Imagine a world where talented women from underrepresented backgrounds are given the mentorship and opportunities they deserve—and now, this vision is becoming a reality. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a single program truly bridge the gap in creative industries that have historically been exclusive and hard to access for marginalized groups? This is exactly what popular ‘Love Island’ host Maya Jama aims to explore with her latest initiative.
Maya Jama, renowned for her engaging presence as the host of ‘Love Island’, has recently announced a new project designed to empower women who face barriers in the UK’s creative fields. In partnership with the social enterprise organization Creative Access, she is spearheading a six-month mentorship scheme tailored specifically for women from underserved communities, particularly those at the beginning of their careers. The program’s goal is to provide these emerging talents with direct access to industry leaders and established professionals who can offer invaluable guidance and support.
The initiative involves pairing eight promising women with accomplished mentors from Jama’s extensive professional network. These mentors cover a broad spectrum of creative sectors, including television production, broadcasting, fashion, communications, marketing, and talent management. By connecting mentees with industry veterans, the program aims to foster growth, confidence, and practical skills that will help navigate the competitive landscape of the creative industry.
Participants will also benefit from additional experiences, such as visiting a London school to inspire future generations and attending an event tailored for early-career professionals—creating a well-rounded support system for talent development.
The list of mentors reads like a who’s who of influential figures: Julie Adenuga, an accomplished broadcaster and entrepreneur; Janine Fernandes, VP of global brand marketing at Coty; Issy Lloyd, director of entertainment at Insanity Talent Management; Amanda Stavri, ITV’s commissioning editor for reality and entertainment; Francesca Hayward, senior culture and entertainment manager at Diageo; Carol Baffour-Awuah, a freelance comedy executive producer; Jo Ellison, editor at Financial Times’ HTSI; and Priya Ahluwalia, a pioneering fashion designer and founder of the brand Ahluwalia.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Jama shared, “This mentorship program is something I have always wanted to do. Partnering with Creative Access enables me to connect talented young women with eight industry professionals who can truly nurture and guide their careers.”
Meanwhile, Josie Dobrin, executive chair of Creative Access, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “We are proud to work alongside Maya Jama in this impactful initiative that acts as a crucial stepping stone for these women. In today’s industry landscape, investing in diverse talent is more important than ever. Without efforts like this, the industry could be missing out on vital voices and fresh perspectives that will shape its future.”
And this is the part most people often overlook: While many see mentorship programs as just one piece of the puzzle, questions remain about their long-term effectiveness and tangible impact. Do such initiatives really lead to substantial industry change, or are they just symbolic gestures? What do you think—can mentorship truly transform the creative industry for marginalized women, or is more systemic change needed? Share your thoughts in the comments—your perspective could challenge the status quo.