about the #startwith8™ program
In an industry that hides behind the myth of “meritocracy” but in reality functions on personal connections, the #Startwith8™ initiative connects entertainment professionals each with 8 Women (and non-binary people) of Color working in the business. Together, they formulate a plan of action based on what each participant desires and what is achievable by the mentor to create tangible progress in the participant’s career.
a movement, sparked
We recognize that we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors; we recognize that this movement would not have happened without the COVID-19 pandemic, or the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the rebellion that followed.
In 2020, Cheryl L. Bedford, founder of Women of Color Unite (WOCU) and creator of The JTC List, wanted to morph a Twitter idea, #StartWith8, into a fully fledged networking & career development program. Together with co-founder Manon de Reeper, she was able to shape the program into what it is today, devising intake forms and coming up with a matching system to make ideal matches between mentors and our participants.
Women of Color Unite is a social action organization focusing on fair access, fair treatment and fair pay for Women of Color in all aspects of the entertainment and media industries.
moving the needle
#Startwith8™ Hollywood Edition’s first cycle wrapped up by the end of July 2020. Our team connected nearly 300 Women of Color working in the entertainment industry, at different stages of their careers, to established industry mentors. Each mentor was matched to eight participants, and each participant was matched to two mentors. New friendships were forged, referrals were made, advice was freely shared… We knew we are on to something special.
Now, in 2023, after completing four cycles not just in the US, but in the UK and Canada as well, we have matched close to 1700 Women of Color to nearly 550 mentors, for a total of almost 4000 meetings.
Now more than ever is it vital to continue our efforts: as interest in diversity, equity and inclusion is waning after the Black Lives Matter movement and a backlash is happening in full force, we continue to host #Startwith8 on an annual basis, launching each Juneteenth (June 19th).
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be a mentor
If you are interested in passing on your knowledge and help open doors for Womxn of Color, and help make the industry a more diverse and equitable place for everyone, please apply to be a mentor below.
#Startwith8 is currently seeking mentors for its 2024 cycle!
Please register below!
participants
To stay in the loop, join Women of Color Unite, and enjoy our community and exclusive opportunities. WOCU members get first access to future cycles. Membership is free, and participation in the #Startwith8 program is completely free as well.
faqs
testimonials
My meetings with #StartWith8 mentors, Sheryl J. Anderson (Sweet Magnolias) and Megan Fleming (The Safran Company) have truly been bright spots in my life. They’re not only solid human beings who were legitimately curious about my life and work (as I was about theirs), but they’re both laser-focused on making a difference in the industry… and holy cow do we ever need that.
I can’t say enough about the #Startwith8 initiative. Through them, I was able to meet with Monkeypaw Productions, something I’ve only dreamed about until now. This program is a real game changer that establishes authentic relationships and networking opportunities for women of color. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Pamela Ribon wanted to learn about me, so she could support my work. She then gave me insight & advice I could apply to my unique life experience & goals. Pamela actually wants to lift others up. She’s an A+ mentor. I’m so grateful to WOCU for #Startwith8
My mentor (a co-showrunner) and I went through my pilot scene by scene. He suggested what to do with each storyline. Not only did I gain wisdom from his suggestions, I also learned valuable screenwriting lessons from the experience itself.
#Startwith8 is a truly remarkable initiative. These mentor meetings are empowering hundreds of women of color to produce our stories as we share our voices, goals and dreams with Hollywood’s gatekeepers who are truly interested in expanding the narratives produced by the industry. This movement to produce and distribute new stories by and for people of color can ignite positive changes in Hollywood, which will ultimately improve the way people of color are perceived and accepted around the world.
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