Hollywood is getting some diversity! Lena Waithe and Rishi Rajani have taken matters into their own hands and created a Mentorship Lab through Hillman Grad Productions to provide opportunities for marginalized creatives and storytellers to connect, grow and accelerate their careers in television and film.
The 2nd Annual class of emerging filmmakers is spearheaded by Executive Director Lacy Lew Nguyen Wright, and Senior Advisor Justin Riley, and consists of 22 Creative Executives, Writers, and Actors.
The new class of emerging filmmakers are:
Creative Executives
● Andy Park (Los Angeles, CA)
● Franco Chacon (Los Angeles, CA)
● Geralyn Smith (Los Angeles, CA)
● Jocelyn Waddell (Los Angeles, CA)
● Wai Wing Lau (Los Angeles, CA)
Writers
● Abi Rich (Boston, MA)
● Blake Williams (Los Angeles, CA)
● Charlene Little (Douglasville, GA)
● Cydney Fisher (Los Angeles, CA)
● Emily Teerasuphaset (Los Angeles, CA)
● Luveza Mubashar (New York, NY)
● Rubén Mendive (Los Angeles, NY)
● Van Newman (New York, NY)
● Victoria George (Los Angeles, CA)
Actors
● Donnevan Tolbert (St. Clair Shores, MI)
● Jonny Williams (Los Angeles, CA)
● Kashayna Johnson (New York, NY)
● LaNora Terraé Hayden (Los Angeles, CA)
● Lee Hubilla (New York, NY)
● Lynnese Page (New York, NY)
● Michaela Obro-Ababio (New York, NY)
● TJ Chester (West Palm Beach, FL)
The 8-month, tuition-free program offers mentees the opportunity to enhance their creative skillset through personalized instruction from industry professionals, creating additional pathways to bring more people from diverse backgrounds into the entertainment industry.
I am so excited to see the work that comes from those in this mentorship! Make sure to follow Hillman Grad Productions on Instagram @hillmangradmentorship to keep up with the new cohort starting on March 18th!
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