Since the inaugural year of the Executive Elevation Mentorship Program in June 2020, our initiative has provided a unique opportunity for emerging executives of color to network, learn from their mentors, and hone their skills.
“After speaking with both of them (Kim Ortiz and Harold Williams) I was really impressed by their awareness and trust to bet on themselves. Both possessed some of the obvious skill sets needed to advance in their chosen field. But I also sensed a fearlessness and curiosity in both as well, something I personally am attracted to as it pertains to making an impact on anything you’re passionate about.”
Terry Washington
The mentees, selected by SeriesFest, have a six-month mentorship and one-on-ones with their mentors who advise on all aspects of their career and help create networking advancement opportunities. In addition, the mentees have regular check-ins with SeriesFest and industry guest speakers to further their industry knowledge and connections.
HOW IT WORKS
Over six months, mentees and mentors meet at least once (virtually) per month for mentors to advise mentees on various aspects of their career – workshop resumes, provide counsel on career choices and help create networking and/or internship opportunities.
Past mentees include Tansu Philip, LeLe Park, Tracy Ip, Driadonna Roland, Chidinma Agbo, Salonica Hunter, and Dajae Gillard.
Submissions for this cycle are closed. Check back soon.
“To use a very British expression, I’m so chuffed to have met all of the great creatives who applied for this mentorship and am excited to work with Corey Wooten, as he makes his way in the beginnings of his career as a Writer/Producer. Corey is very singular in his mission to make shows that inspire awe and push POC storytelling into uncharted territory and has had a singular focus on training himself to those ends. I have been very lucky to have been mentored by some of the very best in the business, and I hope to be able to support Corey in similar ways, to achieve his goals, as they are goals that I share, and that I know are eminently achievable in this brave new world.”
Chiké Okonkwo
Previous Mentors

Diallo Riddle
Emmy-nominated writer, producer, Showrunner (Sherman’s Showcase, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon)




Eric Upshur
Executive Producer, Epic Studio Entertainment

Ming Lee Howell
Unscripted Executive Producer, Marriage or Mortgage on Netflix, CNBC’s Cash Pad)
Need more information? Questions? Ready to go?