Lena Waithe is an Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, actor, and CEO who has firmly established herself as a powerhouse in Hollywood. Known for her sharp wit and unique perspective, she challenges audiences to think beyond conventional norms and taps into emerging cultural sensibilities. Waithe made history as the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, achieving this milestone for the "Thanksgiving" episode of Netflix's Master of None, which was loosely based on her personal experience of coming out to her mother.
Beyond her work in television and film, Waithe is a tireless advocate for representation in the entertainment industry. She founded Hillman Grad Productions, a production company focused on providing opportunities for marginalized storytellers. Hillman Grad Productions, in partnership with Indeed, launched the "Rising Voices" initiative, a $1.35 million investment aimed at supporting BIPOC filmmakers. Waithe's advocacy extends to her role as a Co-Chair of the Committee of Black Writers at the Writers Guild and her commitment to mentoring and training programs for underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
Waithe's influence spans various facets of entertainment, from her creation of the Showtime drama series The Chi to her work as an executive producer on the horror anthology series Them. She has also made her mark as an actor, with notable appearances in Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One and HBO's Westworld. Her production of the road-trip crime film Queen & Slim further showcased her commitment to addressing powerful social issues such as systemic racism and police brutality.