HPA Unveils the 2025 Class of Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP)
Since its inception by the Women in Post committee in 2016, the YEP program has spotlighted rising talent in media and entertainment. Each year, a select group of professionals is given the opportunity to grow their expertise through mentorship, education, and firsthand engagement with industry leaders and events. The caliber of YEPs and the prestige of the YEP program is now well-established in the community.
The 2025 YEP class, the tenth in the program’s history, reflects a wide array of backgrounds, skill sets, and perspectives—further underscoring YEP’s commitment to cultivating a community of fresh voices and innovative thinkers. From speaking on panels at the HPA Tech Retreat and Women in Post events to producing webinars and publishing columns in the HPA Newsline, these individuals will actively contribute to shaping the future of our industry.
Below is the newest cohort of YEP participants:
● Ben Abergel, Creative Technologist, Entertainment Technology Center @ USC
● Nicholas Camardo, Digital Imaging and Content Manager, University of Southern California Digital Repository
● Natalie Cueva, VFX Assistant, ArsenalFX Color
● Rodrigo Curiel, Software Developer, Light Iron
● Marie Claire “MC” de Martino, 3D Capture Producer, Sony
● Lisa Marie Erickson, 3D / VFX / Development Artist, Liberal Eye Productions (Freelancer)
● Paige Ford, Studio Engineer, Apple
● Dylan Forman, Jr Channel Manager, Prime Focus Technologies
● Madison Hu, Quality Management Specialist, Disney (Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology – Distribution Operations)
● Maggie Jensen, Business Intelligence Engineer, The Walt Disney Company
● Victoria Law, Software Engineer, NBCUniversal
● Savannah Lew, Performance Specialist, Flawless AI
● Miranda Nicusanti, Gear Management & Internal Production, Fox Studios – Entertainment Technology Department
● Mallory Owyoung, Online Assistant Editor, 3BMG
● Francisco Ramos Zavala, Technologist, Gunpowder
● Juliana Rogoff, Engineering Product Manager, Apple TV+
● Maya Roseman, Executive Producer, Marketing Creative Services (Finishing), Streamland Media
● Kiana Sales, Post Production Coordinator, Apple Fitness+
● Casey Spellman, Sr. Coordinator, Production Technology Innovation, Paramount Global
● Anna Steele, Jr. Software Developer, Light Iron
● Emily Vail, Digital Intermediate Producer/Editor, FotoKem
Through active participation in industry gatherings, including the HPA Tech Retreat, creative collaborations, and professional development opportunities, the 2025 YEP class will continue to hone their skills, connections, and confidence and excel in an ever-changing media landscape. HPA looks forward to championing these emerging professionals as they bring new perspectives and ideas to the entertainment community.