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, WB Discovery Inclusion Programs

Jamie Hernandez’s passion for inclusion, plus her background in production, led her to the role of Senior Programs Manager, Inclusion Pipeline Programs at Warner Bros. Discovery. In this role, she manages some of the talent development programs to connect talent to WBD’s content and brands. In addition, she serves as the Chair for the Burbank Chapter of WAVE (Warner Asian Voices Elevated), one of the company’s Business Resource Groups. 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). Although she does not have much of a sweet tooth these days, she does savor any treats containing “ube” (purple yam). She also enjoys jamming out to BTS. 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

Nathan Varni

Executive Director of Current Programming, Disney-ABC

Nathan Varni is Executive Director of Current Programming, Disney-ABC Television Group, reporting to Vicki Dummer, Head of ABC Network Current Programming, Walt Disney Television. Mr. Varni oversees all creative and day-to-day management on ABC’s The Conners, Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19 as well as new projects including Rebel and Harlem’s Kitchen. In past seasons, Mr. Varni was the covering executive on Grand Hotel, How to Get Away with Murder, Once Upon A Time, Dr. Ken, Scandal, The Middle, Kevin Probably Saves the World, Roseanne and also oversaw over 2500 episodes of ABC’s long running daytime drama, General Hospital. Mr. Varni joined ABC in November, 2006 as an assistant in programming and development working on comedy and drama series including According to Jim, Samantha Who?, Better off Ted, Cougar Town, Castle, V, 666 Park Avenue and three seasons covering Happy Endings. Prior to joining ABC, Mr. Varni worked in series development at Regency Television (Malcolm in the Middle, The Bernie Mac Show). Prior to his time at Regency TV, Mr. Varni worked in reality series as a story assistant for series such as America’s Next Top Model, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, High School Reunion, For Love or Money and The Next Great Champ. Game show experience includes working on 65 episodes of GSN’s Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck. Mr. Varni served as a production assistant and then Exec Producers assistant on the CBS sitcoms Listen Up and How I Met Your Mother. Mr. Varni earned a bachelor of arts in television production/media management from California State University Northridge. MORE