Program Overview
Build your future with a community that’s invested in your success.
Breaking into the media and entertainment industry can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
The HPA Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) Program was created to support emerging professionals through mentorship, education, and meaningful industry connections. More than a professional development program, YEP is a high-touch, supportive community where participants are encouraged to explore new opportunities, grow their confidence, and build lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders.
Throughout your YEP year (and beyond) you’ll be paired with an experienced mentor, participate in exclusive educational programming and facility tours, expand your professional network, and become part of a community that is genuinely invested in your success.
We’re looking for curious, collaborative professionals who share HPA’s passion for advancing the media and entertainment industry through creativity, technology, and knowledge exchange. If that sounds like you, we’d love to see your application.
Applications for the 2027 YEP Program open September 14.
The 2026 YEP Class
Alara Keskil, Company 3
Julissa Padilla, MakeMake Entertainment/Netflix
Michael Binder, Pixelogic Media
Amy Chew, Paramount Global
Steven Hu, Tech Align Group
Nicolas Cantrell, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Fatima Kundiri, NBCUniversal
Malisa Perng, Antoinette Media/Caught in the Act
Ryan Wellence, Blue Vishnu
Sarah Bistany, Light Iron
YEP participants are chosen in an annual selection process.
YEPs have frequent opportunities to take center stage. YEPs have been seated on panels at the HPA Tech Retreat and at the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference, produced a webinar series, and contributed columns to the HPA NewsLine e-newsletter.
Incubated in 2016 by the Women in Post Advisory Council YEP advances the organization’s goal of cultivating and encouraging the next generation of worthy entertainment professionals to follow a career in the media content industry.
