HRTS Foundation Launches Inaugural ‘Breaking In’ Event for Entertainment Career Education (EXCLUSIVE)

Abigail Lee

30 January 2025 at 11:00 am·2-min read

Two entertainment organizations will host a new “Breaking In” virtual event in February aimed at providing early career professionals information on how to get their foot in the industry’s door.

Presented by the Hollywood Radio and Television Society Foundation and Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program, the event will occur Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. PT on Zoom. The event is free and open to non-members.

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Attendees can tune into a panel and Q&A, moderated by Circle Management + Production’s Jon Kee and featuring Tim McNeal, Disney Entertainment Television’s senior vice president of creative talent development and inclusion, Deca-Media development executive and producer Cliff Decatrel, Janaé Désiré, NBCUniversal’s director, development of Universal Content Productions, Shakira Hedgpeth, TV literary agent from Kaplan Stahler Agency, North Star Focus CEO and founder Kristena Hatcher and Mimi Vengoechea, unscripted casting director at Go For Casting.

“We’re excited to partner with the HRTS Foundation on this impactful forum dedicated to opening doors to the entertainment industry. Every career begins with access, opportunity, and a commitment to learn—‘Breaking In’ brings all of these elements together. This event is about equipping the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to take their first steps toward achieving their dreams,” Stacy Milner, EICOP president and CEO, said in a statement.

The event is the two organizations’ first collaboration and the HRTS Foundation’s first public program.

“Presenting the first HRTS Foundation event in partnership with such a powerful force and high-impact organization as EICOP is an honor,” Melissa Grego, HRTS CEO and chairperson of HRTS Foundation, said in a statement. “This collaboration will propel our mission to reach as many students and individuals considering the possibilities in the entertainment industry as possible with the information and insight they will need to thrive.”

The HRTS Foundation is a standalone charity that works to highlight resources for underrepresented individuals in entertainment. EICOP is an educational program that supports students at historically Black colleges and universities with building entertainment careers.

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