom Tollbooth, Gran Turismo and Highlander. Currently, Tse and RZA are the creators, executive producers and showrunners of Wu-Tang: An American Saga for Hulu. "It has been an amazing experience to get time with Alex. He is super busy but to have an hour a month to be able to talk about the industry and give me tips on how to navigate has been a valuable experience. I’ve been able to meet him in person and attend a screening of one of his projects. He is generous, caring and wants to help me succeed by giving me honest feedback. I’ve gained so much confidence. He has reinvigorated my commitment to becoming a better writer." — Patricia VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • GABE WHALEY

    ART, C-SUITE 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. VIEW ALL MENTORS

  • MICHELLE SY

    FILM/TV MICHELLE SY Producer Michelle Sy is a producer with over two decades of experience in identifying and producing content for film and television. She previously served as an executive at The Kennedy/Marshall Company and Miramax Films, and her credits include the Oscar-winning Finding Neverland. She also appeared in the first season of the HBO series Project Greenlight, for her role in executive producing the film Stolen Summer alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Michelle’s primary focus is storytelling that showcases diverse voices and female empowerment. She is currently developing a number of film and TV projects, both scripted and unscripted, including a scripted series by Sophia Chang, the first Asian woman to work in hip-hop, based on Sophia’s memoir, The Baddest Bitch in the Room, and a scripted legal series about groundbreaking victims’ rights attorney Carrie Goldberg. "Michelle has helped me work through my ideas and given me great guidance. She encourages me to chase my dreams and how to actually reach them. My mentor sessions with her have been energizing and inspiring. I'm ecstatic to have her!" — Rosie VIEW ALL MENTORS

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