Powerful voices made stronger
Founded by Emmy® Award-Winning Writer, Lena Waithe, the Hillman Grad Foundation educates and supports creatives from underrepresented communities by developing their artistic craft and infusing new perspectives in front of and behind the camera.
Eliminating barriers into Hollywood
In 2024, only 8% of the top scripted television shows on streaming platforms were created by people of color (UCLA, 2025). This is not a fact about ability. It's about access.
Since 2020, more than 130 writers, actors, directors, and producers have participated in our talent development programs–with more than a dozen of them landing their first breakout role on screen, staffed in their first writers' room, or directing their first episode of television.
Our Alumni
Abigail C. Onwunali from the first Hillman Grad Acting Cohort has appeared on Broadway in JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING and will return in August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE, directed by Debbie Allen. She is a Princess Grace Award winner.
Boma Iluma made his episodic TV debut on Paramount Plus and Showtime’s THE CHI and has directed four episodes. He was handpicked by Roman Coppola for THE SEVEN FACES OF JANE and named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2025.
Christine Murrian was named one of Variety’s 10 Assistants to Watch in Hollywood.
D.K. Uzoukwu had his breakout role as a series regular on Amazon Prime’s CLEAN SLATE alongside Laverne Cox and George Wallace.
David Fortune was named Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch and received the AT&T Untold Stories Award to direct his feature COLOR BOOK, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. He is also a 2025 NAACP Image Award nominee.
In 2022, Deondray and Quincy Gossfield made their television directorial debut on Lena Waithe’s acclaimed Showtime drama THE CHI.
Gabriela Ortega’s award-winning short film HUELLA is being developed into a feature after support from Sundance Labs and Cine Qua Non. Her short MARGA EN EL DF screened at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
Iesha Daniels was booked as a series regular on Disney Plus’s television adaptation of HOLES.
Jason Martinez appeared in Cord Jefferson’s Academy Award-winning film AMERICAN FICTION and in AFTERMATH on Netflix alongside Dylan Sprouse and Dichen Lachman.
Johnson Cheng directed on the first season of AMERICAN BORN CHINESE for Disney Plus and multiple episodes of THE CHI. His films have screened at Locarno, Toronto, Tribeca, and AFI FEST.
Juliana Aidén Martinez had her first breakout role as a co-star in Netflix's GRISELDA alongside Sofía Vergara. Following the success of that film, she was cast as a co-star in NBC's LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIM’S UNIT.
Luveza Mubashar were selected as finalists for the inaugural Desi List in partnership with the Black List.
Nova Cypress Black was staffed on THE L WORD GENERATION Q. Their lab script BLACKSEED was optioned by Billy Porter’s production company, and their short film was produced through Film Independent.
Roma Murphy was staffed on Disney’s ZOMBIES THE RE ANIMATED SERIES and selected for the Disruptors Fellowship, Disability Belongs Summer Entertainment Lab, and the Inevitable Collective.
Shawn Roundtree was booked as a guest star on EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK for MGM Plus, starring Forrest Whitaker.
Tea Ho has been staffed on three shows: THE SYMPATHIZER (HBO Max), WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES (Hulu), and POKER FACE (Peacock).
Urvashi Pathania was selected for the 2024 Sundance Screenwriters Lab with her feature SKIN. Her short BEAST premiered at Tribeca and she was named a finalist for the inaugural Desi List with the Black List.
Van Newman is a Social Resonance Lab Fellow, Lambda Literary LGBTQ Emerging Voices Fellow, and Disruptors Fellow. They are writing their first feature for Trevor Noah’s production company, Day Zero.
Victoria Garabedian was promoted to Coordinator at FX and serves as a covering junior executive on the hit series THE BEAR.
Every story deserves to be told
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our impact is made stronger by the generous support of individuals, foundation partners, and corporate sponsors.
If you prefer to donate by check, please mail your donation to: 15821 Ventura Blvd., Suite 370, Encino, CA 91436
The Hillman Grad Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Creative academy for storytellers
The Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab is a tuition-free, 6-month program for writers, actors, and aspiring creative executives to enhance their creative skillset through personalized instruction, workshops, professional development and networking opportunities.
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