HBCU IN ENTERTAINMENT

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: ⁠ / hbcuinla Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

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: ⁠ / hbcuinla Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

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: ⁠ / hbcuinla Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

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: ⁠ / hbcuinla Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2⁠ Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/

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: ⁠ / hbcuinla Apply For An Internship: ⁠https://eicop.org/how-to-apply/⁠ Become A Mentor: ⁠https://etn.eicop.org/v2⁠ Support by Donating:⁠ https://eicop.org/donate/