Hollywood Mentorship Program Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Young Women

A top Hollywood mentorship initiative just marked a major milestone. The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program celebrated its 15th anniversary this week. The event honored both new participants and recent graduates in Los Angeles.

The program partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. Its goal is to connect female high school students with powerful industry executives. This long-term support helps open doors in the competitive entertainment field.

Building Lasting Careers and Personal Bonds

The program’s impact is measured in changed lives and launched careers. For example, a former mentee named Paola Franco is now a Netflix executive. She was mentored by former Amazon Studio head Jennifer Salke.

Franco credits the program with revealing a world of opportunity. She attended meetings and set visits alongside her mentor. This firsthand experience was transformative for her career path.

Another mentee, Katherine Haro, gained crucial confidence from her mentor. She learned to advocate for herself in professional settings. These relationships often extend far beyond the official one-year pairing.

A Proven Model for Industry Access and Inclusion

The initiative addresses a key barrier to entry: access. Many participants have no prior connections to the entertainment industry. Mentors provide a vital bridge, offering both guidance and practical networking.

According to leaders at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the program shows diverse career paths. Young women discover roles in law, marketing, and production within entertainment. Mentors often help secure interviews in a tough job market.

The benefits are mutual. Mentors frequently describe the experience as profoundly rewarding. They gain fresh perspective and the satisfaction of guiding the next generation.

The Hollywood mentorship program continues to be a powerful engine for change. It demonstrates how structured guidance can unlock potential. This initiative remains a vital pipeline for new talent in entertainment.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program?

It is a 15-year-old initiative by The Hollywood Reporter. It pairs female high school students from under-resourced schools with top female executives in entertainment. The goal is to provide guidance and career access.

How long does the mentorship last?

The formal program commitment lasts for one year. However, many of the relationships between mentors and mentees continue for much longer, often evolving into lifelong professional connections and friendships.

Who can participate as a mentee?

Participants are young women from partner high schools across Los Angeles. They are typically juniors or seniors with an interest in exploring careers within the vast entertainment industry, even if they have no prior connections to it.

What do mentees gain from the program?

Mentees gain real-world exposure, including office tours and set visits. They receive direct career advice and help with college applications. Most importantly, they build a supportive relationship with an experienced professional.

Why is this program considered successful?

Its success is evident in its longevity and alumni outcomes. Many former mentees now hold significant positions at companies like Netflix and major studios, crediting the program for their start and ongoing confidence.

Which organizations support the program?

The program is run in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. These organizations help with structure, recruitment, and support services for all participants.