#STARTWITH8 Created by and for Women of Color working in entertainment
Women of Color Unite Presents A Networking & Career Development Program

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.

The end goal: no more excuses. By fostering organic relationship building, the indefensible precept “I don’t know any Women of Color to hire,” will never be heard again.

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

As a mentor, you will be connected to eight Womxn of Color professionals in your field. You will meet once in a 1:1 phone or video call with each participant. Every participant is different - get to know them, listen to them, and then formulate a plan that is desirable to them and achievable by you. Take at least one action that will create tangible and lasting change in your mentees' careers. After the 1:1 meeting, it's up to you and your group what shape your mentorship will take - many mentors have gone on to host monthly group meet-ups with their 8 participants.

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 has been postponed until the WGA strike is over.

Until then, mentors can register interest to join our program after the strike:

participants

#Startwith8 2023 has been postponed due to the WGA Strike. We will share updates on the Women of Color Unite Network.

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

If you identify as a Woman or Non-Binary Person of Color aged 18 or over based in the US, UK or Canada, yes you can. We accept those working in all aspects of the entertainment industry except acting/talent. If you are talent or casting director, please join Women of Color Unite to participate in the programs we are organizing specifically for talent.
We have a registration process rather than an application process, because at #Startwith8 we operate on a first come, first served basis. When we open registration, you will fill out a form taking approximately 10-15 minutes, indicating your interests, aspirations, and career goals. Based on your answers, we match you to mentors who we think would be a good fit for you. We do not require work samples or lengthy essays.
There are no fees involved with #Startwith8. We believe that requiring payment for mentorship programs is another gatekeeping tactic.
If you are based in Canada or the UK, you can participate in our sister programs. If you are based elsewhere internationally, we are working to expand into other areas in the future! Please still feel free to join the Women of Color Unite community.
If you appreciate what we are doing, please feel free to tweet about us using the #Startwith8 hashtag or the @startwith8hwood handle. The team behind #Startwith8 are all volunteers - donations are welcome here. Word of mouth is also extremely important, especially as people are fleeing Twitter en masse, and it has become harder for us to recruit new mentors.

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partners

The following partners have kindly provided software in support of #Startwith8

We are seeking partners who will join us in creating real change in the entertainment industry. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us

contact us

we do not accept any unsolicited materials or projects

startwith8@wocunite.com