In her acceptance speech, Egypt Sherrod said, “success is measured not by how much you have accomplished, but by how many people we can assist in moving up the ladder. Throughout my journey, I have used every stone as a steppingstone to forge a way and break down barriers not only for my family but also for others. In this time, I’d like to remind everyone that no dream is too big, and no voice is too tiny, whether in front of or behind the camera, or in the editing room. Now, more than ever, we must keep pushing forward to break down boundaries together.”

“I was working on a radio station in New York called WBLS, and that I felt I had made it. In New York, the world’s largest media market, I was anchoring a prime-time radio show and felt accomplished, especially as a Philadelphia native. There were billboards of myself in Times Square, and this is the objective we set for ourselves; it is the ceiling we build. But even when you’re number one, and you get a pink slip, you’ll soon learn the fallacy of that way of thinking; it’s important to recognize the limitations of this mindset. At that point, I realized that I needed to take responsibility for my own journey. I had to write my own story, no one was going to write it for me. I realized that I had to learn more about the business; it couldn’t be about employment, it had to be a brand. I took my check and went to real estate school. In that journey, I found my happiness, and that happiness was in helping others achieve their goal.”

Myeshia Mizuno has been a showrunner on numerous television shows over the years. From Steve Harvey’s Family Feud to Couples Court to name a few. On receiving her awards, she said, “When I got the notification that I was to be honored, I questioned myself; am I worthy and the internal voice replied, yes, you are.” From the podium, Myeshia left us with this last word. “If there is something in you that you want to do, trust in the Lord, trust in the gift that he has given you; believe in yourself. Let your little light shine.”

As the show runner, you are responsible for ensuring that everything in that show comes together. While the task varies by project, you still have to ensure that everything runs smoothly. There is a hustle in this industry, but it should teach you something, it all about resilience. My mother was my mentor, she parted wisdom and grace to me, to be the woman I am now, and for that I thank her.”

Valarie Pettiford revealed that she started acting at a very young age. The theater was her calling; it was the world she wished to belong to. She dropped out of school at a young age to begin playing in the Broadway production of The Wizard of Oz. After the show, my father told me, “You’ve made some money; now use that money to get yourself some professional education and a high school diploma,” which I did. I desperately wanted to be an actress, and this was my way to realizing that ambition. I left school to attend another type of school. People were extremely thankful at the time; they helped me achieve everything, and I will be eternally grateful.

Lashley

©International Focus Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.

Web design, hosting & maintenance by: CBA Media Group | www.CBAMediaGroup.com