Join in on the fun from home: 30 Seconds To Stardom!
Scan the QR Code and record a 30-second elevator pitch sharing who you are, what you do, and the career dream you can't wait to make come true.
Click here to view the full gallery.
ESSENCE HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
![](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/particpants-title-img-mobile-1.png)
Main Stage
Host
-
Skye Townsend
Host
Cast Talkback Diarra From Detroit sponsored by BET+
The cast of the new BET+ series Diarra From Detroit including Executive Producer, writer and star Diarra Kilpatrick, joined ESSENCE Executive Vice President of Video and Branded Content, Stephanie Dunivan ,to share a little about the concept behind the show, the process of getting it greenlit, how each of their individual characters connect to the overall storyline, and what advice they have for other creatives about navigating the industry.
-
Stephanie "NöNe" Dunivan
VP, Video and Branded Content for Essence Ventures -
Diarra Kilpatrick
Actress, Writer & Producer -
Claudia Logan
Actress -
DomiNque Perry
Actress
For Us, By Them? Black Equity in Hollywood Roundtable
With so many of today's major Hollywood stakeholders claiming to champion true diversity and representation, why are trending shows that tell Black stories with Black creators at the helm being canceled? Why are award-winning Black actresses and actors still disproportionately facing pay disparities? We're being used for what we represent but disregarded, overlooked, and unsupported when the conversation turns to equity and ownership. So what’s the real solution? NAACP Hollywood Bureau Vice President Kyle Bowser, MACRO Executive Vice President Poppy Hanks, and Endeavor’s Director of Impact & Inclusion Caroline Joyner get into it all.
-
Kyle Bowser
Senior Vice President, NAACP Hollywood Bureau -
POPPY HANKS
Executive Vice President, Film Production and Development at MACRO Film Studios -
Caroline Joyner
Director & Co-Head of Inclusion at WME
Partner in Prime: Fireside Chat
Content Creators, Actresses, and Comedians Elsa Majimbo and Grace Africa sit down with ESSENCE Girls United Co-Founder Rechelle Dennis for a candid conversation about growing, working, learning and making money together as best friends on similar career paths.
-
Grace Africa
Comedian, Actress & Writer -
Elsa Majimbo
Multi Award Winning Comedienne, Author & Chess Champion
Turning the Page: A Cold Read
Casting Director Robbi Reed and Actor, Director, and Producer Aml Ameen join ESSENCE Film Festival Director Lamonia Brown to provide honest feedback and critical advice to four aspiring actors & actresses as they put their skills to the ultimate test in a cold read exercise.
-
Aml Ameen
Actor, Director, Producer & Writer -
Lamonia Brown
Festival Director, Essence Film Festival -
Robi Reed
Emmy Award Winning Casting Director
Fashion x Film: Careers in Costume Design
Costume Designer QueenSylvia Akuchie; Costume Designer Tanja Caldwell; and Multidisciplinary Creative Dominique Dawson join Celebrity Stylist Amiraa Vainqueur to share their unfiltered experiences and advice about pursuing a career in costume design.
-
QueenSylvia Akuchie
Costume Designer -
Tanja Caldwell
Costume Designer & Wardrobe Stylist -
Dominique Dawson
Multidisciplinary Creative -
Amiraa Vainqueur
Celebrity Fashion Stylist & Designer
Fireside chat with Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Award-Winning Author and Speaker Mikki Taylor sits down with Oscar-Winning Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph for a dynamic and honest conversation about her remarkable journey from the stage to the screen.
-
Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Tony & Academy Award Nominated Actress -
Mikki Taylor
Award Winning Author, Empowerment speaker, and cultural storyteller
Black On Screen: A Global Dialogue
Actress & Writer Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and Actress & Producer Osas Ighoraro join ESSENCE Head of Diasporic Engagement Barkue Tubman Zawolo for an introspective discussion about their experiences with maintaining authenticity both in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood while continuing to tell stories that expand the narrative of the global Black experience.
-
Osas Ighodaro
Actress, Producer & Humanitarian -
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi
Actress -
Barkue Tubman Zawolo
Producer’s Lane: The Ins & Outs Of Production At Every Level
Netflix Animation Co-Producer Olivia Charmaine Bernandez; Springhill Production Executive Cherisse Mckenzie; Foxxhole Productions President Datari Turner; and Kronicle Media CEO Korin D. Williams take us inside the world of production today as they discuss the work behind the producer title, what it takes to make an impact as a producer today, where the real power lies in these roles, and why telling our stories through our lens is more important now than ever.
-
Olivia Charmaine Bernardez
Co-Producer, Netflix Animation (Film) -
CHERISSE MCKENZIE
Executive in Charge of Production, SpringHill Company -
Datari Turner
Producer/President, Foxxhole Productions -
Korin D. Williams
Award-Winning Producer and the Chief Executive Officer of Kronicle Media
Fresh Faces of Black Hollywood
ESSENCE Girls United Co-Founder Rechelle Dennis checks in with young Hollywood stars Actress Laya Deleon Hayes; Actress, Writer & Director Zaria; and Actor Da'Vinchi about what it’s really like pursuing a career in the current Hollywood climate, including how they got started, the importance of managing their finances, their outlook on the road ahead, and more.
-
Da'Vinchi
Actor -
Laya DeLeon Hayes
Actress -
Zaria
Actress, Writer & Director
![](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ESHH23_exp-mobile-title-3.jpg)
experiences
-
ACTIVITIES
Enhance your Hollywood House experience! Stop by to check out a handful of fun, engaging activations designed with you in mind!
Office Hours
Attendees got the chance to hear from film & television industry experts during intimate workshops designed to help take their specific creative skillset to the next level.
-
Joshua Edwards
Partner in the Entertainment & Sports Law Department at Fox Rothschild LLP -
D'Angela Proctor
Founder of Undaunted Content -
Pretty Vee
If Not For My Girls S5 Cast Member Actress, Host -
Korin D. Williams
Award-Winning Producer and the Chief Executive Officer of Kronicle Media -
Tiffany Yarde
Director of Competitions & Partnerships, Roadmap Writers
Speed Mentors
Attendees got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best through brief, face-to-face mentoring sessions where they connected directly with top executives, producers, directors, and managers from today’s biggest studios, production houses, and entertainment companies.
-
Kara Barnett
Senior Creative at APPLETV+ -
Olivia Charmaine Bernardez
Development Executive & Producer -
Cassandra Butcher
Senior Marketing Executive -
ASHLEY CALLOWAY
Manager & Producer, ColorCreative -
Kiana Chambers
Creative Executive at Wondaland Pictures -
Jax Clark
VP of Development and Production at HOORAE Film & TV -
Rosalyn Douglass
Senior Manager of Production At HBO/Max Original Series -
Stephanie "NöNe" Dunivan
VP, Video and Branded Content for Essence Ventures -
Bree Frank
Production Executive and Founder, Hue You Know -
Noelle Green
Sr. Physical Production Executive, Original Series at Netflix -
Nazenet Habtezghi
Oscar & NAACP Nominated Director -
Jamie Hernandez
Programs Manager, DEI Pipeline Programs at Warner Bros. Discovery -
Tatiana Holifield
Vice President, Social Content & Growth Marketing for SiriusXM + Pandora, and is the Founder/Head of Future Proof Media, LLC -
Krystal C. Johnson
Vice President of Business Affairs for Sony Pictures Television Studio -
Shannan E. Johnson
CEO, The Professional Pen Head of Scripted Development, CTRL LA -
GISELLE JOHNSON-MORRIS
Head of Film, BLACKMALED -
Stacy Milner
Founder & CEO Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program HBCU in LA Internship Program -
Rose Catherine Pinkney
Senior Vice President, Scripted Programming and Development at BET/BET+ -
D'Angela Proctor
Founder of Undaunted Content -
God-Is Rivera
Chief Content Office, Essence Ventures -
DOMINIQUE TELSON
Executive Producer -
Ryan Watson
Brand Director, Diet Coke® North America -
Candice Wilson Cherry
EVP, Head of Production and Talent Partnerships- Hartbeat -
Tiffany Yarde
Director of Competitions & Partnerships, Roadmap Writers
Office Hours - Bios
A former NYC District Attorney, Joshua decided to follow his passion for representing talent by moving to California and attending business school. After obtaining an MBA, Joshua took an entry level job in the mailroom of an agency before working his way up the ladder to talent agent and then eventually to talent manager before his return to the practice of law. His previous experience includes working at several notable companies such as The Firm, Overbrook Entertainment, Don Buchwald & Associates, Mosaic and MGMT Entertainment while working with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Britney Spears, Will Smith, Toccara, Ralph Macchio, Jennifer Connelly, Heather Graham, Cher, Richard Dreyfuss, David Duchovny, LisaRaye McCoy, Amin Joseph, Jeryl Prescott, Jason Weaver, Darius McCrary and Steven McQueen, to name a few.
Currently, Joshua Edwards is a Partner in the Entertainment & Sports Law Department at Fox Rothschild LLP where he continues to represent high-profile talent while providing strategic guidance on a wide range of film, television and production agreements to talent performers, independent producers and production companies. Combined with his previous experience as a talent representative, Joshua has significant experience at the negotiation table, complemented by a macro-level understanding of the film and television industry. This multifaceted experience enables highly effective negotiations and sophisticated dealmaking making Joshua one of the most sought after entertainment attorneys in Los Angeles.
D’Angela’s career in entertainment is a case study in being undaunted. She is a rare entertainment C-suite level media executive capable of easily transitioning between business and creative. Her 25-year media career spans from being an attorney, entrepreneur, content creator, and distributor to serving as a senior-level network and studio executive.
As the head of Undaunted Content, Proctor has an impressive track record of success, having recently produced and co-directed "The Keyshia Cole Story" for Lifetime, executive produced "The Holiday Stocking" for Hallmark, and "Line Sisters" for Lifetime. Her production company is currently developing numerous projects, including collaborations with Netflix.
Undaunted Content Consulting's impressive list of past and current clients includes Ava DuVernay's Array Filmworks, Hulu, Kendrick Sampson's BLD PWR, Pantheon Business a confidential production company and SPAC.
Before launching Undaunted Content, Proctor was the CEO of Wayfarer Entertainment, a branded content, social impact production company founded by Justin Baldoni. Under D’Angela’s leadership, Wayfarer won over 25 awards and honors for its branded content campaigns, including five Telly Awards.
As an executive, Proctor served as Head of Production & Business Development for Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate Company, and Head of Original Programming & Production, Talent & Casting at TV One. While at Lionsgate, Proctor successfully streamlined Codeblack's development slate and secured a multi-picture deal with a major cable television network for several of the company's legacy projects. At TV One, Proctor transformed the programming strategy and increased the network revenue by 47% over three years, while also boosting ratings performance by 36% in 2015, positioning it as a Top Cable Growth Network among competitors. Proctor oversaw the creative and business affairs of 44 original movies, 50 episodes of scripted comedies, 1000+ hours of news and public affairs programming, 240 hours of true crime & justice programming, 120 hours of reality programming, and a host of other specials and programming initiatives. Her efforts earned TV One seven NAACP Image Awards, a GLAAD Award, NAMIC Vision Awards, and other accolades.
Proctor's career in media began as a co-owner and operator of Strange Fruit Media for over 15 years. During this time, she created, developed, and produced an impressive range of media projects, including music videos, documentaries, feature films, television series, and live music and comedy recordings. Proctor's independent productions went on to achieve success and were acquired by prominent companies such as Lionsgate, Universal, Screen Gems, and Magnolia Pictures. Through Strange Fruit Media’s production overall deal with Black Entertainment Television, Proctor developed and/or executive produced several film and television projects, including "Sunday Best," which earned an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Reality Series, "The Family Crews," and "Vindicated." Later, Proctor created OWN’s first-ever female-centric docu-reality series, “Love in the City.”
Korin D. Williams is an award-winning producer and the Chief Executive Officer of Kronicle Media, a production & literary management company which she co-founded in 2017 with Monique Nash. Kronicle Media’s mission is to produce content for and about women from diverse perspectives and champion inclusion and representation, both in front of and behind the camera.
Currently, Williams has a number of projects in various stages of development, including a drama series for Peacock, inspired by the founding of the iconic Black women’s magazine, Essence; a romantic comedy for Netflix, a series adaptation of the book, Shakespeare’s Conspirator, which centers on the life of Emilia Bassano Lanier, a biracial ingenue who many believe was the enigmatic “Dark Lady” in Shakespeare’s works, written by the legendary Tom Fontana & playwright Gabrielle Fulton-Ponder for Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios; and a family drama series inspired by the women behind the Bill Pickett Invitation Rodeo, a real-life all-Black rodeo.
Raised in Walt Whitman Public Housing by Bajan immigrants in Brooklyn, NY has inspired Tiffany Yarde to explore culturally diverse characters struggling with self-acceptance.
Tiffany wrote the culturally inclusive TV Movie Dress for Success which recently premiered on Tubi. She also co-wrote the short film Bon Voyage which premiered in NYC as part of the Women's Weekend Film Challenge.
Tiffany was a fellow in the inaugural class of the Creative Corridor Program, a transatlantic industry initiative with Independent Film Trust and Roadmap Writers. Tiffany Yarde graduated from Bryn Mawr College having obtained a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is currently enrolled in David Lynch's MFA in Screenwriting at Maharishi International University and is slated to graduate in the summer of '25.
Speed Mentors - Bios
Kara Barnett is an award-winning Creative Director and documentary filmmaker with 10+ years of experience in broadcast television and tech entertainment. Kara has a track record for impactful content execution with expertise in unscripted development, branded marketing, social content production and strategy. She has worked for major television networks, digital platforms and global streamers such as Apple, Netflix and ViacomCBS.
Barnett has cast and produced eight seasons of America’s Next Top Model and created Promax-winning promotional campaigns for the BET Awards, Lena Waithe, Tracy Oliver and more. After transitioning from broadcast television to tech entertainment, Barnett took on the role of Creative Director at Netflix’s Strong Black Lead. During her tenure, she oversaw a variety of projects, including Jazmine Sullivan’s Unplugged session at Soho House, the makeover series, ‘Get You A Me’ hosted by Sylvia Obell and Scottie Beam, the relationship-focused series, ‘Love That For Us’, and the Webby award winning Black photography series called ‘Strong Black Lens’.
Barnett is currently a Senior Creative at Apple TV+, part of a team that creates static and video designs for various projects on the streaming platform. Some of these projects include the recently released films Flora and Son, The Family Plan starring Mark Wahlberg, and the new original series, The New Look, centered around Christian Dior.
Barnett passionately helms her boutique production agency, Legacy Work LLC. She is committed to creating films that highlight important issues, such as the high mortality rates of Black women during childbirth and the mental health challenges faced by both Black men and women in their family journey. In 2021, she released the documentary "High Risk," which focused on these issues. Currently, Barnett is in pre-production for her next documentary film, but she also takes the time to work with clients and diverse creators to develop and strategize their digital content.
Barnett maintains that her creative North Star is always focused on producing fresh, relevant content that is responsive to the viewership that drives culture and conversation.
After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production from the prestigious New York University, Olivia Charmaine (Morris) Bernardez strategically shaped the entertainment industry as a Development Executive and Executive Producer at TBS, Simpson Street, NBC, her production company Black Monarch Entertainment and beyond. She is currently producing animated feature films under an exclusive Netflix development deal. Her mission is clear: to make global media both empowering and entertaining while championing diversity in storytelling.
Cassandra is a senior-level entertainment executive with two decades of publicity, marketing, and awards strategy experience. Her most recent position was in tech as she was the Head of Talent Relations and Awards at Audible Studios, where she was responsible for developing strategic plans to bring new talent to the audio-first platform Audible for Audible Originals. Before her time at Audible, she served as Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Creative Director at Bron Studios, where she developed and implemented global publicity, promotional, digital, and media strategies for all films and content for the Company. Additionally, she oversees the marketing and production teams responsible for content strategy, research, social media, promotions, media partnerships, experiential marketing, and emerging technology. She previously worked for over a decade as Vice President of National Publicity at Fox Searchlight, where she developed and implemented publicity and promotional plans for their slate of films, including many awards contenders. During her tenure at Fox Searchlight, she worked with some of the most respected directors, including George Tillman (The Hate You Give), Steve McQueen (Widows; 12 Years a Slave), and Simon Curtis (Goodbye Christopher Robin), as well as many others. She also had an excellent track record working on numerous Awards campaigns, including The Shape of Water, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, 12 Years a Slave, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Crazy Heart. Cassandra has been at the forefront of inclusion initiatives and worked with many social media influencers, outlets, festivals, and organizations, including the Congressional Black Caucus, US Conference of Mayors, Essence Festival, NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists), National Urban League, Tyler Perry, TD Jakes, and Michelle Obama. Before working at Fox Searchlight, Cassandra worked as a unit publicist during production and as a publicity consultant for multiple studios, including Fox, Lionsgate, Screen Gems, and Paramount Pictures. Cassandra is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Publicists Guild.
Ashley Calloway is a Manager and Producer at ColorCreative where she represents Actors, Showrunners, Writers, Producers and Directors who represent diverse backgrounds and embody new and unique experiences. Investing in meaningful client partnerships is an essential part of her mission and work as a manager - Ashley works closely with her clients to build and develop their business strategy and brand. Clients include Syreeta Singleton (Showrunner), Lawrence Lamont (Director), Mike Merrill (Actor) and more.
A graduate of Spelman College, Ashley is an experienced professional who has worked in Television (Scripted/Unscripted), Talent (Film/TV), Brand Partnerships and Sales at Creative Artists Agency, Studio71, Google and Delta Airlines. Driven by her love and passion for art and creativity, Ashley is dedicated to advocating for artists and fighting for true diversity and inclusivity within the industry.
Kiana currently serves as a Creative Executive at Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Pictures, utilizing her extensive background in film, television, and marketing degree from Howard University to spotlight radical and rebellious stories rich in cultural nuances that appeal universally. Kiana is fortunate to work for a company whose mission is to create content that both humanizes and centers WOMEN, LGBTQIA+ and PEOPLE OF COLOR.
Before Kiana’s tenure at Wondaland, she was the assistant to Director and Executive Producer Melina Matsoukas. Under Matsoukas she aided in the debut feature film QUEEN AND SLIM as well as the production of HBO’s INSECURE. Kiana also served as the Executive Assistant to the Head of Content at HBO Max. A role in which she championed diverse projects and storytellers, advocating for inclusivity within the studio system.
Kiana is committed to content that centers black, brown, and queer communities, in premium storytelling across genres. She is particularly drawn to the innovative exploration of blending elements of comedy, sci-fi, mystery, noir, and thrillers to craft stories that explore culture in fresh and exciting ways. Kiana is passionate about crafting bold and revolutionary tales with women of color, ensuring that every stage of production is an opportunity for creatives to receive the necessary support to amplify their art and stories.
Candice Wilson Cherry is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, currently serving as Head of Production and Talent Partnerships at Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, where she leads the discovery of bold and original stories, emerging talent, and strategic production partnerships. Wilson Cherry previously served as Head of Film at Hartbeat and prior to that, VP of Acquisitions & Development at Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films, where she oversaw the company’s entire development and acquisitions slate. She brings her extensive knowledge of script development, physical production, post-production, and distribution to Hartbeat’s most influential projects, most recently overseeing production on Hart to Heart and Die Hart, starring Kevin Hart, John Travolta, and Nathalie Emmanuel, as well as one of Netflix’s top ranking comedy specials of 2020, Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given. She also co-founded and oversees Women Write Now — a first-of-its-kind screenwriting fellowship developed by Hartbeat in partnership with the Sundance Institute to champion the next generation of black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production, and exhibition.
Jax Clark is the VP of Development and Production at HOORAE Film & TV. After receiving her BA from Harvard in 2015, Jax started her career in entertainment at United Talent Agency, followed by ColorForce and then New Regency. With experience across film and tv, she joined HOORAE in 2019, working on Insecure Seasons 4 & 5 before being elevated to Creative Executive and later Director of Development. New York-born and Atlanta-bred, Jax is passionate about building community and fostering creative connection through storytelling.
Rosalyn Douglass is a Sr. Manager of Production at Warner Bros. Discovery, responsible for reinforcing the physical production process on a range of HBO and Max series and limited series, including INSECURE, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY, THE LAST OF US and A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW. Prior to joining HBO in 2015, Rosalyn supported teams in the production, development and finance departments at companies such as Tyler Perry Studios, 34th Street Films, Annapurna Pictures and Studio 8.
In an effort to remain active outside of her corporate role, Rosalyn has produced several short films and web series. In addition, for several years, she served as the president of Colour Associates, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides networking opportunities for assistants and coordinators of color in the entertainment industry. She is currently the chair of the Culver City branch of W.O.W., a business resource group for women employed at Warner Bros. Discovery. Rosalyn is an alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Theater. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Stephanie "NöNe" Dunivan is an energetic Essence on-air personality who has years of experience under her belt, from being an official host on the Red Carpet for BET’s Black Girls Rock to interviewing the biggest stars in Hollywood for Essence such as Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mary J Blige and many more. She has delivered words of inspiration as a panelist at this past year’s Essence Hollywood House and hosted a talk on physical health at this year’s Wellness House at Essence Festival of Culture. She was recently featured on GMA3 to talk about the return of the Festival to New Orleans. Not only is she the VP of Video and Branded Content at Essence, she is also the host of Shop Essence Live, a weekly live shopping show on Essence.com & Pinterest dedicated to Black owned brands and their stories which was an answer to many small businesses going under due to the pandemic. Additionally, she is a wife and mom of 2, a professional singer and the co-host of Best Friends with Benefits Podcast.
As an accomplished Television Executive, and advocate for people of color in media, Bree is passionate about creating opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds. With over 20+ years of professional production experience, she has produced over 300 hours of unscripted television, including MTV's Room Raiders, TLC's A Makeover Story, and the award-winning television format Wife Swap. She has also contributed to a number of series during a 10-year run in Production Management for ZodiakMedia's New York office. In 2018, Bree took a leap of faith and moved her family to Los Angeles, CA to begin a new chapter of life. She quickly landed at Matador Content and served as the Executive in Charge of Production, where she managed a robust development slate as well as projects for Disney+, Apple TV+, Crackle, and Showtime. Recently, Bree was at Hello Sunshine (Reese Witherspoon's media company), as their Senior Vice President of Physical Production for Unscripted where she was tapped four years ago to build out physical production services. Bree has served as an executive on Hulu's Fairplay, Roku's Meet Me in Paris, and Apple's My Kind of Country as well as a healthy slate of brand funded projects. In 2023, Bree was the recipient of RealScreens Inaugural Action Award. Bree's passion is to tell exceptional stories and move the television zeitgeist forward while championing diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
Noelle Green is a Sr. Physical Production Executive on the Original Series team at Netflix. She joined the team in December 2021 after being a film production executive on the Netflix Original Film team for 5 years. She worked on films such as The Mother, Extraction 1 & 2, Da 5 Bloods, The Irishman, Bird Box, Ma Rainey’s Blackbottom, The White Tiger and more. She’s currently working on the Shondaland production The Residence and Pete Berg’s series titled American Primeval. She’s an advocate for inclusion and is one of the founders of the current Netflix/Shondaland Producers Inclusion Initiative which is a program designed to place more under represented people in the Line Producer seat. Prior to Netflix, Noelle was a VP in Physical Production at Legendary Pictures and oversaw such projects as Kong: Skull Island, Krampus and early prep on Pacific Rim: Uprising. Noelle worked the majority of her career in freelance as a Production Supervisor or Production Coordinator (42, Need For Speed, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Iron Man 2, Cowboys & Aliens Memoirs of a Geisha, Spiderman 3, Almost Famous, Legally Blonde, The Terminal).
Nazenet Habtezghi (she/her) is a journalist-turned-filmmaker who crafts compelling and thought provoking nonfiction stories. In 2023, she directed Birthing A Nation: The Resistance of Mary Gaffney (Paramount+), a harrowing and beautiful short film that uncovers the story of forced reproduction in the antebellum South and reveals the agency of Mary Gaffney – an enslaved woman who took control of her body and fertility. The film was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and Black Reel Award. She also co-directed the Academy-Award nominated short The ABCs of Book Banning (Paramount+) with documentary legend Sheila Nevins. She’s currently directing/producing American Problems, Trans Solutions (WNET) for TransLash Media, a Black trans-led nonprofit news organization, founded by journalist Imara Jones. The docuseries tells the story of three Black trans community leaders advocating on the frontlines for affordable housing, economic opportunity and support for queer migrants. As a television producer, Nazenet has contributed to numerous highly acclaimed documentaries for Netflix, HBO and PBS. Prior to working in documentary film, she was an editor at Essence Magazine, the premier magazine for African-American women, where she covered a range of topics, from entertainment to social issues. She also launched the publication’s multimedia platform with an interactive web series and executive produced a subsequent TV One special. Based in Brooklyn, she received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma.
Jamie Hernandez’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus her background in production management, led her to the role of Programs Manager, DEI Pipeline Programs at Warner Bros. Discovery. She is super excited to be a part of this extraordinary team, working on the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. In addition to her role in DEI, she also serves as a Board Member for WAVE (Warner Asian Voices Elevated), one of the company’s Business Resource Groups.
Prior to Warner Bros. Discovery, Jamie was at NBCUniversal where she worked in Production & Operations for the Entertainment Content Group. Jamie was part of the team that oversaw all aspects of production management for the networks’ original series & specials, working on some of the buzziest hits including “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”, “Real Housewives of Orange County” and “Real Housewives of New York City”. Jamie started her career donning a polyester uniform as an NBC Page and also served as the Global Advisory Committee Co-Lead for Asian Pacific Americans@NBCUniversal Employee Resource Group, working with the D&I team to implement and execute initiatives and strategies.
In May 2021, Jamie was honored with the Woman of Diversity Award by Comerica Bank and The Los Angeles Lakers (her favorite team). Fun fact: she finds it hard to resist any treats containing ube (purple yam) and enjoys jamming out to BTS.
With over 15 years of marketing experience within the media & entertainment, sports, and technology industries, Tatiana Holifield-Arthur helped the world’s most influential brands thrive in an evolving economy through digital disruption. Throughout her career, Holifield has launched high profile campaigns, scaled global marketing divisions, drove performance of building new audiences, and generated billions of earned and owned revenues. Holifield currently serves as Vice President, Social Content & Growth Marketing for SiriusXM + Pandora, and is the Founder/Head of Future Proof Media, LLC. At SiriusXM and Pandora, she is responsible for reshaping the future of audio by leading a large, high-performing team that drives middle funnel growth via content marketing and paid media. Prior to her current endeavors, Holifield was Head of Brand Social for Hulu/Disney Streaming where she led the streaming giant’s social media accounts to drive earned media and brand awareness. She also served as Vice President/Head of Digital Strategy for Pacers Sports & Entertainment where she was one of the Pacers’ highest-ranking women in leadership. Holifield’s impressive career history also includes leading marketing teams for Viacom’s BET Networks, NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution, SportsNet New York, Gospel Music Channel, Disney Regional Entertainment’s ESPN Zone, Hampton Inn Hotel, Hard Rock Café and Taco Bell. Holifield was selected into NAMIC’s prestigious Executive Leadership Development at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She received her MBA from Metropolitan College of New York and undergraduate degree from Columbia College Chicago. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling the world with her husband and fur-baby, Gizmo.
Krystal C. Johnson is an entertainment attorney and television executive with over a decade of experience in collaborating with creatives to execute their goals and vision. A proud HBCU grad, Krystal started her own law practice in NYC after graduating from N.C. Central School of Law with a joint JD/MBA degree. As a solo practitioner, she built a clientele of creatives and entrepreneurs, providing counsel on transactional and intellectual property matters. Her pragmatic style and solution oriented approach drew the attention of tastemakers and brands alike, as new media platforms and influencer marketing began to rise. Representing influencers and brands, Krystal negotiated and executed campaigns for the likes of Dove, the National Basketball Players’ Association, Walt Disney/Marvel, Sephora, and Shea Moisture- to name a few. This work, along with her growing business, ultimately led to Krystal relocating to Los Angeles. Once in Hollywood, Krystal set her sights on television; joining Discovery Network’s in-house studio in a business and legal affairs capacity. There she gained experience in unscripted television on shows such as "The Little Couple" and "Seeking Sister Wife." Next she turned her focus to scripted television, joining the WarnerMedia (now Warner Brothers Discovery) Business Affairs team, with HBO, Max, and TBS as her primary clients. While on this post she handled business affairs matters for a number of development projects and series- including "The Last OG" and "And Just Like That." Currently, she's a Vice President of Business Affairs for Sony Pictures Television Studio. There she negotiates above-the-line deals and advises on production matters for development and current productions. In her free time she enjoys traveling, creating floral arrangements, and spending time with her loved ones.
Shannan E. Johnson is a former TV executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO + Head Consultant of the first black-owned script consultancy, The Professional Pen. But that's not where her story began.
If YOLO was a person, it’d be Shannan, native of Houston, Tex., and professional quitter. Because Shannan believes that waking up every day with breath in our bodies is an opportunity to do something different, she does.
Before attending film school, Shannan was a College Academic Advisor and the Executive Director of a non-profit for teen girls. She left that behind to chase her reality of working in Hollywood. She slept on couches and floors while she interned and PA’d to learn the ropes before pursuing her MFA in Film, which led her to become a creative executive in development and current programming through the NBCUniversal Entertainment Associates Program. It was there that she honed her skill to guide creatives from pitch to production on Alphas, Being Human, Haven, Sanctuary, and Warehouse 13.
In 2010, Shannan quit her executive job to join the circus. Well, actually to travel to 48 states and more than 19 countries on Broadway National Tours and in dance companies. Credits: (1st National Tours) Amazing Grace; Ghost the Musical; (Regional) Dreamgirls, Sister Act, How to Quit Your Day Job; (Dance Companies) Step Afrika!, Sole Defined.
In 2018, Shannan returned to Los Angeles with every intention of being a creative executive. But because Hollywood is the largest gated community in the world, she was now on the outside of the gate. So when doors didn't open, Shannan went in through the ceiling and opened the first black-owned script consultancy in the entertainment industry.
The Professional Pen develops screenwriters from idea to pitch to build more confident storytellers and prepare them for professional screenwriting careers. As a storytelling expert, Shannan also uses her story as a quitter to inspire students with big dreams in her College Speaker Series.
Giselle is currently the Head of Film at BLACKMALED, Malcolm D. Lee's production banner that is most known for THE BEST MAN Franchise, SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY and GIRLS TRIP.
She most recently served as a development and production executive at the Sony Pictures label - Screen Gems, where she helped oversee the latest horror release THE POPE'S EXORCIST directed by Julius Avery, starring Russell Crowe as well as upcoming horror release, TRUE HAUNTING starring Jamie Campbell Bower and Erin Moriarty. She was also instrumental in ushering in a new wave of comedy and romance development projects for the studio, one of which stars Academy Award winner, Ariana Debose.
Prior to joining Screen Gems, she held positions at Netflix on the Original Studio Film team, where she worked on such films as SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL, DA 5 BLOODS, THE HARDER THEY FALL, and THE CURSE OF BRIDGE HOLLOW.
She began her career at VICE Studios where she assisted on Scott Z. Burns’s directorial debut THE REPORT starring Adam Driver and Annette Bening. She is a Howard University School of Communications’ graduate.
Stacy Milner is an entertainment industry veteran who began her career working as the executive assistant to the chairmen of NBC and Paramount Pictures. She is the Founder and CEO of Executive Temps, a premiere employment agency that has exclusively served the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Her latest venture, the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP), is designed to meet the industry’s need and desire to educate, recruit and develop a culturally and ethnically diverse workforce. This innovative pipeline development program brings some of the world’s leading media, entertainment and communications companies to the campuses of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and other minority serving institutions across the country with the goal of equipping students with the tools needed to successfully navigate careers across all aspects of the entertainment industry. Stacy Milner is a passionate supporter of diversity and inclusion with a strong desire to educate and develop future industry leaders, Stacy devotes her time to training college students, recent graduates and new industry hopefuls on how to successfully enter and thrive inside of what she calls Hollywood’s coveted inner circle. Her passion for training and equipping the next generation is the driving force behind EICOP and its internship program, HBCU in LA. This innovative educational arts workforce development program gives HBCU students and other underrepresented talent the opportunity to gain hands-on real-world work experience working with some of the industry’s top entertainment organizations. Stacy has been recognized and honored among some of Hollywood’s most influential women for this important work by being selected as one of Variety’s 2021 Women of Impact honorees.
Stacy is a visionary, entrepreneur and highly sought-after speaker, career strategist and diversity and inclusion leader in the entertainment and staffing industries.
Rose Catherine Pinkney is a versatile creative executive who has been both a buyer and a seller having worked for networks, studios, and independent production companies. In addition, she has developed and covered content in the scripted and unscripted arenas, as well as movies.
Rose Catherine is currently the Senior Vice President, Scripted Programming and Development at BET/BET+. As head of development and current for the Original Programming Scripted Department, she is charged with developing and overseeing scripted content for the premium streamer, BET+. During her tenure, the network saw its first national reviews for the darkly comedic drama Average Joe starring Deon Cole and its first primetime Emmy nominations for The Ms. Pat Show. Rose Catherine and her team have developed/and or covered a multitude of new projects and returning shows including the Kingdom Business, First Wives Club, Family Business, Black Hamptons, Bigger, Twenties, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The New Edition Story Miniseries, Being Mary Jane and The Comedy Get Down. Pinkney also served as the EVP, Programming & Production at then-nascent TV One. As such, she was charged with formulating the programming philosophy, defining the network's brand, and making all programming decisions. Rose Catherine greenlit TV One's enduring signature series, Unsung, leading the network to nab its first set of NAACP Image Awards. Prior to TV One, Rose Catherine served as SVP & Head of Comedy Development at Paramount Network Television where she managed an A-list roster of overall deals and sold projects across the networks. Stints at TV Land, ABC Network, Laurence Fishburne's Cinema Gypsy Productions, Uptown Entertainment, Twentieth Fox Television and CAA round out her career. Beyond TV, Rose Catherine developed, and co-produced the popular romantic comedy feature Def Jam's How To Be A Player released by Island Pictures/Polygram as well as the Wedding Planner Mystery movie for Hallmark.
Committed to giving back, Rose Catherine serves on the boards of several nonprofits, as a mentor with several organizations and last year she taught a graduate class in the highly coveted Producer’s Program at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. Highly regarded by her peers, this Princeton University graduate and UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA is known for her creative abilities, leadership skills and business acumen.
D’Angela’s career in entertainment is a case study in being undaunted. She is a rare entertainment C-suite level media executive capable of easily transitioning between business and creative. Her 25-year media career spans from being an attorney, entrepreneur, content creator, and distributor to serving as a senior-level network and studio executive.
As the head of Undaunted Content, Proctor has an impressive track record of success, having recently produced and co-directed "The Keyshia Cole Story" for Lifetime, executive produced "The Holiday Stocking" for Hallmark, and "Line Sisters" for Lifetime. Her production company is currently developing numerous projects, including collaborations with Netflix.
Undaunted Content Consulting's impressive list of past and current clients includes Ava DuVernay's Array Filmworks, Hulu, Kendrick Sampson's BLD PWR, Pantheon Business a confidential production company and SPAC.
Before launching Undaunted Content, Proctor was the CEO of Wayfarer Entertainment, a branded content, social impact production company founded by Justin Baldoni. Under D’Angela’s leadership, Wayfarer won over 25 awards and honors for its branded content campaigns, including five Telly Awards.
As an executive, Proctor served as Head of Production & Business Development for Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate Company, and Head of Original Programming & Production, Talent & Casting at TV One. While at Lionsgate, Proctor successfully streamlined Codeblack's development slate and secured a multi-picture deal with a major cable television network for several of the company's legacy projects. At TV One, Proctor transformed the programming strategy and increased the network revenue by 47% over three years, while also boosting ratings performance by 36% in 2015, positioning it as a Top Cable Growth Network among competitors. Proctor oversaw the creative and business affairs of 44 original movies, 50 episodes of scripted comedies, 1000+ hours of news and public affairs programming, 240 hours of true crime & justice programming, 120 hours of reality programming, and a host of other specials and programming initiatives. Her efforts earned TV One seven NAACP Image Awards, a GLAAD Award, NAMIC Vision Awards, and other accolades.
Proctor's career in media began as a co-owner and operator of Strange Fruit Media for over 15 years. During this time, she created, developed, and produced an impressive range of media projects, including music videos, documentaries, feature films, television series, and live music and comedy recordings. Proctor's independent productions went on to achieve success and were acquired by prominent companies such as Lionsgate, Universal, Screen Gems, and Magnolia Pictures. Through Strange Fruit Media’s production overall deal with Black Entertainment Television, Proctor developed and/or executive produced several film and television projects, including "Sunday Best," which earned an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Reality Series, "The Family Crews," and "Vindicated." Later, Proctor created OWN’s first-ever female-centric docu-reality series, “Love in the City.”
Throughout her trailblazing career as a marketing and strategy expert, God-is has served as a marketing executive at Twitter for over 4 years culminating in 2022, where she drove strategy to make sure that campaigns and programs were connective, inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities Twitter served. Prior to joining Twitter in 2018, God-is was Director, Inclusion & Cultural Resonance for VMLY&R. Earlier, she held lead channel strategy roles at VMLY&R, global agency iCrossing, and Austin-based T3.
God-is has been profiled in digital trade publications Adweek, Ad Age, Marie Claire, Forbes, Digiday, Fortune, Campaign US, and The Drum. She was named an Ad Age “Woman to Watch” and Adweek “Disruptor”, listed as #28 on the Root 100 Most Influential African-Americans list, BET’s Top 100 Most Innovative and Influential Business Executives, and by Fortune Magazine on their esteemed 40 Under 40 list of influential people, and in 2023 she was recognized by ColorComm as one of the most influential 28 Black Women in Communications. Also in 2023 she was also recognized by her hometown, the Bronx Tourism Council, and was inducted in the Bronx Walk of Fame for excellence in the field of marketing. In November of 2023 God-is also was chosen to be inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s esteemed AAF Hall of Achievement Class of 2023, a prestigious honor representing an impactful and innovative career in marketing, advertising, and/or media.
In October of 2022 God-is joined The Walt Disney Co. as their first VP, Inclusive Marketing across all Disney streaming platforms. In June of 2023, God-is joined Essence Ventures as their first-ever Chief Content Officer. Leading content strategy and connection with intersectional global audiences across all Essence Ventures brands including; ESSENCE Communications Inc, AFROPUNK, Beautycon and ESSENCE
Dominique Telson is a multiple Emmy nominated producer and Executive Producer of both feature films and television series. In February of 2023 Ms. Telson became the Executive Vice President of Malcolm Lee’s Blackmaled productions where she will lead the company in developing feature films and television series under the company’s three year deal with NBC Universal. In 2022, Dominique Executive Produced alongside creator Malcolm D. Lee and showrunner Dayna Lynne North, The Best Man, The Final Chapters. The eight-episode series is based on the popular films and stars the original cast, Regina Hall, Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard and Melissa DeSousa all reprising their roles. The much-anticipated series premiered on Peacock on December 22,2022 and shattered all existing records for the network. The result, a three -year first look deal with NBC Universal Productions to create on multiple platforms for the studio including feature films, series and unscripted programming. Prior to joining The Best Man series, Ms. Telson produced Sarah Elizabeth Mintz’ film, Good Girl Jane, starring Andie MacDowell which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and won the coveted award for best feature and the best actor award for it’s lead, actress, Rain Spencer. Prior to that, Ms. Telson produced Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day starring Aja Naomi King, Marianne Jean Baptiste and Little Mix’ Leigh Ann Pinnock. The holiday film was released theatrically in the UK through Warner Brothers and released domestically on Amazon Prime.
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ryan pursued her undergraduate studies at Purdue University in Industrial Engineering before obtaining an MBA from Indiana University. As a daughter, sister and devoted friend, she cherishes meaningful connections and thrive on the excitement of international travel. Driven by her faith as a follower of Christ, she wholeheartedly embraces opportunities to serve others. Whether through mentoring, her roles as a Deacon and Missionary, or simply extending a helping hand, Ryan's passion lies in making a positive impact. Outside of her dedication to service, she finds solace in the creative realm. Artistry is where her imaginative spirit is cultivates. Professionally, Ryan leads as the Brand Director for Diet Coke, blending creativity and strategy in the vibrant city of Atlanta.
Raised in Walt Whitman Public Housing by Bajan immigrants in Brooklyn, NY has inspired Tiffany Yarde to explore culturally diverse characters struggling with self-acceptance.
Tiffany wrote the culturally inclusive TV Movie Dress for Success which recently premiered on Tubi. She also co-wrote the short film Bon Voyage which premiered in NYC as part of the Women's Weekend Film Challenge.
Tiffany was a fellow in the inaugural class of the Creative Corridor Program, a transatlantic industry initiative with Independent Film Trust and Roadmap Writers. Tiffany Yarde graduated from Bryn Mawr College having obtained a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is currently enrolled in David Lynch's MFA in Screenwriting at Maharishi International University and is slated to graduate in the summer of '25.
![](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ESHH23_Workboard_converted5-82.png)
FAQ
Hollywood House is an event open to emerging and established individuals within the TV and movie industries, including creators, actors, directors, producers, visual storytellers, agents and behind the scenes professionals. It is a safe space for insightful conversations and networking.
Prohibited Items include:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Animals (except service animals)
- Backpacks, Bags or Purses larger than 10 x 10 x 16
- Balls, Frisbees, or other projectiles
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards or skates
- Firearms, knives, no weapons of any kind, or other items considered dangerous by security or law enforcement personnel (ex: pepper spray, tasers, stun guns, brass knuckles, handcuffs, etc.)
- Fireworks or other incendiary or flammable devices
- Food and Beverages (except those sold by event vendors)
- Glass bottles or containers
- Ice chests and coolers of any size
- Drugs, drug paraphernalia, or illegal substances
- Laser Lights/ Pointers
- Smoking or the use of E-cigarettes, sticks or poles
- Unauthorized literature or promotional giveaways, soliciting, or unlicensed vending of any kind. Any items deemed unsafe or a potential annoyance to staff or guests
Unauthorized professional filming or photography is prohibited during the event.
Hollywood House is free to the public. Registration is required but there is no guaranteed admission to the event. Space is limited and registrants will be admitted on a first come-first served basis. There is no re-entry.
Hollywood House is open to attendees of all ages however, we will be diving into mature topics. Individuals younger than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. A valid ID is required upon entry.
No outside food or drinks are allowed into the Hollywood House venue.
There is no required dress code for Hollywood House. Please dress to ensure your comfort.
Check back here soon for announcements.