Just a few short years ago, the entertainment industry was stifling creatives of color. Now, Black women in powerful positions—from directors’ chairs to C-suites—are presenting fresh narratives and taking their rightful place in the field. As Hollywood catches up to our expertise, we’re showing the world who we really are.
Meet the writers, hair stylists, costume designers, and all around creatives who are setting the standard today.
01
Ashley Nicole Black
Writer, Producer
Known For: Writing and acting in A Black Lady Sketch Show and serving as a writer and producer on the second season of Ted Lasso.
02
Ruth E. Carter
Costume Designer
Known for: Being the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
03
Michelle R. Cole
Costume Designer
Known for: Receiving eight Emmy nominations for costume design over the span of her 30-year career.
04
Leah Daniels-Butler
Casting Director
Known for: Casting such projects as All American, Empire, The Perfect Find and On the Come Up.
05
Obehi Janice
Writer
Known For: Her play Ole White Sugah Daddy is currently being developed into a series with Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions.
06
Mia Neal
Hairstylist
Known for: Becoming the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, along with Jamika Wilson. They won for their collective work on Ma’ Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring Viola Davis.
07
Stacy Osei-Kuffour
Writer
Known for: Being tapped to write Marvel’s Blade.
08
Marci Rodgers
Costume Designer
Known for: Earning a Costume Designers Guild Award Nomination for Excellence in Period Film for BlacKkKlansman.
09
Jamika Wilson
Hairstylist
Known for: Becoming one of the first Black women, along with Mia Neal, to take home an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
10
Sharen Davis
Costume Designer Known For: Receiving the Excellence in Sci-Fi / Fantasy Television award for ‘Westworld’ at the 21st Costume Designers Guild Awards.
11
Araxi Lindsey
Hairstylist Known For: Winning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling on Black-ish.
