Description: #Startwith8 a diversity, equity, inclusion & accessibility program proudly presented by Women of Color Unite.
In an industry that hides behind the myth of “meritocracy” but in reality functions on personal connections, the #Startwith8™ initiative connects entertainment professionals each with 8 Women (and non-binary people) of Color working in the business. Together, they formulate a plan of action based on what each participant desires and what is achievable by the mentor to create tangible progress in the participant’s career.
We recognize that we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors; we recognize that this movement would not have happened without the COVID-19 pandemic, or the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the rebellion that followed.
In 2020, Cheryl L. Bedford, founder of Women of Color Unite (WOCU) and creator of The JTC List , wanted to morph a Twitter idea, #StartWith8, into a fully fledged networking & career development program. Together with co-founder Manon de Reeper, she was able to shape the program into what it is today, devising intake forms and coming up with a matching system to make ideal matches between mentors and our participants.