The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (Canadian Academy) has announced seven participants for the third edition of its Executive Residency Program.

Launched in 2022, the program is designed to provide executive-level access for mid-career industry professionals and to help break down the barriers that currently exist for Black, Indigenous and persons of colour who are pursuing a corporate career.

Participants receive mentorship from industry executives who will act as their advocates for the duration of the eight-month program, offering an in-depth look at senior-level decision-making processes. The advocates will provide the participants with access to sessions around professional development, community building and corporate best practices.

The 2024 participants include Diego Briceño, whose advocate will be Karen Bacchus, director, rights management, Bell Media; LaSean Ebanks and Ravelle Thomas, whose advocate will be Manny Groneveldt, director and executive producer, Bell Media Studios.

The list also includes: Kathy-Ann Thomas with advocate Sarah Adams, director of current production, drama for CBC; Dinae Robinson with advocate Paige Murray, executive in charge of development, drama, for CBC; Elise Whittington with advocate duo Mélanie Lê Phan, executive in charge of current production, comedy, for CBC and Sarah Quan, executive in charge of development, comedy, also for CBC.

Rounding out this year’s participants is Carmen Forsberg with Cineplex advocates Robert Cousins, SVP, film, and Thomas Santram, SVP, general counsel and corporate secretary.

The executive residency program is presented by the Academy’s supporting partner Telefilm Canada; collaborative partners Bell Media, Cineplex, and Boat Rocker; and community partner BIPOC TV & Film.

Images courtesy of the Canadian Academy.

Pictured (L-R): Carmen Forsberg, Kathy-Ann Thomas, LaSean Ebanks, Ravelle Thomas (top), Diego Briceño, Dinae Robinson and Elise Whittington (bottom).