Finding your way as a woman in the entertainment industry can be difficult, whether you’re seeking a career behind the scenes or in front of the camera. The world of TV, film, and media is constantly in flux, so everyone’s route to success will look different. Yet looking toward women who have made strides in these fields is a good way to start planning a road map.
Over the years, Her Agenda has hosted interviews with dozens of trailblazers in entertainment, from executives at major networks to actresses and presenters who shine onscreen. We’ve gathered some of their most inspiring pieces of advice here.
Read on for snippets of wisdom that you can apply to your own career path.
1.Alexis Kerr, Vice President of the Mahogany Brand & Multicultural Marketing at Hallmark Cards
“Imagine yourself once it’s done…it could be daunting to start. You’re going to hear a lot of no’s… But if you’re determined to imagine yourself when it’s done, you will just keep going. Obstacles and roadblocks shouldn’t be the end of you. They are just part of the journey.” —Alexis Kerr
Alexis Kerr is the Vice President of Mahogany, a Hallmark brand that celebrates Black voices. Since joining the Mahogany team as an executive, she has spearheaded a podcast, launched a website with editorial content, and expanded the brand into TV and film storytelling.
In our interview with her, she discussed the necessity of representation and the importance of lighthearted, healing entertainment geared toward women of color.
2.Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy at BET
“The biggest moments in my career happened because I was ready when they came. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” —Connie Orlando
Connie Orlando is the Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy at BET. She oversees specials such as the NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and BET Awards as well as news coverage.
In our interview with her, she talked about crafting iconic cultural moments and being confident enough to take up space.
3.Tracey Baker Simmons, Owner/Executive Producer – Baker Simmons Media
“If you want to be in TV, watch TV. If you want to be making movies, go to the movies a lot.” —Tracey Baker Simmons
Tracey Baker Simmons is an Emmy-nominated producer and owner of Baker Simmons Media. She created the reality TV series “Being Bobby Brown” and has since founded Reality TV Decoded, which demystifies the industry for aspiring professionals.
In our interview with her, she talked about dedicating yourself to mastering your craft through research and experience.
4.Kamie Crawford, Television Host and Producer
“You could follow somebody’s exact path to the tee and still not get exactly what they got. The best thing that you can possibly do is work on what your thing is and hone in on that.”
—Kamie Crawford
Kamie Crawford has hosted several reality series on Paramount+ and MTV as well as her own podcast, Relationsh*t with Kamie Crawford. Her podcast was named a top podcast for women, by women on the Today Show, alongside shows by Oprah and Keke Palmer. In our interview with her, she discussed the importance of connecting authentically with your audience and believing that you have something unique to offer.
5. Darian Symoné Harvin, Beauty Reporter and Editor
“I have learned that coolness and being ‘that girl’ is actually about the rituals and routines that you establish through growth and learning in your own life… If I say something is cool, something is cool. If I think about it from my compass, no one can tell me what is and is not cool. I can determine that in my life.” —Darian Symoné Harvin
Darian Symoné Harvin is a beauty influencer, journalist, and former Beauty Editor at Large for Los Angeles Times IMAGE. With a strong social media presence, she has shown the world that she doesn’t have to limit herself to reporting.
In our interview with her, she discussed knowing your worth as a freelancer and being the main character in your own life.
6.Cari Champion, Host ESPN
“You have to realize that when you’re doing well and you’re speaking truth to power, and when you have a platform, people purposely come after you. If I were sitting in a corner and not affecting anything, then nobody would be writing a paragraph with pushback.” —Cari Champion
Cari Champion is a broadcast journalist known for her role as an ESPN host. She is also the founder of Brown Girls Dream, a mentoring program for young Black women interested in the entertainment industry.
In our interview with her, she discussed listening to your gut and choosing collaboration over toxic competition.
7. Vanessa James, CEO, Vanessa James Media
“I do believe in the philosophy of, ‘What are the three things I need to get done today? …And then what does the week look like? And what does the month look like?’” —Vanessa James
Vanessa James is a voiceover actress who has worked for various networks and brands (including Michelle and Barack Obama’s Ada Twist, Scientist), succeeding in an industry where only 42% of voiceover roles are held by women and only 17.3% by people of color.
In our interview with her, she talked about checking in on yourself and staying true to your goals.
8. Mika Pryce, SVP of Production at Paramount Pictures
“You always need folks in your corner to remind you that you’re not crazy or to bounce ideas off of… Finding those people who believe in you, and who can articulate how you should be doing things differently, is helpful.” —Mika Pryce
Mika Pryce is the SVP of Production at Paramount Pictures, where she is leading feature projects such as the live-action remake of Your Name and the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestseller Children of Blood and Bone. In the past, she served as Head of Development from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Act Productions.
In our interview with her, she discussed shifting gears from one industry to another and overcoming challenges while often existing as the only Black woman in the room.
9. Debra Lee, Chairman Emeritus, BET Networks
“You cannot get all your satisfaction from work. It’s great to do charitable work and be active in your community.” —Debra Lee
Debra Lee is Chairman Emeritus at BET Networks. She currently serves as a Board Member for AT&T, Burberry, Marriott, and Procter & Gamble; she is also the author of the memoir I Am Debra Lee, in which she opens up about losing her son at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our interview with her, she talked about surrounding yourself with community and making space for self-care as you pursue your passion.
10.Tamera Mowry-Housley, Actress, TV Personality, Author
“We can either go down a hill or we can peddle our way uphill; it may be a little bit more challenging, but eventually, we get to the destination that we want.” —Tamera Mowry-Housley
Tamera Mowry-Housley is a NAACP award-winning actress and Emmy award-winning television host known for past roles on Sister, Sister and FOX Talk show The Real. She is also the author of You Should Sit Down for This: A Memoir About Life, Wine, and Cookies.
In our interview with her, she shared her thoughts on dealing with criticism and learning from challenges.
