Hollywood is experiencing a powerful shift, and at the center of it are Black women who are shaping the industry in front of and behind the camera. Their influence is undeniable. From telling authentic stories to leading billion-dollar projects, they are expanding the possibilities of what success looks like in entertainment.

Issa Rae has carved out space for authentic, relatable storytelling with Insecure and her ventures into film, music, and production. Niecy Nash-Betts continues to showcase her versatility, winning critical acclaim across comedy and drama while championing representation. Ava DuVernay has transformed how stories are told, directing projects that highlight truth, justice, and overlooked perspectives. Meanwhile, executives like Channing Dungey (Warner Bros. Television Group) and Tina Perry (BET Media Group) are steering the direction of television itself, opening doors for diverse creators and audiences.

These trailblazers aren’t just succeeding individually — they are building frameworks that uplift entire communities, making sure the next generation of Black women in Hollywood doesn’t just have a seat at the table but the power to redesign it.

PEARLENA IGBOKWE

Pearlena Igbokwe is Chairman ofTelevision Studios at NBC Entertainment & Peacock Scripted, overseeing NBC, Peacock originals, and Universal Studio Group’s global slate. She has led hits like Saturday Night Live, The Voice, Law & Order, This Is Us, and Dexter, making her one of the most powerful executives in television.

ALANA MAYO

Alana Mayo is President of Orion Pictures, a division of MGM Studios, where she oversees the studio’s film slate with a focus on inclusive, culturally resonant storytelling. Since taking the helm in 2020, she has championed projects that elevate underrepresented voices, building on a career that includes leadership roles at Paramount, Fox Searchlight, and Vimeo, where she worked on acclaimed films such as The Big Short, Selma, and The Tree of Life.

TARA DUNCAN

Tara Duncan President of Onyx Collective and Freeform, is a trailblazing executive recognized in 2022’s Wonder Women of Los Angeles for championing diverse storytelling and leading hit projects across television and streaming.

NICOLE BROWN

Nicole Brown President of TriStar Pictures, oversees a dynamic slate of films known for championing bold voices and distinctive storytelling, including acclaimed projects like The Woman King and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

CHANNING DUNGEY

Channing Dungey is Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group and, starting January 2025, also leads Warner Bros. Discovery’s US Networks. She is the first woman and first Black executive to run WBTVG. Her leadership spans top series like Ted Lasso, Abbott Elementary, and Rick and Morty. Formerly with Netflix and ABC, she helped launch Bridgerton, Scandal, and The Good Doctor. A UCLA graduate, she’s widely recognized for her impact on the industry through awards and leadership roles.

TINA PERRY

Tina Perry President of OWN Networks, leads the network’s programming, strategy, and operations, overseeing hit shows like Queen Sugar, Ready to Love, and the Love & Marriage franchise while amplifying diverse voices in television. A seasoned entertainment executive with a proven track record in television and film production. With extensive experience in developing and overseeing successful content, she has contributed to multiple award-winning projects. She is committed to mentoring emerging talent and advocating for greater representation within the entertainment industry.

MICHELLE SNEED

Michelle Sneed is a veteran TV and film executive with over 17 years of experience. Known for her leadership and expertise in both scripted and unscripted content, she founded A Few Good Women Productions, a boutique studio focused on creating opportunities for diverse creatives in executive roles. The company champions meaningful, inclusive storytelling, producing scripted series and films that highlight dynamic, complex characters from diverse backgrounds, aiming to provide equity and ownership for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.

VANESSA MORRISON

Vanessa Morrison, President of Streaming at Walt Disney Studios since 2020, oversees Disney+ film projects drawing on Disney and 20th Century IP. Formerly President of Fox Family and Twentieth Century Fox Animation, she shepherded hits like Ferdinand (Oscar nominee), The Peanuts Movie, Ice Age films ($3.2B+ worldwide), The Book of Life, Rio 2, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. A UC Berkeley and UCLA alum, she serves on the WIF Board, UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Board, and Women in Animation.

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