Group Effort Initiative

Changing careers and changing futures

Through the success of its pilot year, Group Effort has fundamentally changed not only how our participants approach their career opportunities, but how they see themselves and their futures.

AJ Helman
Trainee on "Spirited"

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AJ Helman was selected as a Boston trainee for production on the movie musical, “Spirited.” Though they had prior experience on student films in college, this was their first professional set. Initially, AJ secured an office role in Set Decoration, but GEI helped in getting them transferred to an on-set position that aligned better with their long-term goals of being a director. In their new role, AJ worked as a Set PA in the AD department, mostly working with sound, first team, and second team to relay information as necessary. AJ’s background in musical theater made this opportunity even more exciting for them, as they had the privilege of watching and learning from Broadway songwriters and actors. After filming wrapped, AJ was offered a full-time position at a local theater, and they are also a day player for other feature films currently filming in the Boston area. GEI gave them the connections, confidence, and growth they needed to jumpstart their career in the entertainment industry.
Alexa de la Peña
Casting Coordinator

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Alexis Urbina
Intern at Curate Literary Management

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Alexis Urbina is a 20-year-old Latino college student with a passion for filmmaking both in the creative and business sense. He got a placement at Curate Literary Management Firm as an intern. As an aspiring actor, Alexis has benefited greatly from internship opportunities provided by GEI that not only helped him meet inspiring people within the industry but also gained knowledge as to what it's really like to be behind the scenes of creative projects. De-mystifying the world of filmmaking has been a critical experience for Alexis in gaining even more motivation to pursue a career in entertainment.
Aline Lino
Post Production assistant at Amazon MGM

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Aline Lino is a filmmaker and film editor originally from Brazil. She was referred to GEI through Glendale Community College and attended the Annual Bootcamp where she met with folks from one of GEI’s company partners, Narrator Inc. Aline was able to talk about her career aspirations with them and eventually was brought a few weeks later for an interview. From there, she was hired part-time as an intern. This opportunity allowed Aline to work with and learn from active editors and producers. After a few months in her position, alongside completing her college degree, Aline now works full-time as an Assistant Editor at Narrator Inc.
Amir Malekpour
Academy Gold Alumni

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Between pulling himself out of homelessness amid his education, to their struggles with maintaining their mental health throughout the pandemic, the weight of the noise in Amir Malekpour’s life left little in terms of making stability easier. Especially as a first-generation Iranian-American, let alone filmmaker and artist, sitting in the shadow of cultural expectations of success as an Iranian, without the privilege of wealth that most Iranian-American’s here are afforded. But the opportunities he’s been blessed with through Group Effort Initiative, from interning for Anonymous Content, Somesuch, ABC's How to Get Away with Murder, 44Blue, and Ovrture to being an Office Production Assistant for RadicalMedia and a Production Track Gold Intern for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has made what he once wrote off as a childhood pipedream, a warm reality.
Anastasia Gavriukhova
Project Runway

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Andrew Oh
Production Assistant at 20th Television Animation

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Andrew Oh is a Korean American filmmaker and editor born and raised in Los Angeles. He is deeply rooted in telling authentic stories about Asian American identity and community. He joined Group Effort Initiative (GEI) in 2021, and since then he has been a production assistant for HBOMax and Hulu. This past summer, he explored his love of editing as a Post Production intern for Blumhouse Productions. This summer, Andrew will be interning at DreamWorks Animation and participating in the Academy's Gold Rising program. GEI has been a huge and essential part of Andrew’s filmmaking history, and he hopes to continue his post production journey after he graduates from Williams College in 2025.
Angel I. Salinas
Post Production Assistant on Fox/Hulu “The Orville” Season 3

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Angel I. Salinas is a first-generation, Chicano filmmaker from Southeast Los Angeles with a B.A. in Media Theory and Criticism. Through Group Effort Initiative, Salinas landed internships at companies like Wise Entertainment, Rideback, and WME and was also one of five GEI participants selected to attend the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Recently, Salinas was placed in the 2020-2021 Disney PA Program through GEI, where he ended up being hired as a Post Production Assistant on Season 3 of Fox/Hulu’s “The Orville”. His short term career goals are to be hired as support staff in a writer’s room, or be staffed and writing episodes of television alongside his writing partner, Sarah Neal Aviles. His long term career goals are showrunning his own shows, writing and directing feature films, and traveling the world.
Angel Tagadtad
Creative Producer & Recording Artist

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Angelica Tagadtad, professionally known as Majarlica, is a Filipina-Canadian creative producer, researcher, and recording artist working across music, film, and storytelling. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and worked as a Director’s Shadow on AMC Networks’ Interview with the Vampire in 2025, gaining hands-on experience in the creative and operational process of directing for television. In 2026, she signed with StarPop, the music label of ABS-CBN Music, one of the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment companies, as a recording artist and continues to develop work across music and film. She is also a member of WIFT+ Toronto, further building her career within the screen industries.
Angelica Placido
Set Dresser

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Angelica Placido is a Set Dresser with the I.A.T.S.E. Local 44 Union. She graduated with a B.A. in Entertainment Industry Studies at Belmont University in Nashville, TN before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film production. She started as a special effects technician, working for several years as a mold maker and fabricator in various shops around LA. Angelica joined GEI in 2020 and worked as a Production Assistant in the Art department on the Netflix series, The Woman In The House, and as a Set Dec Production Assistant on the Netflix film, You People. Through the work relationships she built while on these projects, Angelica was able to secure a union position as a Set Dresser with the Local 44 Union. Angelica is extremely grateful to GEI for providing the opportunities to grow and develop a career, and hopes to support and encourage others in pursuing their dreams in production.
Anu Bamidele
Executive Assistant at Foolscap

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Anu Bamidele is a proud Nigerian-American writer, actress, and practiced daydreamer. She’s currently focused on working as a PA in as many different departments, but her ultimate goal is to tell stories that explore identity. Thanks to Group Effort she was most recently able to work as a PA in the Visual Effects department, on a Netflix feature titled “Back in Action”. Anu would like to thank her on-set team for their willingness to teach her, and Group Effort for helping grant young artists meaningful opportunities such as this.
Brian Pham
Development Associate on Blink49's Global Formats team

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Brian Pham is a Los Angeles SFV native whose creative gusto drives his passion for the entertainment industry. Locking arms with GEI in 2021 to find an internship for college credit and real-life industry experience led him to Done+Dusted, a production company specializing in Live Television. Along with an extended stay, he was also given an opportunity to work in a team of six other GEI participants to write and produce an animation for Governor Newsom's Cradle to Career Initiative. Maintaining Done+Dusted, the animation, and his last semester of skill taught him the power of boundaries and opened his eyes to what he is truly capable of. After completing a degree in Emerging Media and Gender Women's Studies at California State University, Northridge in December 2021, he asked for a full-time position utilizing his unique skill set of creative conceptualization and was offered a Development Assistant role. Brian now contributes to the exciting expansion of D+D content from Live Television to series.
Candice Griego
Wardrobe Department at Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

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Candice Griego was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved the movies and the entertainment business. Finding the opportunity to work on her first major motion picture, “Bullet Train”, was a dream come true. Her favorite moments were working on the Sony lot, being on set, and meeting so many amazing people. She was truly grateful to grow and learn while having so much fun! Candice is currently working with Nickelodeon's wardrobe department for the 2022 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Carla Hernandez
Winnipeg Production Coordinator

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Carla Hernandez landed her first job on a film set through GEI, on a NBCUniversal production working as a Production Assistant where she learned how much hard work is involved in creating “movie magic”. Carla started off as a Production Assistant, then was promoted to be the Winnipeg Production Coordinator, where she was able to really understand how film productions work. She’s excited to apply everything she’s learned from this experience into her new journey in filmmaking.
Chelsea René
Assistant at Narrator Inc.

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Chelsea René is from Hawthorne, California and an alumna of Grambling State University– a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Louisiana. She obtained her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Mass Communication with a focus on Integrated Journalism. She became a member of Group Effort Initiative (GEI) while in undergrad and the program helped open doors for her throughout and after college. Chelsea obtained an internship at Shondaland on the last season of “How to Get Away with Murder”. She then began her post-grad career at Narrator, Inc– a creative agency located in Los Angeles, where her roles include assisting and creative production. She loves what she does and is eager to continue learning from, and working with, other talented individuals.
Ciara Ray
Freelance Producer and Production Coordinator

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Ciara Ray is a recent graduate from Cal State LA with Bachelor of Arts degree in Television, Film, and Media Studies. While at Cal State LA, she produced a social justice documentary and a behind-the-scenes video for a drama featurette. Ciara joined GEI in 2021 and she is humbled and grateful that GEI provided her the opportunity as an intern to gain behind the scenes knowledge of what it takes to advance representation and opportunity in entertainment for underrepresented communities, as well as help her gain an internship with All3Media America and her current role as an Office PA. Ciara’s unique and challenging upbringing inspired her to engage in media and storytelling to authentically amplify voices of those around her. Ultimately, she’s driven to leave behind positive contributions for the world as a producer in entertainment and she is extremely grateful for every individual who’s been along on her journey.
Claudia Montano-Lobe
SPFX Foreman and Prop Master with IATSE Local 488

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Claudia is a first generation, Latine graduate from Miami University with a Bachelors degree in engineering. Right after graduation, Claudia began working on the set of Netflix’s White Noise as a Special Effects Production Assistant. This opportunity allowed her to learn about how a film is created, understand every department and how they work together which helped her narrow down her career path and make lasting relationships. Claudia is now a member of IATSE 488 specializing in props and special effects. Since White Noise, Claudia has worked on several other productions as a proud union member. Her most recent project being a western shot in Moab, Utah. She thanks GEI and Netflix for granting her the experience of a lifetime and for opening the doors to her career. She also thanks her mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported her journey in film.
Daniel Rivas
Coordinator, Enterprise Inclusion & Social Responsibility at Banijay Americas

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Daniel Rivas is a first-generation, Latinx, Salvadoran, graduate from Cal State LA with a B.A. in Television Film and Media. Through GEI, he secured internships in TV and Film development that helped him build connections and learn essential industry skills. He was then accepted into the Television Academy Foundation's Diversity and Inclusion Internship Program, where he landed an internship at ITV America for Unscripted TV development. However, his search for a full-time position afterward was met with rejections as he applied to 50+ jobs, interviewed for 20+ positions, all while enduring through the pandemic. Daniel eventually took a break from the stress of searching for an entertainment job, and began working for a conservation corps, a fire and fuels reduction crew, and later became a paid, full-time firefighter in a Type-1 Hand-crew with CAL FIRE. Finally, thanks to the guidance and support of GEI, Entertainment Industry Foundation, and the TV Academy Foundation, he finally accepted a Coordinator position at Endemol Shine North America.
David Lu
Production Assistant

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David heard of GEI from Gen Networks! He was born and raised in the Bay and jumped at the opportunity. While he’d only done work in reality TV, he was passionate about making the change. The shoot was for Elephant Seals, who nest in the Bay, and the experience was amazing. He was also able to work with an amazing team from London sent by National Geographic! He would like to thank GEI for offering help when times were tough! He was able to connect with a job that boosted his confidence and encouraged him to improve in the future!
David Verba
Casting Intern with All3Media

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David Verba is a passionate filmmaker, composer, animator, storyteller, and artist. In high school, he had the opportunity to participate in the GFS Fellows Program LA, where he learned so much about film, the industry and himself. He found out about GEI through GFS and applied to give him the tools to help navigate a complex industry. He is so grateful to GEI for helping tweak his resume and cover letter, helping find opportunities and apply to them, and so much more. Recently, David earned the opportunity to be a Casting Intern with All3Media, learning how to scout and cast reality show actors. He is also a part of the Emerging Composers Program, learning how to score movies by practicing scoring scenes, sharing feedback, and learning new composing techniques.
Devin Johnson
Production Assistant at Disney General Entertainment PA Program

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Devin Johnson is a production assistant in scripted television. Devin first joined GEI in the fall of 2019. Almost immediately after, she attained her first position in entertainment as an intern at Anonymous Content. From there she continued as a part-time assistant, aiding their top manager, Doug Wald, and assisting Creative Exec, Sahar Kashi. In April 2020, Devin left to focus on her thesis and completed her undergrad in Film and Television production in which she concentrated on the creative entertainment business. She then went on to work for Ron Howard’s Y-simulator startup and Annapurna Pictures. In 2021, Devin was selected by the GEI program for the Disney PA program and that has since launched her career even further. Her hobbies include making music with her friends, learning how to play new instruments, cooking, and exploring different environments.
Diana Garcia
Coordinator of Tech Pathways at UNITE-LA

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Diana is a first-generation college student working towards a degree in film and television media. She was introduced to GEI in the spring of 2022 by the film department at Glendale Community College. Through GEI, Diana was able to secure and internship position on a Netflix feature film called Rebel Moon in the fall of 2022. This was her first on-set experience where she was able to learn several new skills and network with different departments. Diana is eager to continue working in production though she also has a strong interest in editing and post-production and hopes to gain some experience in that as well. Diana is grateful to GEI for the support and resources that have helped her in her journey to becoming a filmmaker.
Erika Martinez
Unscripted Casting Assistant at Netflix

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Erika graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in Film Production in 2023.

Since then, she's worked as a Post PA on a season of America's Got Talent, which sparked her passion for Unscripted Television. Through GEI, she landed an opportunity with the Netflix Unscripted Casting Initiative, where she's been working as a Casting Assistant on an upcoming Netflix series and learning more about the world of reality entertainment.
Erin Collins
Department Assistant at Netflix

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In Erin Collins’s senior year of college, she needed internship experience in entertainment before graduating. She was fortunate enough to find the Evolve Entertainment Fund, now known as GEI. Erin’s first internship was at Innovative Artists Talent Agency where she was mentored by amazing leaders in the Comedy, Talent, and Feature department. Right after graduating, Erin was hired full-time in the mailroom and six months later, promoted to Assistant. After being at Innovative for three years, she decided it was time to transition into a new role and accepted a Department Assistant position at Netflix. Erin is loving her new role and team, and is grateful GEI opened the doors to the entertainment industry for her. She’s at her dream job and couldn't be happier.
Esmeralda Fernandez
Assistant Editor at Narrator Inc.

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Esmeralda Fernandez is in her last year of college at CSUN, and after being hands-on in pre-and post-production while expanding her knowledge in many areas of film, she was still afraid of her future. Esmeralda was afraid that after college, she wouldn’t be able to find her dream job in the film industry or make it in at all. She then joined GEI and was ecstatic to start her journey with them, especially knowing her mom couldn’t be prouder. GEI not only stood by Esmeralda, but made sure her dreams were possible. After interning at Campfire Entertainment and editing an animation for California Governor Newsom, she finally found a position, and her new home, at Narrator Inc. as an Assistant Editor– thanks to GEI!
Genesis Gil
Streaming Services and Video Ops Coordinator at Viacom/CBS

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Genesis Gil is a proud UCLA and GEI alumni who broke into the film and music industry with the help of GEI. She has interned at the talent management company, Scooter Braun Projects, and has worked at companies such as Walt Disney, the Game Show Network, and now currently working at Viacom/CBS. All of these experiences have taught her so much about who she is personally and as a working professional in the industry.
Guadalupe Lazaro
Title: Brands Manager Job: The Team

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Guadalupe Lazaro is passionate about storytelling, branding, media, and all things communication. She joined GEI her sophomore year at UCLA, and through the program she has secured media internships at MACRO and Latino Donor Collaborative. Lupe is grateful GEI has helped her learn the power of networking, professional development, and landed her media features on ABC7 and Univision. She is currently a full-time Communications Coordinator and part-time grad student at USC Annenberg majoring in Communication Management. She hopes to be a role model for all first-gen Latinos wanting to pursue the media industry.
Haben Araya
Production Assistant at Marvel Studios Animation

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Haben Araya holds an Associate's Degree in Animation from Santa Monica College. While in school, a friend referred her to Group Effort Initiative, leading Haben to build her networking skills and learn more about the entertainment industry through the program's resources. During her time with GEI, she also interned at Industrial Media, the Academy Gold Rising Program, and Walt Disney Studios which led to her finally achieving her goal of working at Marvel Studios Animation as a Production Assistant. Thanks to GEI, she has expanded her network and plans to continue to connect with many people in the entertainment industry.
Jackelyn Santiago
Freelance Production Assistant at 44 Blue Productions

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Jackelyn Santiago is a Los Angeles native and creative that pushes herself to create opportunity and community. Content Creator and Media Predator are just two hats Jackelyn wears. GEI has developed creative bridges for her to gain access and opportunities beneficial to her career. Attending professional events, locking down seasonal internships, and freelance opportunities, Jackelyn has maximized her time with GEI. From being a graphic design intern with New Cadence Productions to graphic design and marketing work with LA Collab and Outfest Film Festival, she has grown her portfolio well enough to land her current role as a freelance PA at 44 Blue Productions.
Jazmyne Aquino
Intern at Warner Bros. Discovery

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Jazmyne is a senior at USC, double majoring in Public Relations & Advertising and Theatre. Jazmyne took advantage of GEI’s office hours to prepare her resume and improved her interview skills with her GEI mentor. Jazmyne ultimately landed at various GEI company partners including SAG-AFTRA, OBB Media, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Jazmyne’s advice to GEI participants is to be proud of their unique identities, such as her own experience as a Filipina-American military child, when pitching themselves in interviews and to never be afraid to follow up by email afterward.
"If you don't ask, how will you ever know?" - Jazmyne
Jazmyne is incredibly thankful for GEI's support in guiding her toward a career in the entertainment industry.
Jennie Ekpa
International Programming and Development Assistant at AMC Networks

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Jennie Ekpa has been a GEI participant since 2019. As a part of the program, she has had the opportunity to intern at Powderkeg Media, Comedy Central, FilmNation, and NBC Entertainment, exposing her to various aspects of the entertainment industry, including film and television development and casting. With the support and guidance of GEI, she recently landed a role as an Assistant in AMC Networks International Programming and Development Department. Jennie's long-term goal is to work in television development, where she plans to uplift the voices and stories of people from her community.
Jesus Garcia
Contact Center Representative//SAG-AFTRA

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Jesus Garcia is a Latinx LA native and first-generation college graduate that joined GEI in early 2022. He earned his BA in Television, Film and Media Studies from Cal State University Los Angeles. Post-graduation, he has undertaken various working roles on short films, music videos, and even an independent feature film. GEI has helped him take his career to new professional heights by giving him the opportunity to work at Anthony and Joe Russo’s independent production company, AGBO. Currently, the studio is in the post-production phase of an Amazon Prime original titled “CITADEL.” There, Jesus lends his aid as a Post-Production Assistant for the up-and-coming show. He continues to make strides as a filmmaker in hopes to instill real change and POC inclusion/portrayal in media and entertainment.
Joanne Yue
Physical Production at Lionsgate TV

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Joanne Yue is a San Diego native and UC Santa Barbara alum with a double major in Film & Media Studies and Environmental Studies. Passionate about physical production, she has worked on numerous scripted and documentary projects in various roles. Through GEI, she became a Production Trainee on “Bullet Train” and had the opportunity to work with background and cast. While completing her cast duties, she collaborated with many departments like visual effects, publicity, and stunts. She learned so much from this exceptional crew and carried this knowledge to her current position in Physical Production at Lionsgate TV. She enjoys working in production from the studio side and looks forward to returning to set one day as a Producer-Director hyphenate.
Jocelyn Ramirez
Animation Production at Nickelodeon

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Juliá Perez-Chavez
Freelance Photographer

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Juliá Perez-Chavez received her Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema and Television Directing from Columbia College Hollywood. After graduation, she utilized the resources she gained from GEI and networked throughout her small town. Although opportunities initially appeared limited, she exceeded her own expectations. Thus far, she has directed and created videos aimed at Hispanic and Latinx communities for the County Public Health Office, filmed a campaign for a District Representative, and collaborated with an outreach program to amplify their voices through videos, all while staying true to her Mexican-American heritage. A fan of telling real-life stories, Julia has created a documentary with her family and shot a music video over the last year. Being a GEI participant has helped her gain experience and confidence in the entertainment industry. Her passion as a storyteller has kept her driven and motivated to keep on creating, and she thanks GEI for all the support and experience.
Kaylin Reed
Program Coordinator at Group Effort

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From Detroit to New York, Kaylin Lavena Reed has taken a leap of faith to build a career in the entertainment industry. After receiving her A.A. in Acting, TV, & Film from The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, she took on roles onstage and behind the camera, until she finally discovered a new side to her love for storytelling– the production process. She began freelancing as a Production Assistant for TV, film, and events, while getting involved with organizations like Ghetto Film School, which ultimately led her to Group Effort Initiative. Since joining GEI, Kaylin has evolved, landing her first TV credit working on Paramount Plus' The Good Fight as a production assistant, then relocating from NYC to Los Angeles. She hopes to continue expanding her knowledge of the creative storytelling world as she pursues a path towards becoming an Executive Producer.
Keenan Kimetto
Camera Utility - International Cinematographers Guild

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Keenan Kimetto worked as a Camera Production Assistant on the Apple TV+ Production “Spirited” in Boston. He was brought in through GEI during the summer, where he was able to learn all about the different positions within the camera department. It was his first time on-set, which made it a growing experience for him as he balanced speed and accuracy, while working alongside Camera Operators, Directors, Producers, Cast, and numerous department heads. During production, he was also promoted to being an additional Digital Utility. This led to even more on-set opportunities once production wrapped, allowing him to build on his knowledge of the camera department. Since then, Keenan has worked on a documentary by COMPLEX for legendary Celtics player Bob Cousy as a 2nd Camera Assistant and as a Digital Utility on the film “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” focusing on the story of Whitney Houston’s life. Most recently, Keenan secured a membership with the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) as a part of the Local 600 chapter.
Kiara González Durán
International Scripted Television Assistant at Creative Artists Agency

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Kiara González Durán joined GEI during her senior year at UCLA while double majoring in International Development Studies and Chicano Studies. Following her first entertainment internship at MACRO, Kiara landed internships at UNCMMN and CAA through GEI, the latter of which educated her on media representation of BIPOC narratives within domestic and global contexts. Post-graduation, Kiara worked as a Business Affairs Assistant at Endeavor Content, before transitioning to her current job at CAA to become an assistant in the International Scripted Television Department. She is working toward a career as a television producer for Latin American content and looks forward to empowering women around the world throughout her personal and professional path.
Layla Keyes-Renaud
Trainee on “The Adam Project”

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Layla Keyes-Renaud first joined GEI as a trainee for “The Adam Project." She initially began in the paint/construction department and loved the rewarding work and connections she was able to make within that department. However, due to finishing her last round of Chemo only a couple months prior, she found this particular department to be slightly toxic and difficult physically. She then reached out to a Mr. Dean Eilertson, the Property Master on “The Adam Project,” and was fortunate enough to have him take her on as a trainee. While under his watchful eye and plethora of experience, Layla was able to adapt and learn more than she expected in her short time with him. He was extremely helpful, full of engaging feedback and advice on career moves. She remembers beginning on-set and being slightly terrified, yet also optimistic of what lay ahead. Though it was uncharted territory, she made some lasting memories and connections that only furthered her confidence in the cinematic field. Though Layla wants to pursue more work in the future, COVID restrictions have caused delays in her journey in the film industry, but she hopes opportunities like this continue to exist for future GEI participants as they transition into the industry.
Loni LeBlanc
Trainee on "The Adam Project"

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Loni LeBlanc, whose Haida name is Gahlandaay Dlaang, is from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii and is of the Naa S’aagas Xaaydagaay Eagle Clan. Loni is a graduate of the Global Makeup Artistry Program at Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver, Canada and since then, has been in the makeup industry for ten years. Loni was honored to be hired as a part of the first batch of GEI trainees for “The Adam Project” in the Makeup department under Monica Huppert. Since then, Loni has been living in Vancouver studying 3-D animation, visual effects, and game design at Think Tank Training Centre.
Mahelet Gezachew
Creative Executive at ARRAY

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Mahelet Gezachew is a young Angeleno and first-generation college student from Los Angeles, with a degree from San Francisco State University in Communication Studies and a minor in Africana Studies. With a burning passion for storytelling, she was welcomed to GEI (then known as the Evolve Entertainment Fund) in 2018, interning with Anonymous Content as their Activism Intern, and then later with Hello Sunshine as their Film & TV Development Intern. Since then, she's worked for Disney and now ARRAY, as a Creative Executive. She is thankful for all of the opportunities and mentorship thus far.
Maria Luisa Ballon
Motion Designer at Narrator Inc.

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Maria Luisa Ballon became a GEI participant right before she graduated from the University of Southern California’s Film and Television Production program. Through GEI, Maria landed development internships at Anonymous Content and Hunting Lane. When she decided to change career paths back in 2020, GEI helped her secure an internship with Narrator, Inc., a full-service creative agency. Maria improved her design skills and worked her way up to becoming a motion designer at the company. Maria is now looking to advance her knowledge in animation and 3D design.
Melanie Cho
Alternative Development & Production at Fox Entertainment

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Melissa Fairclough
Wardrobe Background Coordinator on Apple TV+'s "Jubilee"

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Melissa Fairclough has always wanted to work in the film industry, specifically working with and designing clothes. While pursuing a double major in Costume and Cinema and Media Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, she worked on a total of six theater productions in the costume department. Melissa then became a part of GEI, where she worked as a trainee on The Adam Project. Her experience has lended her opportunities on the CBC Canada shows Pretty Hard Cases and TallBoyz as a wardrobe assistant. Currently, Melissa is working as the Wardrobe Background Coordinator on the Apple TV+ children show Jubilee. Her hands-on learning experience has focused on garment construction including, sewing, tailoring, drafting and design. Through her many roles, Melissa has gained meaningful set experience working with amazing designers, and hopes to become a Costume Designer herself someday.
Nalini Jones
Charitable Partnerships Coordinator at Music Forward Foundation

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Nalini Jones is a St. Louis native who packed her bags to move across the country to pursue her dreams. Since childhood, Nalini has aspired towards a career that cultivates diversity, uplifts others, and allows her to tap into her creative side. A lifelong lover of music and serving others, the Arizona State graduate is passionate about how music creates shared experiences, influences emotions, and brings people together. Through GEI, Nalini secured an internship at Music Forward Foundation, leading to a part-time Education Project Coordinator position, until she landed her current role as Charitable Partnerships Coordinator. Jones looks forward to her new journey with Music Forward, and is especially excited to help students translate their passions into professions while advancing to achieve her long-term goal of working in A&R.
Nicole Yim
Associate Corporate Counsel, CJ America

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Nicole Yim is a GEI alumna of four years. Having interned for NFL Media and ReKon Productions through GEI, Nicole joined Creative Artists Agency as a full-time Foundation Department Assistant after graduating in May 2021. Nicole believes that the guidance and opportunities of GEI truly opened the doors to numerous experiences which allowed her to a career in the entertainment industry.
Niya Butler
Production Coordinator at Bravo TV

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Niya Butler was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a passion for storytelling and is currently a senior at Louisiana State University pursuing a B.A. in Screen Arts with a concentration in Production. Jump starting her career in television, she joined WarnerMedia to intern with their TV Alternative Production team. Following this, she was given the opportunity to work with the Producers Guild of America and NBCUniversal. Each of these opportunities have helped her to broaden her horizons within production while gaining mentors to help her navigate her way through the industry. Thanks to GEI, Niya has recently joined the Academy Gold Rising Program and is interning with Paramount as a TV Production intern where she will continue to connect with many people and gain a better understanding of where she wants to take her career.
Nuha Elidrissi
Production Designer for Radio Canada’s “La Base”

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Born and raised in Montréal (Cartierville, if you ever ask her) Nuha Elidrissi is a reflection of the vibrant city she calls home. She brought her environment and colorful universe on the road by exploring Vancouver until she landed a production assistant role on Netflix’s “The Adam Project”, assisting production designer Claude Paré. Quickly after, she joined the “Peter Pan” Disney production team, under the Production Design mentorship of Jade Healy. After her time spent on the west coast, she returned to Montréal where she took the lead position as the production designer of Radio Canada’s web series “La Base”. Nuha also assisted the art direction of Cannes-nominated fiction series “Sans Rendez-Vous,” and worked on both corporate and government ads.
Obinne Onyeador
Current Programming Coordinator at ALL3A Media

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Obinne Onyeador is an LA Native currently working in unscripted entertainment. She was referred to GEI through a previous participant and the opportunities she has had access to since have changed her career. Graduating college with no connections in the entertainment industry and seeing the barriers to entry-level positions was discouraging, but through GEI she landed her first experience in Casting at ABC. She gained a wealth of knowledge and friends through the experience, which prepared her for her current position as a Coordinator in Current Programming at All3Media America. Not only has GEI been an advocate for her success, but the tangible knowledge she gained from their programming remains invaluable.
Randall Praylow
Production Assistant on "LEGO Masters"

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Randall Praylow is a production assistant and a United States service member. His background includes developing operational tactics and procedures to enable a smooth and efficient work environment on- and off-duty. While pursuing new opportunities outside of the military in 2021, Randall came across the City of Atlanta’s Set South Production Assistant Training Program. He was one of 30 people selected for the training course from a pool of over 700 applicants and, upon graduating, quickly began exploring jobs in production. Not long after his first PA role, Randall was referred to GEI, which gave him more access to the production world. Within his first month as a participant, he was hired on Season 3 of Fox’s LEGO Masters, and recently wrapped a successful four-month placement as Set Production Assistant. Randall is a team player and a strong asset for his community, with the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. He stands on the foundation that with a bit of hard work, determination, and GRIT, nothing can deter him from making waves in the entertainment industry.
Samantha De La Torre
Junior Social Media Manager for Pa'lante! HBOMax

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Samantha De La Torre is a multifaceted creative born and raised in Los Angeles who earned a Bachelor's Degree in Film, Media, and Social Justice at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Samantha joined GEI during her sophomore year of college and has since interned at entertainment and media companies such as The Recording Academy, Universal Music Group, and Revry TV. Her roles in marketing and digital outreach has allowed her to further explore her passion for content strategizing, designing, and visual documenting. Samantha is currently the Junior Social Media Manager for Pa'lante! HBOMax, an initiative that celebrates and uplifts multi-hyphenated Latin experiences through storytelling. Samantha is very grateful for the unforgettable experiences she encountered during her internships and for the doors that GEI opened for her career.
Sebastian Meza
Junior Editor at Narrator Inc.

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Sebastian Meza is a Junior Editor at Narrator Inc. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he pursued his goal of becoming an editor after graduating as a first-generation Latinx from CSUN. In the midst of the pandemic, he joined GEI, where he received help applying to opportunities to finally become a part of the industry. Through GEI, he landed his current full-time position at Narrator. He has now worked behind the scenes for various features in post production, most recently including Scream (2022), The Matrix Resurrections (2021), and an Upcoming Universal project.
Sylvia Moreno
Associate Recruiter at Warner Media

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Sylvia Moreno is a GEI alumna, class of 2019, that landed an internship with one of our partners, Univision Communications. Sylvia’s internship prepared her to secure a full time role with United Talent Agency and now Warner Media as an Associate Recruiter. Along with the experience at Univision, Sylvia received great advice and guidance from her career coach and the workshops available through this foundation.