Ahmadou is an innovative TV executive who creates and develops original content for the Television Studio always with an unconventional and oft avant-garde lean. He doesn’t do it from the ‘Gram, he does it for the culture. His prior expertise involves stints at Will Smith’s production company Overbrook Entertainment, Participant Media, and CAA. Additionally, he was an Associate Producer on the critically acclaimed YouTube Premium show COBRA KAI. Raised in Seattle by Senegalese parents, Ahmadou graduated from St. Martin’s University.

Aisha oversees and creates content in our alternative content space, which includes unscripted programming, animation, podcasts and more. A seasoned executive and EP with fifteen years of experience in the television industry, she uses her knowledge and resources to deliver top-quality results in content development, production, sales and brand strategy. Prior to joining MACRO, she ran point as Head of Development for award-winning actor and comedian Anthony Anderson and Bunim/Murray Productions’ partnership. She also founded A Wynn Wynn Production, known for producing HBO’s After the Thrones for the worldwide phenomenon series Game of Thrones. A creative powerhouse, Aisha has sold original content to HBOMax, Apple, OWN, WEtv, and Snapchat, developed podcast strategy for The NFL Network and created digital content for Disney’s Freeform. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

Alexa quickly rose through the ranks of the talent department at WME before joining M88. She works with Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, Donald Glover, Naomi Scott, Gemma Chan, Caleb McLaughlin, Katie Florence, Sullivan Stapleton and Sabrina Dhowre Elba.

Andie joined the MACRO team to help build out the company’s unscripted and documentary slate. Growing up, she was always nosey and loved getting into everyone else’s business – a skill set she thought would lead to a decorated career with the CIA. Instead, this trait had her traveling around the world striking up conversations with strangers and immersing herself in their stories, which eventually led to her love for documentaries. With a Journalism degree from the University of Oregon in tow, she caravanned down to Los Angeles to bask in the sun year-round and joined the entertainment branch of Vox Media Studios. Prior to her work at MACRO, Andie developed and produced non-fiction films and series for CNN, Netflix, YouTube, HBO, Hulu and more. She’s a night owl AND an early bird who’s obsessed with internet culture and the cast of Riverdale.

A metro-Detroit native, Asia Pye attended Columbia College Chicago to enhance her film industry knowledge and network. With a B.A. in Cinema Arts & Science and minor in Black World Studies, Asia's primary focus has been supporting and growing marginalized artists and their work through the film and television medium. A former intern of Macro and Women In Film, she has been able to curate a diverse background from major production companies, Los Angeles and Chicago nonprofits as well as on set experience from her alma mater. Creative environments surrounding storytelling, curating visions on-screen, and spaces that promote authenticity is usually where you can find her. New to LA, she aims to solidify her path of producing and writing in the ever evolving entertainment sphere.

Bobby supports MACRO’s leadership team in setting business strategy and executing against key strategic initiatives across all existing lines of business. In addition, Bobby is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and operationalizing new business opportunities and partnerships to support the acceleration of MACRO’s growth trajectory.
In previous roles, Bobby was Spotify's Head of Business Strategy and SVP of Viacom Digital Studios and Head of Digital for BET Networks. Bobby holds a MBA with honors from Columbia Business School, a Certificate in Leadership from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan.

Caryn works closely with our CEO and interfaces with key leadership on strategic business initiatives from development through successful execution. Prior to MACRO, she worked at eOne assisting television & film producer Mark Gordon and was essential in The Mark Gordon Company’s transition during its acquisition by the entertainment firm. She began her career in entertainment industry with roles at Annapurna Pictures and APA Talent Agency. A native of Chicago, Caryn is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and is currently pursuing an advanced business degree from Wharton.

Charles declared in his 1996 law school graduation yearbook that, one day, he would be the head of a diversified entertainment and media company. And a little over 15 years later, that proclamation became MACRO. As CEO, he casts the overall vision, mission, and strategic goals for MACRO and its multiple business verticals. Before launching MACRO in 2015, Charles formerly waswas formerly Partner/Agent in the Motion Picture Department at William Morris Endeavor (WME). He is the first and, to date, the only African-AmericanAfrican American to rise from the training program in the Beverly Hills office film and TV group to Partner in the company’s over 100+ year history. Known industry wideindustry-wide for his innovative deal-making, keen eye for talent, and strategic long-horizon thinking, Charles has been recognized in Fortune, The New York Times Magazine, Fast Company, NPR, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Complex, Essence, and countless other publications. An active angel investor and dedicated philanthropist, he is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. He sits on several nonprofit boards, including the Sundance Institute, the NBA Players Association, Think 450, and College Track, where he serves as National Vice President. Charles holds a BA from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.

A Los Angeles native, Chaya attended Brandeis University in Massachusetts. After graduating with a degree in Business and International & Global Studies, she went to work with Octagon Entertainment, before working at WME for two years. She joined the M88 family with President Phil Sun, and has been integral in his transition from agent to manager. Chaya now serves as Chief of Staff, working closely with M88’s upper management and high-level talent.

Erika Rodriguez is a graduate of Northwestern University with expertise in film production, creative development and project management. Having earned degrees in Radio/Television/Film, English & Design Engineering, Erika has a dynamic skillset that informs her leadership and work by allowing her to thread different ways of thinking and doing together to create intersectional and thoughtful experiences for all. Previously, she's worked with WME, IFA Chicago, Cards Against Humanity, Small Forces Productions, and even Shedd Aquarium.

Gaby joined MACRO to launch the representation vertical in early 2020. He has a keen eye for talent and his creative taste level is widely acknowledged to be among the best in Hollywood. As a former agent/partner at Paradigm Agency, he made a name for himself by representing international filmmakers and acclaimed storytellers such as Oscar-nominated Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallego from Colombia, multi hyphenate Blitz the Ambassador from Ghana, and Mexican filmmaker Issa Lopez, among others. His current client list includes those talents, as well as Jayro Bustamante, a filmmaker of Guatemalan descent who recently won the top prize at Venice Film Festival.

An Orange County native, Gerald started his career in business finance and accounting but left in 2016 to pursue his passion for the film and tv industry. That same year he joined WME and quickly rose through the ranks of the talent department. Focused on representing diverse voices and creators, he worked closely with many of the company’s top talent and also became one of the founding members of their internal AAPI ERG group. In 2020, Gerald moved over to M88 as a Talent Manager and works with clients such as Michael B. Jordan, Gemma Chan, Kelly Marie Tran, Yahya Abdul Mateen II, Kendrick Sampson, Jeremy Lee Stone, Sullivan Stapleton, Corey Calliet, and Katie Florence.

Gisselle holds a Bachelor's degree from Clark University in Urban Development and Social Change and a Masters degree in Policy, Planning, & Administration from Boston University, with plans to pursue her PhD. She is a proud first generation transnational bilingual Afro-Latina with a deep connection to her Dominican heritage.
She is a certified executive and career coach and coaches individuals and teams on owning their power, story, and journey to amplify and unlock their potential in order to achieve their personal and professional growth.

Ilayda supports MACRO Television’s development and production needs while tracking and highlighting emerging talent and creative properties driven by people of color. Her passion for progressing on-screen representation, especially for women of color, stems from her experience growing up as a first-generation Turkish American. As a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she hopes to produce premium television for multicultural audiences.

As President of MACRO Film Studios, James oversees development, production, and financing for the company’s slate of film projects.

Prior to MACRO, Lopez spent six years as President of Will Packer Productions. He was responsible for developing and overseeing production on all film projects through the company’s first-look deal with Universal Pictures.

Lopez recently wrapped on the big budget action thriller “BEAST”, starring Idris Elba and Sharlto Copley and directed by Baltasar Kormakur which was shot in S. Africa and is slated for release August 19, 2022. In 2020 he produced “The Photograph,” directed by Stella Meghie and starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield. He was also a producer on “Little” starring Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin, “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson and “Breaking In” starring Gabrielle Union. Lopez was an executive producer on the hit comedy “Girls Trip” starring Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah and Tiffany Haddish. The film opened to critical acclaim and grossed over $140 million worldwide. He also executive produced “Night School” starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, which grossed over $100 million worldwide. He also executive produced “Almost Christmas” starring Gabrielle Union and Danny Glover and “Jacob’s Ladder” starring Michael Ealy and Jesse Williams.

Previously, Lopez was Senior Vice President of Production at Screen Gems, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment. During his tenure, Lopez oversaw some of the company’s top grossing and most anticipated projects. He was the production executive for the box office hit “Think Like A Man.” Lopez also oversaw production on “About Last Night,” “Think Like A Man Too,” “The Wedding Ringer,” “The Perfect Guy” and “When The Bough Breaks”. Lopez was Senior Vice President of Marketing for Atlantic Records, where he was instrumental in developing and managing the marketing campaigns for several multi-platinum artists.

He is a member of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, is on the Board Council for the Producers Guild of America and has been included on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list and Imagen Foundation’s Most Powerful & Influential Latinos in Entertainment.

Swoope, as he is affectionately known, joined the team in early 2020. He went from office ninja to a Junior Talent Manager in under two years with his hard work, dedication, and especially his swagger. He currently has a roster of some of the hottest young talent in Hollywood. Hailing from Cleveland, he was widely known as the ultimate connector in his hometown. His true passion is discovering artists and tastemakers and helping bring their stories to light, a path Swoope seeks to continue here on the West Coast as he climbs the entertainment ladder.

Jelani joined MACRO in early 2020 to launch the representation vertical for MACRO. Most recently, Johnson spent 4+ years as a Motion Picture Agent at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). While at CAA his clients included: Melina Matsoukas, A$AP Rocky, Cheo Coker, Jesse Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Storm Reid, Angel Soto, Solvan “Slick” Naim, Gina Rodriguez, Virgil Williams, Mara Brock Akil and André Holland amongst others. Johnson began his career in entertainment as an intern at CAA and transitioned into talent management at the Santa Monica-based management company Generate. He subsequently co-founded The Mission Entertainment, a management and production company focused on multicultural content creators, before returning to CAA. Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in History and Anthropology from Columbia University.

Jerome joined MACRO in 2019, bringing an impressive client list and a 20+-year proven record and experience in managing star talent. Through his own firm, Jerome Martin Entertainment, he counted Tyrese Gibson and Eva Marcille among his first clients. He went on to manage the film careers of music icon Janet Jackson, platinum recording artist/fashionista Ciara, and more. He has been successful in bridging the television, film, fashion, sports, and music worlds. A philanthropist and original member of 100 Black Men of Miami, Jerome donates his time and financial support to numerous organizations that inspire, educate, and uplift those in disadvantaged communities worldwide.

As Director of Development, Khalid brings his keen eye for talent and commitment to authentic, elevated storytelling to MACRO Television Studios. He joins from Warner Horizon, where he was the Manager of Drama and Comedy Development. Previously, he was the Development Manager for Mass Appeal under multi-hyphenate filmmaker Sacha Jenkins and helped bolster the group’s scripted and non-scripted development. Jordan began his career as an agent trainee at WME, spending time in both the West and East Coast offices. Jordan has a BA in Radio-TV-Film with a concentration in Television Production from Howard University.

An LA native from Inglewood, Kyle’s passion for storytelling led him to MACRO, where he supports the Film Department in all aspects. He brings previous experience from Forward Pass, Gersh, and Mandalay Pictures. Kyle cites his time at Villanova University as his training ground for social justice filmmaking and activism. His marathon continues at MACRO, where he realizes his dream of helping to bring projects to life with people of color at the forefront on both sides of the camera.

As MACRO’s first-ever Brand Coordinator, Lis supports the brand through project management, marketing campaigns, and market research that engage, challenge, and support MACRO audiences and its community. While she initially joined the team as a remote intern, her physical distance never impacted her ability to bring laughter and provide insight on all things trending. Lis is a recent graduate of Georgetown, majoring in Marketing with a concentration in African-American Studies and Entrepreneurship. Her interest in fashion, 70's music, and all things limited edition is evident upon meeting her, as is Lis' dedication to her highly curated Google Maps lists. Her primary focus is centering marginalized voices while bringing the MACRO brand to life through activations, campaigns, and products.

Marquelle earned her degree from Emerson College, where she studied Visual Media Arts with a focus on Writing for Film and Television and minored in Peace and Social Justice. She aspires to be a Screenwriter and Creative Producer and hopes to expand her industry knowledge while working at M88.

Before working at M88, Marquelle began her journey in entertainment, interning at Power 105.1 for The Angie Martinez Show. She is an avid reader and world traveler and spends much of her time editing videos, creating graphic designs, and binge-watching movies and TV shows. Marquelle is working to become fluent in Mandarin; She has studied the language and culture for many years.

As a writer, Marquelle hopes to create stories that reflect and uplift her community—While dropping a dash of Wattpad drama along the way.

Before joining M88, Oronde built a 20-year career as a preeminent talent manager, film/television consultant, and branding executive while working and collaborating with some of the most recognizable actors, creatives, athletes, and brands. Garrett is the longtime business partner and manager of Idris Elba. In addition to Elba, he brings a unique collection of marquee talent, including Young Hollywood’s record-breaking producer and starlet, Marsai Martin, media staple Van Lathan, writer-filmmaker Chad Sanders, and young tech genius Iddris Sandu.

Natalie joined the team in early 2020 and, by her third day, immediately broke the office record for saying, “Oh yeah, I read that.” This bookworm, Betty is co-editor of our digital publication, UpRising, and identifies projects and literary content for our content divisions. Before MACRO, she cut her teeth in the Books and Lit Packaging departments at WME. With a bachelor’s degree in film and communications from Boston University, she seeks to use her skills, talents, and keen eye to more accurately portray POC, specifically Afro-Latinx, in media.

Natalia brings her skills in client representation and producing and is committed to continuing to break the doors open for the next wave of creators. Previously, she was a motion picture literary agent at Paradigm. There, she touched nearly every department, from Independent Film, Music, and Television, as she built strategies around artists and settled into her true passion for representing filmmakers and storytellers. Raised by Haitian immigrants on one side and Mexican Angelenos on the other, Natalia has been driven by the unseen perspectives and authentic narratives that stem from working with global artists. Natalia is a graduate of USC Film School.

Mike has over fifteen years of diversified experience in finance, media, and startups. A former hedge fund analyst and talent agent, Mike has worked with some of the biggest names in media. Additionally, Mike has worked with numerous startups in various operational, business development, sales, marketing, finance, and fundraising capacities.

Maya Rodrigo is an LA-Native and a self-proclaimed ‘Jew-Rican’ with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. Raised in a family of diverse artists, Maya’s background has informed her personal mission to honor & champion global voices, both in front of and behind the camera, through authentic and accessible storytelling. At M88 she serves as a Literary Manager representing boundary-pushing filmmakers and multi-hyphenates such as Blindspotting & Raya and the Last Dragon filmmaker Carlos López Estrada, Palme d’ Or winning filmmaker Yi Tang, actress and producer Naomi Scott, and Michael B Jordan and his production outlet Outlier Society, among others. Prior to M88, Maya served as Creative Executive for QC Entertainment, the production and finance company behind the Academy Award-winning films Get Out & BlacKkKlansman. During her time at QC she identified, cultivated, and helped to shepherd projects across QC’s film and television slates from conception through distribution.

Most recently, a partner/agent at WME, Phil has ascended the ranks as one of the industry’s most prolific agents. His client roster comprises sought-after talent at the intersection of entertainment and culture, including Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, Riz Ahmed, Donald Glover, Gemma Chan, Lena Waithe, Rihanna, Naomi Scott, and many more. Sun and Jordan built Jordan’s award-winning production company, Outlier Society, which currently has first look deals at Warner Bros. Pictures for film and Amazon Studios for television. They created the first-ever corporate inclusion policy in partnership with Warner Media. Phil has graced THR’s Next Generation list, Empowerment list, and A100 Most Impactful Asians list. He was one of the first Asian American agents to be promoted to partner at WME and has used his platform to push for change internally by co-founding Empower, WME’s company-wide program that ensures that employees at all levels feel supported rising through the agency — and externally as a board member of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative.

Poppy shepherds the development of MACRO’s film and television project slate. She works with many prolific writers and directors and sees them through to production. An 18-year veteran of the business, Poppy previously was Senior Vice President for Tyler Perry’s 34th Street Films. Her produced film contributions included For Colored Girls, starring Perry, Thandie Newton, Whoopi Goldberg; Peeples, starring Kerry Washington; and she was part of the team that brought the 6-time Oscar-nominated film Precious to the screen after discovering it at Sundance. Before 34th, she was Vice President at State Street Pictures, overseeing the development of Barbershop, Men Of Honor, and Soul Food. A proud graduate of USC, Poppy received her B.F.A. in Screenwriting from the School of Cinema in 1995.

Samantha Joseph is a Haitian-American actress, writer, and overall creative. As a Senior at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a Tisch Dean Scholar, she spent her primary training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where she studied method acting, script analysis, speech techniques, a bit of singing, and dance/movement training. She also has minors in Producing and Business in Media, Entertainment, and Technology. Her primary focus is creating diverse stories that showcase black women at the forefront. Through the creation and telling of multifaceted, detailed, and courageous stories onstage and onscreen, she hopes to continue changing the narrative for the better. Other primary interests include learning new things, creating spaces of discovery and happiness, holding space for underrepresented stories, creating art that makes the world feel something, and obsessing over a new TV show or movie!

Stacey is MACRO’s brand ambassador, architect, and evangelist rolled into one. She spearheads the ideation and execution of the company’s branding, marketing, and experiential activities. To date, she has created several ongoing event series that further align the company’s creative content and its mission to uplift communities in ways that live beyond the movie or TV screens. Stacey hails from NYC’s fashion and beauty industry with roles in marketing and merchandising at Avon Products, Saks Fifth Avenue, and upstart beauty brand AM Cosmetics. She moved to LA in 2000 to become Fashion Director of a startup luxury e-retailer, creating content for the site’s online magazine and populating the site’s internationally-inspired commerce areas. She also owned her styling and pop-up retail boutique company, iCovet, Inc., for ten years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University.

Stephanie launched UNCMMN in 2019 to lift the voices of people of color by helping cultivate their visions and expanding their reach. She saw an opportunity in the digital landscape, specifically building out digitally native talent and helping them grow 360 businesses. Prior to launching this firm, she began her career at CAA where she worked in the digital talent and brand partnership department. She then joined Big Frame, a full service talent management company focused on digitally native talent, as a manager. Later she joined Flip Management and quickly established herself as one of the premier deal makers in the digital space.

With experience in management, business development, venture capital, and brand activations, Valdair Lopes forges connections between talent and brand that go unnoticed. While at CAA, Valdair led growth development strategy and sourced out early-stage consumer companies known for disruption. With HEIRS Entertainment, he has consulted on culturally impactful projects for clients, including J. Cole, Dreamville, and Puma. Valdair holds a BA in Economics from Occidental College.