This year, Loyola Marymount University proudly continued its partnership with The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program, an initiative that pairs high school students from underrepresented communities in Los Angeles with leading women executives in film and television. The program also provides full-ride scholarships to universities including LMU, creating life-changing opportunities for burgeoning storytellers.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the program, a joint venture in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, awarded more than $1 million in scholarships at THR’s annual Women in Entertainment Gala, presented by Lifetime, on December 3, 2025, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
LMU has long supported this transformative program, which serves as a pipeline for emerging filmmakers to launch their careers in Hollywood. Paola Franco ’18, a 2013–14 mentee, exemplifies the program’s impact, gaining industry opportunities and making inroads after being mentored by former Amazon Studios Head and former NBC Entertainment President, Jennifer Salke. From the experience, Franco obtained invaluable insight and connections, which – combined with her talent and determination – helped her secure roles at Amazon and UTA and ultimately become an executive on Netflix’s drama development team.
Reflecting on her experience shadowing Salke, Franco told The Hollywood Reporter, “I was basically a fly on the wall. If she was going to a table read, I was at a table read with her. If she was going to a set visit, I would be there…If she was on the phone with an agent, I’d be in the room hearing her navigate and greenlighting a show…having that front row seat was really life changing.”
At this year’s gala, actresses Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti presented a video to the audience celebrating the Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program mentees. The scholarship recipients were then announced, with Hall revealing that John F. Kennedy High School student Leah had been awarded a full-ride scholarship to LMU, continuing the university’s proud tradition of empowering the next generation of creative leaders.
We spoke with Leah shortly after the announcement, and her excitement was unmistakable. Reflecting on the moment her name was called, she shared, “Since my sophomore year, I have dreamed of attending LMU, but I thought it was out of reach for my family. Hearing my name called was incredible and still unbelievable to this day. Receiving the scholarship made the moment at the Women in Entertainment gala all the more meaningful.”
Leah also reflected on the exciting experience of attending the gala, surrounded by so many influential women in film and television whom she has long admired. One highlight was meeting Hall, who offered advice that left a lasting impression. “She encouraged me not to limit myself and to always pursue my dreams,” said Leah, “Her words continue to inspire me and will guide me throughout my career as I begin this new chapter.”
Looking ahead to the fall, Leah is eager to dive into her studies at LMU. “As I prepare to start college, I am eager to make new connections, study filmmaking (pre- and post-production), and explore different types of films,” Leah revealed, “I look forward to developing my talents by learning from both my own work and others.”
Dean of the LMU School of Film and Television, Joanne Moore, attended the gala, alongside distinguished LMU alumni, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governor, Effie Brown and television showrunner Melissa Blake, commenting that “The Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program embodies what we value most at LMU: community, access, and the belief that talent should never be limited by circumstance. I’m thrilled to see the creativity and passion that Leah will bring to LMU, and we can’t wait to help her turn opportunity into impact.”
The Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program seeks to equip the next generation of storytellers with the mentorship, tools, and confidence to thrive in an industry that needs new voices. It has provided over 285 students with more than $15 million in scholarships, often with a focus on first-generation college applicants. Dedicated to championing innovative storytellers, LMU remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing these talented students, cultivating their ambitions, and preparing them to lead and drive progress across film, television, and digital storytelling.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source newsroom.lmu.edu ’
