NBC has announced the inaugural class for their Alternative Directors Program, and all seven participants are women. The first directing pipeline program for unscripted shows, the initiative “takes a step toward equal representation behind the scenes on alternative series — a part of the industry that falls short on inclusion despite the numerous unscripted shows on TV,” Deadline writes. The program was launched with the goal of giving experienced female and ethnically diverse directors with at least one directing credit “access to expand their repertoire of alternative formats and complex directing styles with the ultimate goal of opening the door to future projects.”

Finalists will have the opportunity to shadow a director on an NBC show throughout prep, production, and post. Members of the inaugural class have worked on unscripted projects such as “Oprah’s Master Class,” “Dancing with the Stars,”and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”

The finalists and their mentors are: Madeline Fuste (“Hollywood Game Night,” Ivan Dudynsky), Sarah De La O (“The Voice,” Alan Carter), Sharon Everitt (“The Wall,” Alan Carter and “World of Dance,” Alex Rudzinski), Carrie Havel (“The Voice,” Alan Carter), Annetta Marion (“Making It”), Cari Townsend (“American Ninja Warrior,” Patrick McManus), and Lizz Zanin (“America’s Got Talent,” Russell Norman).