Career Panel: Discover Black Heritage

Last month, the Reel Works community partnered with the Black Employee Network of NBCUniversal to host an incredible Career Panel featuring four inspiring Black industry professionals. The event was attended by a diverse group of people, all eager to hear about the journeys of Sakeena Irish, Ryan Jones, Seth Saint Pierre, and Raelyn Johnson.

The evening kicked off with a Career Panel Playlist curated by our youth ambassadors, which set the tone for an engaging and lively conversation. Siobhan Cavanagh, from our MediaMKRS Career Exploration team, then introduced the event and our Youth Ambassador moderators, Miyana Holden and Chelsea Marius, who did an outstanding job facilitating the discussion.

Throughout the evening, attendees were treated to insightful and thought-provoking conversations about the experiences of Black creatives in the media industry. The panelists spoke candidly about their personal and professional journeys, and provided attendees with practical advice on how to succeed in the industry.

One of the standout moments of the event was when the panelists shared their personal experiences of navigating the industry as Black creatives. They spoke about the challenges they faced, as well as the opportunities that arose from their unique perspectives. Attendees were inspired by their stories and left the event feeling more motivated and empowered.

The moderators asked a series of carefully curated questions that allowed the panelists to showcase their expertise and provide valuable insights. After the first two rounds of questions, the moderators opened up the floor for audience questions. Attendees asked thoughtful questions that allowed for a deeper dive into the topics covered during the event.

The atmosphere on the Zoom was electric, with attendees fully engaged and actively participating in the discussion. The panelists and moderators were equally enthusiastic, creating a vibrant and dynamic energy throughout the event.

As the evening drew to a close, the panelists generously provided which social media platforms attendees could connect with them on. It was evident that the event had created a strong sense of community, with attendees feeling connected and inspired by the stories and experiences shared.

In summary, the Career Panel was a tremendous success, thanks in large part to the Black Employee Network of NBCUniversal and the incredible panelists who shared their stories and insights. Attendees left feeling motivated, inspired, and empowered, with valuable insights and practical advice to help them succeed in their own creative endeavors.

This blog post was written by Zakiya Muhammad, Career Exploration Program Coordinator.