FNMEC 2026: Embracing the Journey Forward

I’ve always been a storyteller. Though my first-grade folktale “How the Crab Turned Red” didn’t skyrocket me to Pulitzer success, it sparked in me a passion for writing that has led me to delve deep into playwriting, poetry, and comedy sketches. I’ve discovered that the stories we share can inspire wonder and connection, allowing us to consider a more united future beyond the world we currently inhabit. Whether through deft comedy or riveting drama, to share that sense of curiosity with the world is a dream I hold dear. 

The 10th annual FUTURE NOW Media & Entertainment Conference was an incredible opportunity to network with industry leaders who have dedicated their lives to that very dream. The mentoring sessions and spontaneous conversations that I had over the three days only deepened my resolve to pursue an entertainment career.

It was inspiring to have one-on-one conversations with executives across TV and news, who helped to shed light on the state of the industry and their circuitous paths to success. I learned that I don’t have to have everything figured out right now, and that what’s most important is embracing the journey forward with a positive, resilient attitude. 

I particularly enjoyed listening to the mentorship panel discussion between FUTURE NOW alumnus Lemuel Greaves and his mentor, Lars Bengston, Head of Agency at HardScope. They were matched for the FUTURE NOW Mentoring Program and have since developed an enduring friendship. Lars spoke candidly about struggles and frustrations early in his career, and the importance of never giving up and always having a steadfast belief in yourself.

He encouraged the audience to figure out what you want to do, to put every ounce of effort into making it a reality, whatever it is. I am determined to maintain this mindset as I navigate the twists and turns of my career and the ever-evolving industry. 

Having just finished my sophomore year at Williams College and realizing that in a couple of years I’ll leave the comforts of college to chart my own path, this conference has instilled me with the confidence that through dedication, hard work, and a supportive network, I can pave my way into a career in entertainment. 

Beyond the wealth of information I gained from the speeches and mentoring sessions, my mind keeps returning to the NBC Studio Tour. Walking through the storied halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the home of SNL, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers, I was enraptured by the decades of television history before me. For a moment, time stood still. To access this space, to walk these halls, and recognize that it is possible to be a part of such a legacy, emblazoned my passion for the field. 

After attending the FUTURE NOW Conference, I feel inspired to take my first steps forward into entertainment with courage, enthusiasm, and wonder. I am a proud member of the FUTURE NOW Class of 2026.