April Chang

Rideback RISE

April S. Chang is the Manager of Creative and Talent Development at Rideback RISE, the non-profit content and creator accelerator founded by Dan Lin. In her role, she oversees the curation and support of more than 200 artists a year and leads the development of year-long programming dedicated to championing mid-career, voice-driven storytellers developing projects across both film and television. April is a steadfast producer originally from Atlanta, GA. With roots in music videos and experience spanning both independent and studio filmmaking, she thrives at the intersection of film, music, and art-where creative vulnerability and collaboration meets emotional resonance. She served as an Associate Producer on THE BIKERIDERS, starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and received its theatrical release in 2024. Prior to that, she worked on Michael Shannon's directorial debut, ERIC LARUE, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Her short-form work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, BFI London, and Fantasia, among others. When she's not doing film things, you can often find her surfing or holed up with her cats playing video games. MORE

Daniel Plagens

Humanitas

As Humanitas’s Program Manager, Daniel oversees the Humanitas Prizes, New Voices Fellowship, College Screenwriting Awards, and the Groceries for Writers project while also handling other day-to-day administrative matters. He came to Humanitas after working for several years in the unscripted television and documentary worlds, and is a writer himself. He was recently a semifinalist for Filmmatic's Inroads Fellowship, and he was named to the University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition’s Blue List in 2020, a compilation of the school’s up-and-coming screenwriting alumni. MORE

Jamie Hernandez

Sr. Manager, Warner Bros. Discovery Inclusion Programs

Jamie Hernandez’s passion for inclusion, plus her background in production, led her to the role of Sr. Programs Manager, Inclusion Pipeline Programs at Warner Bros. Discovery. In this role, she manages some of the talent development programs to connect emerging talent to WBD’s content and brands. Prior to Warner Bros. Discovery, Jamie was at NBCUniversal where she worked in Production & Operations for the Entertainment Content Group. Jamie was part of the team that oversaw all aspects of production management for NBCU networks’ original series & specials and also served as the Global Advisory Committee Co-Lead for Asian Pacific Americans @NBCUniversal Employee Resource Group. She started her career by donning a polyester uniform as an NBC Page. In May 2021, Jamie was honored with the Woman of Diversity Award by Comerica Bank and The Los Angeles Lakers (her favorite team). She also enjoys coffee (perhaps a little too much) and jamming out to BTS. MORE

Joshua Walker

Paramount

Joshua Walker is the Vice President of Content Engagement, Partnerships & Strategy at Paramount, where he works at the intersection of entertainment, culture, and impact. In this role, he oversees Paramount’s pipeline initiatives, including the Writers Mentoring Program and Directing Initiative, driving efforts to identify, develop, and integrate the next generation of creative talent into the Paramount ecosystem. He also leads initiatives that connect productions with communities, cultivate emerging talent, and build strategic partnerships that strengthen the storytelling ecosystem both on and off screen. Outside of his studio work, Joshua is also a creator. As an actor, writer, director, and host, he develops projects that explore identity, community, and the human experience. His work often blends travel, nature, and personal storytelling, reflecting a broader interest in how place, culture, and lived experience influence the stories we tell. MORE

Liz Kelly

Disney

Liz Kelly is Director of Creative Talent Development and Inclusion at Disney Entertainment Television. In this role, she works with the network and studio to staff writers and directors across ABC, ABC Signature, Freeform, Disney Channel, 20th TV, FX, Nat Geo, Disney+ and Hulu’s scripted television shows. She runs the industry-leading Disney Writing Program and Disney Directing Program. She has staffed talent on THE ROOKIE, HIGH POTENTIAL, 9-1-1 franchise, WILL TRENT, SHIFTING GEARS, TELL ME LIES, NOBODY WANTS THIS, DELI BOYS, and many more through the years. Prior to Disney, Kelly worked for 6 years at Fox, most recently as Associate Director of Production and Development Labs – Film and TV, for 21CF Global Inclusion. Kelly staffed writers and directors on FOX's scripted television shows, including THE GIFTED, THE COOL KIDS, LUCIFER, LAST MAN ON EARTH, THE EXORCIST, THE RESIDENT, and LETHAL WEAPON, among others. She managed the Fox Writers Lab, Fox Directors Lab, Fox DP Lab, and Fox Filmmakers Lab, tracked and maintained network diversity statistics regarding on-air and behind-the-camera creative talent, and managed the department’s partnerships and sponsorships with non- profits and film and TV festivals. Kelly has been a judge, script reader, or panelist for numerous film and TV festivals across the country, including the Tribeca Film Festival, New York Television Festival, Austin Film Festival, ATX Television Festival, SeriesFest Denver, CAAMFest San Francisco, San Diego Latino Film Festival, NALIP Media Summit, LA Skins Fest, Outfest, BlackStar Philadelphia Film Festival, and Humanitas New Voices. In 2017, she was invited to be part of Creative Artists Agency’s “Amplify: Next Gen” group of up-and- coming entertainment artists, agents, and executives. Liz is a member of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society. She has a BA from UCLA and is a graduate of UCLA School of Theater Film and Television’s graduate-level Professional Program in Screenwriting. MORE

Maikiko James

Deputy Director, Women In Film

Maikiko James is Deputy Director of Women In Film (WIF), overseeing programs including Fellowships, Emerging Careers, and the WIF/Black List Episodic Lab, select Member and Public programs, and advising on strategic partnerships and advocacy work. She previously produced impact campaigns with Active Voice, including those for Food Inc., Welcome to Shelbyville, Gideon’s Army, and Kids for Cash, and was a Special Project Advisor on the WIF-supported documentary Seeking Asian Female. MORE

Michael Svoboda

Hillman Grad

Michael Svoboda has been the director of the writing track for Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab since its inception in 2020. The Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab provides opportunities for marginalized storytellers to connect, grow, and accelerate their career in television. Michael has also worked various positions on TV shows while making his way to Staff Writer. He's made numerous short films and developed television shows with major production companies. He is a proud member of the WGA. He has also been teaching screenwriting at the University of Nebraska since 2018. MORE

Moira Griffin

Fox

Moira Griffin is a producer and strategist based in Los Angeles for New Bumper and Paint Productions in partnership with writer/director Marshall Tyler. Moira oversees the Fox Writers Incubator. Previously, Moira was the Executive Director of Production & Creative Labs for 21st Century Fox and the Head of Diversity Initiatives at the Sundance Institute. She also created the Ethiopian Film Initiative for the IEFTA, a program that has expanded throughout the MENA region and is a founder of the acclaimed Rooftop Films series in New York City. Moira is a Film Independent Alum and Blackhouse Producing Fellow. Her recent award-winning projects include Slow Pulse (CBS/BET), Cap (HBO), Night Shift (Sundance) Exec Produced by Viola Davis & Julius Tennon (Juvee Productions), and Landline (HULU). Her projects have premiered at festivals including Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, ABFF, and the Tribeca Film Festival. NBP is currently developing projects across all genres including the documentary, The Prince of Seventh Avenue: The Legend of WilliWear/Willi Smith (Vogue Studios/Conde Nast) and the narrative film Fever Dream. In addition, she is producing the PBS documentary The Inquisitor about the life of Barbara Jordan directed by Angela Tucker, through her company Alice’s Plan. MORE