Women of Color Unite (WOCU) is taking its #Startwith8 campaign across the pond. A press release has confirmed that WOCU, a non-profit advocacy group for women of color in entertainment, is expanding the mentorship program after finding success with its original scheme, #StartWith8 Hollywood, and follow-up initiative #StartWith8 Canada.
#Startwith8 aims to give women and nonbinary people of color working in TV and film a boost by pairing a showbiz vet with eight mentees. Since the program’s launch last summer, over 1,000 people have participated, resulting in almost 2,000 meetings with industry leaders.
Headed by The British Blacklist’s Akua Gyamfi, the U.K. edition of #Startwith8will kick off in June with the goal of supporting 600 mentees. “WOCU has established a relationship with the British Film Institute (BFI), which will support the program by offering advice, facilitating introductions, and supporting part of the initial setup costs using funds from the National Lottery,” the release details. “There are no fees, no trauma essays, and no gatekeeping.”
Advisory board members include Melanie Hoyes, Industry Inclusion Executive at the BFI; Manon de Reeper, #Startwith8 Program Director and WOCU Business Development Strategist; Jazmine Nichelle, WOCU Director of Events; and Thuc Doan Nguyen, founder of #Startwith8Hollywood and #TheBitchList.
“Working with the BFI and the Advisory Board just seemed like the next natural step in the evolution of #StartWith8 and the Global reckoning of diversity,” said WOCU founder Cheryl Bedford. “Thuc and I are excited that our missions align with our friends across the pond — to open up the world even further for better and more inclusive storytelling for everyone across borders. We are looking forward to the day when we can meet with our U.K. Team in person.”
#Startwith8 U.K. is now recruiting mentors. Those interested can sign-up or find out more here.
WOCU also announced that a third round of #StartWith8 Hollywood and second round #StartWith8 Canada will coincide with the U.K. edition. #StartWith8 Canada is also seeking Advisory Board members. If you’re interested in serving on the board, please email Murry Peeters at Murry@wocunite.com.
