MediaMKRS Advisory Council Meeting

Last month, employers, educators and industry leaders gathered virtually for our last MediaMKRS Advisory Council meeting for 2021. Hosted in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, the theme of the meeting was “Creating Job Access through Collaboration.” 

“This program, like others that our agency supports, aims to increase access and inclusion in New York’s growing industry so that young people from every corner of the 5 boroughs can get in on the action and benefit from the success of growing creative industries,” said Alia Jones-Harvey, Director of Education and Workforce Development, MOME.   

Alia Jones-Harvey, Director of Education and Workforce Development, MOME.

The meeting featured MediaMKRS program graduates Rabia Minhas, Tenia Hardy, Natalie Evans and Hope Obi, who shared how partnerships between Reel Works and employers have created opportunities for them to launch their careers in media.

“Right after I graduated from the training program I went to a networking session with the Post New York Alliance, and in that session I met Jennifer Lane. I got in contact with her and I sent her my resume. She passed along the resume and that’s what landed me my job now. I’ve been working on The Sinner since April,” Hope explained.

The meeting featured a panelist of program participants including Tenia Hardy, Hope Obi and Natalie Evans. Tenia Hardy, a Reel Works alumnus, is currently working for BET as a part of the ViacomCBS Content for Change Academy. This talent program was launched in collaboration with Reel Works to create access into the entertainment industry for individuals who have been historically excluded from it. Hope Obi, graduate of the MediaMKRS Career Exploration program, landed a position in the ViacomCBS Page Program after her resume was directly shared with a recruiter. Jigsaw Productions joined Reel Works in launching the Career Accelerator program, which provides mentorship to early-career professionals interested in the documentary field. Natalie Evans is pursuing the producing track.

Natalie Evans, MediaMKRS Participant, Jigsaw Career Accelerator

“With Jigsaw it’s given me the opportunity to jump right into things. I’m shadowing the Senior Creative Executive, Evan Lerner,” said Natalie who wanted to leave waitressing behind to go back into the field she studied in school.  

During the meeting, stakeholders got to share best practices around collaboration in breakout rooms. At Reel Works, we welcome any interested companies to consider partnering with us to create equitable solutions for early career professionals to gain access to careers in the media industry.

Thank you to our Advisory Council Members!