Key Takeaways
- The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program provides mentorship and scholarships to high school students from underrepresented communities in Los Angeles.
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has partnered with the program, offering full-ride scholarships to deserving students.
- The program has awarded over $15 million in scholarships to 285 students, with a focus on first-generation college applicants.
- The mentorship program has led to successful careers for its alumni, including Paola Franco, who is now an executive on Netflix’s drama development team.
- The program aims to equip the next generation of storytellers with the tools, mentorship, and confidence to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Introduction to the Program
The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program is a joint venture between The Hollywood Reporter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The program pairs high school students from underrepresented communities in Los Angeles with leading women executives in film and television. This year, the program celebrated its 15th anniversary and awarded over $1 million in scholarships at the annual Women in Entertainment Gala. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has been a proud partner of the program, offering full-ride scholarships to deserving students.
The Impact of the Program
The program has had a significant impact on the lives of its mentees, providing them with invaluable insight, connections, and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Paola Franco, a 2013-14 mentee, is a prime example of the program’s success. After being mentored by former Amazon Studios Head and former NBC Entertainment President, Jennifer Salke, Franco gained industry opportunities and made inroads in her career. She is now an executive on Netflix’s drama development team. Franco’s experience with the program was life-changing, and she credits it with giving her the confidence and skills to succeed in the industry.
A Life-Changing Experience
The program provides its mentees with a unique opportunity to shadow and learn from leading women executives in the entertainment industry. Franco’s experience shadowing Salke was particularly impactful, as she was able to attend table reads, set visits, and other industry events. This hands-on experience gave her a front-row seat to the inner workings of the industry and helped her develop the skills and confidence she needed to succeed. The program’s focus on providing mentees with real-world experience and industry connections sets it apart from other mentorship programs and makes it an invaluable resource for aspiring storytellers.
Celebrating the Next Generation
At this year’s Women in Entertainment Gala, actresses Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti presented a video celebrating the program’s mentees. The scholarship recipients were then announced, with Hall revealing that John F. Kennedy High School student Leah had been awarded a full-ride scholarship to LMU. Leah’s excitement was palpable as she reflected on the moment her name was called. She had dreamed of attending LMU since her sophomore year but thought it was out of reach for her family. The scholarship has made her dreams a reality, and she is eager to start her studies at LMU in the fall.
A Bright Future Ahead
Leah is looking forward to diving into her studies at LMU, where she will have the opportunity to develop her talents and pursue her passion for filmmaking. She is excited to make new connections, study filmmaking, and explore different types of films. The Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program has given her the confidence and support she needs to succeed, and she is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. As she begins this new chapter in her life, Leah is inspired by the words of Regina Hall, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and never limit herself.
A Commitment to Empowering the Next Generation
The Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of storytellers and providing them with the tools, mentorship, and confidence they need to succeed in the entertainment industry. LMU is committed to supporting this mission and is proud to partner with the program. Dean of the LMU School of Film and Television, Joanne Moore, attended the gala and commented on the program’s impact, saying that it "embodies what we value most at LMU: community, access, and the belief that talent should never be limited by circumstance." As the program continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that it will have a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the lives of its mentees.
