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 producers who are setting the standard today.
01
Nkechi Okoro Carroll
All American: Homecoming
Known for: Receiving an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series for the All American episode “Hussle & Motivate.”
02
Leigh Davenport
Run the World
Known for: Creating the Starz series and writing the Netflix film The Perfect Find.
03
Sheila Ducksworth
President, CBS/NAACP production partnership
Known For: Overseeing development of diverse stories.
04
Janice Duncan
A Love Song for Latasha
Known for: Creating firm Derivative Works Inc. to tell stories centering Black life.
05
Adanne Ebo
Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul
Known For: Creating one of Sundance’s must-see films with twin sister Adamma.
06
Gabrielle Glore
Sylvie’s Love
Known for: Serving as Festival Director for Urbanworld Film Festival.
07
Regina Y. Hicks
The Upshaws
Known for: Creating a comedy series for Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company.
08
Janet Jackson
JANET
Known For: Telling her story in a two-part A&E documentary.
09
Queen Latifah
The Equalizer
Known for: Executive producing and starring in the reboot of the 1980s crime drama.
10
Talleah Bridges McMahon
My Name is Pauli Murray, Through Our Eyes
Known for: Award-winning documentaries on major TV networks.
11
Tracy Oliver
Harlem, First Wives Club
Known for: Being the first Black woman screenwriter whose film grossed more than $100 million.
12
Nina Parker
Nightly Pop
Known for: Being an Emmy-nominated talk-show host.
13
Issa Rae
Insecure, Rap Sh*t
Known for: Signing a five-year deal with WarnerMedia following the success of her Emmy-winning HBO series Insecure.
14
Natasha Rothwell
Insecure, The White Lotus
Known for: Inking a multiyear deal with ABC Signature to develop new TV projects via her Big Hattie Productions.
15
Lena Waithe
Twenties, The Chi
Known for: Being the first Black woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. When she’s not writing or producing TV and films (Queen & Slim), Waithe can be seen in front of the camera acting.
16
Shayla Cowan
Chief of Staff, Will Packer Media Known For: Co-executive producing the 2022 Academy Awards.
17
Kerry Washington
Founder, Simpson Street Known For: Executive Producing the upcoming Hulu legal drama Reasonable Doubt.
