Diverse Representation, an organization dedicated to increasing the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, publicists and financial advisors who work in the sports and entertainment industries, hosted its inaugural Diverse Representation Week on August 7-11, in Los Angeles, California.
Diverse Representation Week consisted of panels, networking opportunities, activations and workshops for Black professionals and creatives in the entertainment industry. Also, the inaugural Comedy Showcase at the Hollywood Improv was held. The showcase featured 10 Black, up-and-coming comedians who performed before agents, managers, and executives.
Speakers during Diverse Representation Week included James Swoope, talent manager with M88; Justin Riley, vice president of Operations and Business Development at Hillman Grad; Trish Lindo, creator manager at LinkedIn; Lindsay Colas, executive vice president of Talent and the Collective at Wasserman; and more.
Some of the program highlights were “Coffee with an Entertainment Attorney” where Black students interested in entertainment law met practicing entertainment attorneys. “Launch Talks at Lunch: Exploring Creative Careers at NBCU” brought together NBCU execs and creative professionals to highlight opportunities in scripted, unscripted, marketing, and more.
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“Wasserman Presents: Where are the Women and People of Color Agents Panel” featured Wasserman agents discussing the inclusion gaps in athlete representation and the growth areas for women and people of color to not only represent athletes, but also build their own rosters of talent and agencies.
“The work Jaia Thomas and her team do with Diverse Representation as an organization dedicated to shedding light on Black reps is refreshing and honorable. We must champion our leaders for pouring into our lives. They’re doing the actual work in and for our community,” said Swoope.
“While we offer resources and events throughout the year, Diverse Representation Week offered attendees close to a year’s worth of education and programming over the course of just four intensive days,” said Jaia Thomas, Esq., founder and chief executive officer of Diverse Representation.
“The WGA strikes, SAG strikes and recent mass exodus of DEI leaders have created an air of uncertainty for Black creatives and professionals in the entertainment industry. Our goal with Diverse Representation Week was to be a reprieve from this uncertainty and give Black creatives and professionals an opportunity to learn, network, and grow. There is something for everyone during Diverse Representation Week.”
To learn more, visit: www.diverserepresentation.com.
