HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT

Hosted by Stacy Milner

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Latest episode

May 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT, a podcast dedicated to elevating HBCU Stories while highlighting diversity equity and inclusion in the Entertainment Industry. Each week, join your host, Stacy Milner as she ignites solo and guest conversations with some of the world’s leading media, entertainment and communications companies, as well as amazing thought leaders, storytellers, and change agents who are paving the way for HBCU & MSI students. To learn more about EICOP and HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT, visit: https://eicop.org/

Listen to episodes

20 recent

May 10, 2025Episode 1937 min

From Pages to Possibilities: Tyler Fisher’s Journey to Access, Exposure, and Self-Made Opportunity

What does it take to turn hardship into hope, and pain into powerful storytelling?In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tyler Fisher, an LA-based writer, director, and producer whose career journey began not on a soundstage, but in a Charlotte shelter. From homelessness to Hollywood, Tyler’s story is a beautiful tapestry of resilience, faith, and finding purpose through storytelling. With raw honesty and creative grit, he shares how a devastating football injury in high school redirected his path from the field to the page, and how writing became both therapy and a launchpad for self-publishing books, launching a clothing brand, and ultimately found his voice through film.Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ / hbcuinlaApply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

April 25, 2025Episode 1829 min

Pivot with Purpose: How Culture, Curiosity & Confidence Shaped Hannah Powell's Career

How do you pivot with purpose? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hannah Powell, Morgan State University alum and current Executive Assistant to the VP of Social Media at Disney’s National Geographic. From switching majors mid-college to taking a leap of faith into the entertainment world, Hannah’s journey is filled with bold pivots, powerful moments of mentorship, and unwavering belief in God’s timing.She opens up about how her multicultural upbringing, love for music, and experiences in the HBCU IN NY program shaped her perspective, as well as how she turned rejection into redirection, found her voice in rooms that weren’t built for her, and discovered purpose in every twist along the way.Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ / hbcuinlaApply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

March 26, 2025Episode 1728 min

Rance Ward: Grit Will Guide You

What does it take to break into the entertainment industry? In this episode, we sit down with writer, director, and producer Rance Ward to discuss his inspiring journey from a young film lover watching Spike Lee to a staff writer in Hollywood.Rance opens up about his first internships, the impact of HBCU IN LA, and the resilience needed to succeed in a tough industry. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion into a career, this episode is for you!Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ / hbcuinlaApply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

March 7, 2025Episode 1319 min

Kamaya Walker: The Path from Persistence to Production

Kamaya Walker’s journey from HBCU student to Hollywood filmmaker is a powerful story of resilience, passion, and breaking barriers. In this episode we discuss how determination, persistence and networking helped Kamaya land a Production Assistant role on Grown-ish, and why she is now committed to reshaping Hollywood’s approach to Black storytelling and advocating for narratives that celebrate joy, adventure, and diverse experiences. Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ / hbcuinlaApply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2⁠Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

March 1, 2025Episode 1528 min

Jalen Ellis: Redefining Representation in Entertainment

Representation is the key to shifting the entertainment industry, and Jalen Ellis is make sure diverse talent is represented. In this episode, we sit down with Jalen Ellis, a Morehouse graduate who went from growing up on Staten Island to working at The Gersh Agency in Hollywood. Jalen shares how EICOP’s HBCU IN LA program changed the game for him, landing him internships at A24, CAA, and a Spike Lee Fellowship. Tune in as we dive into his career journey, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring professionals looking to break into the entertainment industry.Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ / hbcuinlaApply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2⁠Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

February 21, 2025Episode 723 min

Myles Chandler: From Dreaming Big to DreamWorks Animation

How do you turn your passion for storytelling into a career that inspires? In this episode of HBCU IN Entertainment, we sit down with Myles Chandler, a Morehouse College graduate and Assistant to the Producer & Director at DreamWorks Animation. Myles shares how he dared to dream big, pivoted his career from theater to animation, and found his place in an industry once thought out of reach.Tune in as we discuss the power of mentorship and access, how HBCU IN LA opened doors and built confidence, and why representation behind the scenes matters more than ever.Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ / hbcuinla Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2⁠Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

February 15, 2025Episode 1322 min

From HBCU to Hollywood: Jaylen Wilson’s Rise in Entertainment

From Howard University to breaking into Hollywood with the help of EICOP, Jaylen shares his challenges, triumphs, and the power of mentorship. In this episode, we sit down with Jaylen Wilson, an HBCU graduate and TV Coordinator at John Wells Productions, to discuss his path into the entertainment industry. Tune in to hear how he turned setbacks into opportunities and what he envisions for the future of diversity in entertainment!Here's How We Can Stay Connected:Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/hbcuinla/Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2⁠Become A Donor:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

March 22, 2024Episode 1239 min

Dr. Tonea Stewart: Believe That You Can & Embrace The Truth Of Being

The art of acting involves believing that we can become the characters we see portrayed on screen. But what if we took that same state of being and applied it to our day-to-day lives and how we show up in the world? This week on HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT, we want to introduce you to an acting legend who is shaping the next generation of actors by creating opportunities for diversity in theater, Dr. Tonea Stewart. Dr. Tonea Stewart is a professional actress, play director, national museum exhibit director, tenured Professor, and the former Dean of the College of Visual & Performing Arts at Alabama State University. A native of Greenwood, Mississippi, but living in Montgomery Alabama since 1990, Dr. Stewart is a Jackson State University alum and a National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame inductee whose screen and television credits include: A Time To Kill, The Rosa Parks Story, Mississippi Burning, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," "ER", "Touched by an Angel" and so many more! Connect with Dr. Stewart: Website: http://www.tommietoneastewart.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASUCamp3TandTAPS/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewarttonea/?hl=en Here's How We Can Stay Connected: Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠ Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/hbcuinla/ Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2 ⁠Become A Donor:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

February 29, 2024Episode 1144 min

Kristena Hatcher: Leverage Your Network & Define Your North Star

When it comes to navigating a career in the entertainment industry, it's important to understand your core focus and define your north star! Knowing who you are and what you want out of your career will help you connect with the people who can get you there! This week on HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT, we want to introduce you to my dear friend and partner, who is also a Workforce Development and People Strategist, Kristena Hatcher. With a recruitment and talent acquisition career spanning over 15 years, Kristena Hatcher (originally from Birmingham, AL) has hired business and creative talent for industry-leading entertainment and media companies, including Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and most recently Netflix, where she focused on recruiting for content creative development positions across film and television. Kristena’s passion for providing coaching and workforce development, combined with her impact on the lives of countless individuals she’s shepherded into the entertainment industry, led her to launch her consulting practice, North Star Focus, with a vision to foster increased diversity of perspective at all levels across the entertainment ecosystem, from early career to the executive ranks. Connect with Kristena: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstarfocus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenadeyonhatcher/ Website: https://thenorthstarfocus.com/ Here's How We Can Stay Connected: Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠ Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/hbcuinla/ Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2 ⁠Become A Donor:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

February 9, 2024Episode 1030 min

Scott Budnick: Advocate For The Impact You Desire

Working in the entertainment industry requires the resilience to advocate for impact. From the stories we tell to the staff on production, every aspect of entertainment should usher in diversity, equity, and inclusion. This week on HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT, we want to introduce you to an amazing American film producer who creates impact-driven entertainment, Scott Budnick. Scott Budnick is a film producer, Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) and CEO of 1Community. As the Executive Vice President of Todd Phillips’ Green Hat Films, Budnick produced Old School, Due Date, and the highest-grossing R-rated comedy trilogy in film history, The Hangover, which grossed over $1.4 billion. On top of spearheading some amazing projects, which we’ll talk about today, Scott is also a fierce advocate for social justice and works to attain a fairer judicial system. Connect with Scott: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbudnick1/ Website: https://1community.com/ https://antirecidivism.org/ Here's How We Can Stay Connected: Visit The Website: ⁠https://eicop.org/⁠ Follow Us On Social Media: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/hbcuinla/ Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2 ⁠Become A Donor:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/