Master of Entertainment Industry Management - Student Bios
HEATH BOYLSTEIN
Undergraduate Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Communications Media, Media Production
Hometown: Vandergrift, PA
Favorite Film: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Area of Interest: Film and TV Development, Management
Heath's professional development began by working in media communications at Kaiser Permanente and Voice of America, where he worked on national media projects and wrote content in esports, professional sports, and music marketing. Recently, he completed a two week intensive internship at the Cannes Film Festival with The American Pavilion, where he gained hands-on experience with film industry events and publicity in the heart of the global film marketplace. Building on this foundation, Heath is working with Aggregate Films as a development intern this fall, where he plans to gain valuable insight into the creative and strategic process of developing stories from concept to screen.
Evelyn Chen
Undergraduate Education: NYU, Film and TV
Hometown: Beijing, China
Favorite Film: Alpha (2025)
Area of Interest: Film Development, Production, and Acquisitions
Evelyn earned her bachelor's degree in film & TV Production from New York University, where she developed a strong creative foundation in storytelling and visual media. Born and raised in Beijing before moving to the United States at 13, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and a deep appreciation for stories that bridge cultures. She is currently interning in the Production Operations department at NBCUniversal, gaining hands-on experience in coordinating between networks and production companies. With a passion for film acquisition and development, Evelyn hopes to combine her creative background with her growing business expertise to champion unique stories and bring impactful projects to global audiences.
Daniel Cortes Herrera
Undergraduate Education: Universidad Externado de Colombia, Finance
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favorite Band: Bombay Bicycle Club
Area of Interest: Music/Film/TV Finance and Business Strategy
Since as far back as Daniel can remember, film, television, and music have been part of his life. With a bachelors degree in Finance, experience in a Big Four firm, financial planning, and consulting, Daniel has sought to combine his passion for the entertainment industry with his expertise in finance and business strategy. He has served as a manager for emerging music projects in Colombia and had the opportunity to work as Financial Lead at the second-largest concert promoter in the country, where he oversaw processes for major festivals and concerts such as Core Medellin (co-produced with Tomorrowland) and Morat's stadium tour.
His drive to keep learning and contributing alongside the best brought him to the United States as a Master of Entertainment Industry Management (MEIM) student. He has since worked as a summer intern at Gold Pyramid, a Pittsburgh-based theater and television production company with a strong social mission, and as a Finance & Strategy intern at Immigration Records, a boutique label focused on helping international artists establish their careers in the U.S. Daniel is determined to keep building bridges between creativity and business, making an impact in the global entertainment industry.
Cara Flanery
Undergraduate Education: Washington and Lee University, Business Administration, East Asian Languages/Literature
Hometown: Elkview, WV
Favorite Film: Bridge of Spies (2015)
Area of Interest:Film Acquisitions and Distribution
Cara's love for film and storytelling is rooted in both her academic and personal journey. Cara graduated from Washington and Lee University with a degree in Business Administration and East Asian Language/Literature, as well as a minor in Film. With her background, she brings a unique insight into the intersection of business and film, which has cultivated her interest in the entertainment industry. She is particularly drawn to how audience insights and industry trends can inform content strategy for acquisitions and distribution, and she hopes to use those tools to bring more entertainment opportunities back to her home state of West Virginia. Cara honed her skills through her summer internships at Ramo Law PC in packaging and sales, Charles Ryan Associates, in film production and editing, and at the Cannes Film Festival working in database management and client relations. She is driven to build a career in acquisitions and distribution, where she can bridge creative storytelling with business insights to maximize impact for both audiences and creators.
Jinghong Gong
Undergraduate Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Music Technology
Hometown: Foshan, China
Favorite Artist: Tyler the Creator
Area of Interest: Music Distribution, Marketing, and Management
After four years of undergraduate training in music composition and technology, an internship at a Grammy-winning recording studio made Jinghong realize that success in the music industry is not determined by musical excellence alone but also requires strong business and management strategies. To further develop these skills, he joined the MEIM program at CMU's Heinz College.
Jinghong has explored many music-related roles: he interned at Bytedance, designed sound for VR games, scored short films, and continues to work on his own music releases. Currently interning at TikTok's live-streaming team, he has gained hands-on experience in content distribution, marketing, and programming, and contributed to the execution of the Next Up: LIVE Music competition in collaboration with iHeartMedia. As he deepens his understanding of the entertainment industry, he aspires to help both himself and other creatives bridge the gap between artistic pursuits and commercial success.
SYDNEY HASSELL
Undergraduate Education: Dartmouth College, Mathematical Data Science, Theatre
Hometown: Bridgetown, Barbados
Favorite TV Show: The Bear
Area of Interest: Casting, Agency, and Development
A recent graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in Data Science and Theatre, Sydney decided to further her studies with a master's degree in entertainment. Passionate about working with others, Sydney decided to pursue a career in casting. She spent the last summer interning at Mosser Casting and PR Casting, learning about background and featured/lead casting. This led to her decision to pursue casting full-time. Her goal is to become a casting director and is grateful for the MEIM program for giving her the opportunity and means to achieve it.
Tim Herring
Undergraduate Education: The College of Wooster, English
Hometown: Leesburg, VA
Favorite Artist: Smino
Area of Interest: Music Publishing, Marketing
Born and raised in Leesburg, VA, Tim discovered his love of music after a helpful bit of teenage peer pressure forced him into an impromptu performance at a high school basketball team camp. After graduating from the College of Wooster with a degree in English and working several years in the non-profit and private sectors in Chicago, he began merging his creative and personal passions with his professional pursuits by joining the MEIM program in 2024. Following the conclusion of a wonderful first year in Pittsburgh, he swapped his Allegheny mountains for San Gabriel and Santa Monica ones, joining Roc Nation as an Artist Management intern in Los Angeles for the summer of 2025. Moving forward, he is excited to continue developing his knowledge and expertise in the MEIM program, exploring internships and careers in music publishing and artist marketing, and connecting with the broader LA MEIM community.
Kerry (ZIJUN) Huang
Undergraduate Education: UCLA, Communication, Sociology, Minor - Film, TV & Digital Media
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Favorite TV Show: Hacks
Area of Interest: Talent Management, Film & TV Development
During her studies in the U.S., Kerry developed a strong passion for theater, actively participating in plays and musicals with a focus on backstage management. While at UCLA, that passion evolved into a focus on Film and Television. Through invaluable mentorship during her internships at 87North and Echo Lake, she discovered her ultimate career path in talent management. Kerry is particularly drawn to stories with an international perspective that promote social awareness and elevate unique voices, and she is dedicated to representing clients from diverse backgrounds.
KRIPA JAIN
Undergraduate Education: University of Mumbai, Architecture
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Favorite Film: Before Sunrise (1995)
Area of interest: Brand Strategy, Entertainment Consulting
Kripa's journey into the entertainment industry is rooted in her background in architecture and her experience designing large-scale environments for films, commercials, and CGI brand collaborations. She has worked on productions such as "The Archies", blending spatial design with storytelling to build immersive worlds that extend beyond the screen. Her curiosity soon expanded from creating those worlds to understanding how they are conceived, developed, and brought to audiences through a strategy that informs it.
This curiosity has led her to explore roles at the intersection of creative vision and strategic execution. Kripa spent the summer at Highland Film Group within the marketing and distribution department, where she developed social campaign strategies, conducted box office and media analytics, and generated marketing insights for domestic releases. She is now joining Cosm in their Immersive activation division, focusing on creative strategy, marketing insights, and managing large-scale venue activations. With a multidisciplinary background, Kripa is driven to create entertainment that is both impactful and unforgettable.
Arushi Kumar
Undergraduate Education: Babson College, Business Administration
Hometown: Dubai, UAE
Favorite Artist: AP Dhillon
Area of Interest: Music Supervision, Live Events
After earning her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, Arushi began her career in events, gaining valuable experience organizing large-scale cultural and luxury experiences. Her professional journey in Dubai, UAE, ultimately inspired her to pivot toward her true passion: music. She recently completed summer internships at Roc Nation, where she supported playlisting, digital strategy, and artist relations for the label’s distribution roster, and at the Recording Academy, where she contributed to community engagement and events within the Membership and Industry Relations team. Her professional interests include music supervision, sync and licensing, and research and insights, all driven by her passion for helping artists amplify their creative vision while driving strategic growth.
Christine Lee
Undergraduate Education: Ewha Womens University, English Language and Literature
Hometown: Columbus, OH/Seoul, South Korea
Favorite Film: Sentimental Value (2025)
Area of Interest: Film & TV Development, Acquisitions
Born in Columbus, OH, but having spent most of her life in Seoul, South Korea, Christine developed a passion for stories and their impact. After receiving her BA in English, she gained experience across several mediums, including global marketing for webtoons and assisting in Film/TV development at Showbox Entertainment, one of Korea's top film finance and distribution companies.
Christine's goal is to bridge cultural gaps between mainstream Hollywood and the rest of the world, advocating for stories that highlight diverse cultures and their core values. Her path toward achieving this goal has been strengthened through experiences such as interning in the Marché at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and at SK Global Entertainment, the studio behind box office hits like ANYONE BUT YOU and CRAZY RICH ASIANS. Thanks to the eye-opening opportunities provided by the MEIM program, she hopes to continue forging a career in the entertainment industry through Film/TV Development and Acquisitions.
Helena Lent
Undergraduate Education: Carnegie Mellon University, Instrumental Performance (Saxophone), Minor in Film & Visual Media Studies
Hometown: Southampton, NY
Favorite Film: Little Women (2019)
Area of Interest: Music Publishing, Sync, Music Supervision
Prior to her graduate studies, Helena earned a BFA in Instrumental Performance (Saxophone) and a minor in Film and Media Studies, at CMU. Helena credits her interest in the entertainment industry largely to her lifelong passion for music and her desire to be connected to the art in some way. This, combined with her growing interest in visual storytelling, led Helena to explore the intersection of different creative fields in the entertainment industry. Blending her artistic background with a strategic mindset developed at CMU, Helena is drawn to areas such as music publishing, sync, and music supervision.
ANGELA LIN
Undergraduate Education: Penn State University, Supply Chain & Information Systems
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Favorite Band: KATSEYE
Area of Interest: Marketing Analytics, Music Management, and Live Events
Angela graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Supply Chain & Information Systems, but soon realized she wanted to pursue her true passion in the entertainment industry. Growing up, she was an avid fan of the Asian entertainment scene, especially K-pop and dramas. As a superfan herself, Angela hopes to connect artists with audiences and turn listeners into lifelong fans. This summer, she interned at California Pictures, where she gained hands-on experience in film sales and distribution. Her goal is to amplify underrepresented voices and help build a more inclusive media environment in the music industry.
Minna Lingo
Undergraduate Education: University of Florida, English
Hometown: Celebration, FL
Favorite Film: Halloween (1978)
Area of Interest: Film Development
After studying English with a concentration in creative writing at the University of Florida, Minna knew she wanted to pursue graduate studies to further her education. With a lifelong passion for storytelling and creativity, choosing to focus on entertainment felt like a natural path. She has since complemented her creative background with quantitative studies at Carnegie Mellon, giving her a unique blend of analytical and imaginative skills that are essential in today’s film industry. This combination has prepared her to approach film development and production with both artistic vision and strategic insight. Minna is eager to be at the forefront of shaping which stories are told on screen and contributing to the industry she loves.
MATT LIPSCHITZ
Undergraduate Education: Pace University, Commercial Dance
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Favorite Film: Lion (2016)
Area of Interest: Agency
Matt Lipschitz is a storyteller and strategist with a foundation in both performance and business. A graduate of Pace University’s Commercial Dance program with a minor in Arts & Entertainment Management, he danced professionally with RWS Entertainment on two international cruise contracts before pursuing graduate studies.
Now in Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Entertainment Industry Management program, Matt has interned in film and music at Aggregate Films and Parachute Recordings, where he honed his ability to evaluate stories in development and foster collaboration among writers, producers, dancers, choreographers, and visual artists.
He is passionate about building a career at the intersection of creation and representation, writing for television, film, and musical theatre while also pursuing opportunities at talent agencies, where he can champion artists and cultivate the relationships that bring transformative stories to life.
Erin Lopez Castelan
Undergraduate Education: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo
Hometown: Hidalgo, Mexico
Favorite Film: Mamma Mia! (2018)
Area of Interest: TV and Film Development, Public Relations
Erin is a passionate storyteller and communications strategist with a deep love for entertainment and media. Growing up immersed in films, TV, books, and music, she discovered her calling not in the spotlight, but behind the scenes, where she shaped stories that connect and inspire. With a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and research experience analyzing media discourse, Erin has explored how narratives influence culture. Her experience spans Mexican television and leading a government communications team, where she built strong skills in media strategy, audience engagement, and storytelling.
Currently pursuing a Master in Entertainment Industry Management at Carnegie Mellon University, Erin is refining her expertise in production, public relations, and media strategy, with a focus on film and television development. This fall, she will be joining The Syndicate as a Publicity Intern, where she will support campaign development and media outreach. Deeply committed to representation and advocacy, Erin believes in using media as a tool for meaningful change, driving conversations that matter, and building stories that resonate.
RYAN LUCHT
Undergraduate Education: Cleveland State University, Film and Media Arts
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite Film: Jaws (1975)
Area of Interest: Film Development
With a lifelong passion for film, Ryan Lucht developed an early fascination with screenwriting and filmmaking. He went on to study Film and Media Arts at Cleveland State University, where he created a range of short films across genres and two feature-length projects. These hands-on experiences deepened his appreciation for the creative process and sparked a desire to better understand the business and development side of the film industry.
Seeking to bridge his creative background with industry knowledge, Ryan enrolled in the Master of Entertainment Industry Management program at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. There, his interest in development continued to grow. He recently interned at the Cannes Film Festival, where he assisted guest speakers and networked with professionals from the global entertainment landscape. Over the summer, he also interned at Aggregate Films in West Hollywood, where he conducted script coverage for feature films, pilots, short stories, and novels. Ryan aspires to build a career in film development, leveraging his passion for storytelling and production experience to craft compelling and impactful stories.
ADA MENG
Undergraduate Education: NYU, Marketing
Hometown: China
Favorite Artist: SZA
Area of Interest: Marketing and Fashion
Ada has a BS in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University. Her professional experience encompasses strategic roles across the entertainment, media, and luxury fashion sectors, including her recent position supporting press and VIP operations at Paul Smith in Los Angeles.
Ada's interdisciplinary background bridges creative content development and analytical business strategy, positioning her to contribute to marketing communications, brand strategy, and audience engagement initiatives within the global entertainment industry. Her interests include cross-cultural branding strategies, the intersection of fashion and entertainment marketing, and the evolution of audience engagement models in digitally-mediated entertainment experiences.
BRADY NOLIN
Undergraduate Education: Allegheny College, Computer Science and Economics
Hometown: Cumberland, Maine
Favorite Artist: Noah Kahan
Area of Interest: Sports Management, Research Analytics
Born and raised in Maine, Brady developed a strong analytical foundation through his undergraduate degree in Economics and Computer Science. Wanting to marry his skills with his passion for sports and entertainment, he pursued the accelerated master’s program at Allegheny College, joining Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Entertainment Industry Management program in 2024. Brady is now applying his knowledge in data analytics and strategy to the fast-paced world of media and entertainment. Currently, he is utilizing his skills to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable through his work with KINO. At KINO, he bridges classroom theory and real-world application, working on projects that harness technology to address key challenges in film and media.
A lifelong sports enthusiast and athlete, Brady values teamwork and adaptability. He marries lessons from his athletic career with his analytic background to develop new approaches for data-driven decision-making in sports media. Brady believes that his combined experience in economics, computer science, and athletics gives him a unique perspective on how technology can enhance both storytelling and performance in entertainment. As he advances in the MEIM program, Brady looks forward to forging new paths at the intersection of sports, technology, and media—empowering organizations to connect with audiences and unlock new value through data.
JESS (JESSICA) ORLOSKI
Undergraduate Education: University of Pittsburgh, Media and Professional Communications
Hometown: Harrison City, PA
Favorite Film: Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Area of Interest: Public Relations, Talent Agency, Digital Marketing
Jess Orloski grew up in a small town outside of Pittsburgh but proudly calls the city home. From an early age, she was drawn to music and fashion, captivated by the ways creativity and storytelling could connect with people. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media and Professional Communications with a Certificate in Writing for the Professions from the University of Pittsburgh, where she developed a foundation in communications, storytelling, and media strategy.
Jess is now pursuing a Master of Entertainment Industry Management degree. Through her internship at Miller PR and leadership role with the student-run organization Notes of Mellon, she has developed hands-on experience in public relations, social media, and creative marketing. Jess is driven to help artists and brands create meaningful connections with their audiences and create lasting impact in the music and fashion industries.
CHUY PADILLA MUNOZ
Undergraduate Education: Carnegie Mellon University, Film and Visual Media
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite Movie: City of God (2002)
Area of Interest: Film Development / Producing
Chuy is a Los Angeles native and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s Film and Visual Media undergraduate program. With a background in film production and creative development, Chuy has worked on a range of independent projects and media initiatives, gaining hands-on experience in everything from financing a production to post-production editing. His passion lies in storytelling that authentically represents diverse voices and cultures, with a focus on stories that bridge community and entertainment.
Through the Master of Entertainment Industry Management program at Carnegie Mellon University, Chuy is pursuing his interest in film development and producing. He is eager to leverage his creative background and production experience to develop projects that connect with audiences on both an artistic and commercial level.
NATASHA PAWAR
Undergraduate Education: University of California, Davis, Double Major in Psychology & Communications with a Minor in Human Development
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Favorite TV Show: Schitt's Creek
Areas of Interest: Consumer Insights & Analytics, Creative Development, Marketing Strategy and Content Acquisitions
Natasha’s interest in the entertainment industry began at a young age, when her favorite books and novels started to get adapted to film and television series. She’s always been captivated by storytelling, and it has been the guiding force in everything she’s chosen to pursue. In her undergraduate years, she studied fields that explored the intricacies of human behavior and interaction. She wanted to learn the “why” behind people’s decisions, a foundation that proved invaluable during her time in consulting at Deloitte, where she worked with leading media conglomerates, sports franchises, and global production companies in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector.
Now, as a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University, she has continued to build on those skills through internships in development at Aggregate Films and multi-platform channel strategy at Studio 71. She continues to be passionate about creating stories that resonate, whether by analyzing trends and data to understand her audience or helping to bring a new series to life.
XIAOXIAO REN
Undergraduate Education: Beijing Normal—Hong Kong Baptist University, Public Relations & Advertising
Hometown: Beijing, China
Favorite Film: Coraline (2009)
Area of Interest: Entertainment Marketing & Social Media & Live Events
Xiaoxiao earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Beijing Normal University–Hong Kong Baptist University. Her love for storytelling, especially using insights from big data to craft impactful narratives, combined with her experience leading large-scale campus events as head of the Stage and Events Department, sparked her passion for the entertainment industry. The excitement of bringing people together through live experiences showed her just how powerful and inspiring this field could be.
She is now pursuing a Master in Entertainment Industry Management at Carnegie Mellon University, where she explores the intersection of business strategy and creative storytelling. Beyond the classroom, she has worked with The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival and coordinated community-based retreat events. She will join a global fashion marketing agency in the fall semester, which allows her to apply skills in content creation, influencer marketing, and event planning. These experiences reinforced her goal of building a career at the intersection of entertainment, marketing, and storytelling, where she hopes to keep turning ideas into unforgettable experiences.
JACK ROONEY
Undergraduate Education: Carnegie Mellon University, Film & Visual Media
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite Film: Blade Runner (1982)
Area of Interest: Film Development, TV Development
An avid writer and storyteller, Jack is pursuing a career in development. Jack started his collegiate education as a computer engineering student. While at home for the COVID-19 lockdown, he concluded that the field of computer engineering would do just fine without him. Looking for a new direction, Jack happened upon a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of The Mandalorian. He was instantly enthralled by the incredible number of considerations that go into a large-scale production. More importantly, he saw many crew members wearing Pittsburgh-related apparel. This made Jack realize that he, too, could join this wonderful industry.
Jack then joined the Film & Visual Media program at CMU, where he would graduate with a minor in Creative Writing. During his studies, he wrote many stories and made several films. His favorite was a documentary called Pittsburgh Pierogi, which combined his passion for film with his love of cooking and food history. Jack has learned a great deal and had many incredible experiences through the MEIM Program. This past summer, he had the opportunity to work as a Development Intern with the Intellectual Property Group. Jack is eager to help develop the next generation of passionate stories.
NATALIE SCHMIDT
Undergraduate Education: Carnegie Mellon University, BXA in Dramaturgy and Professional Writing, Minor in Game Design
Hometown: Burbank, CA
Favorite Video Game: Red Dead Redemption (2010, Rockstar Games)
Area of Interest: Video Games, Location-Based/Themed Entertainment
Combining the narrative-focused sensibilities of a dramaturg with the audience-focused lens of a game/experience designer, Natalie is a multi-disciplinary producer and creator. From full-scale theatrical productions to original video games and live exhibits and attractions, her experiences have furthered her ability to find and tap into the emotional heartbeat of a story. Having experienced both the technical and the creative side to development through her educational background in video game development, she is now building her business acumen with the MEIM program. Natalie is driven to explore the boundaries of interactive storytelling, create engaging experiences, and change the way people approach video games.
She has most recently completed an internship with theme park nonprofit Give Kids the World, where she developed games for their custom platform and developed new shows for their resident animatronics. This has emboldened her passion for experience design and game production, and she aims to become a people-first developer in those industries.
ALEXANN SHARP
Undergraduate Education: Lee University, Communications
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Favorite Film: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Area of Interest: Current Programming
Alexann Sharp is a creative producer-in-training with a dynamic career path spanning multiple entertainment industries. Beginning in event coordination and radio, she transitioned into music journalism before moving into television with Circle Media, gwhere she gained hands-on experience in content quality control, VOD distribution, and pre-production for original series. Her freelance work in Nashville’s music video industry refined her skills in production coordination and team management, with credits including award-winning projects for artists such as Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Lainey Wilson.
She then brought her expertise into podcasting, first as a publishing coordinator at iHeartMedia, overseeing 150+ feeds for major brands, before joining Glass Entertainment Group to research and develop content for hit true crime series Betrayal: Weekly. This summer, as a development intern at Fremantle’s Original Productions and a participant in the Academy’s Gold Rising Program, Alexann leveraged her multifaceted background to identify trends, craft pitch materials, and contribute to engaging unscripted programming. Her cross-platform experience gives her a well-rounded perspective on storytelling, audience engagement, and the production process
ISAIAH SMITH
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Los Angeles, Film & Media Studies with Production Concentration
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA
Favorite Artist: Stevie Wonder
Area of Interest: Music Supervision
Isaiah, born in Hazelwood, Pittsburgh, lives by the philosophy: if you don’t quit, you win. In his first year of graduate school, he interned with Fred Rogers Productions in music licensing. That summer, he worked as an intern for Dr. Nadia Marie Sasso’s production company in Los Angeles and for the Center of Life, a nonprofit with over 20 years of experience in developing talent and releasing music in Pittsburgh.
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Isaiah has signed both a record and publishing deal, licensed original music for television sync opportunities, sold music to artists, and collaborated with countless songwriters and producers. Through these experiences, he discovered his passion for pursuing a career at the intersection of music and film/TV. Carnegie Mellon’s MEIM program has been the perfect fit, giving him hands-on mentorship and the academic foundation to understand the industry’s past, present, and future.
This fall, Isaiah joined Roc Nation as a music publishing intern. He is especially grateful to the MEIM staff for creating a unique program that blends business management with the arts.
ALON STEIN
Undergraduate Education: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Communications
Hometown: Newton, MA
Favorite Film: The Godfather (1972)
Area of Interest: TV/Film Development, Representation, Sports Management
After graduating from UMass Amherst with a degree in Communication during the 2023 Writers Guild strike, Alon looked for opportunities to pursue his passion for the entertainment industry. He has held internships at Creative Engine Entertainment, AEFH Talent Agency, and ATN Entertainment, where he wrote script coverage, supported contract negotiations, and handled executive scheduling. Alon has also contributed to a variety of projects, including founding the Heinz Sports Analytics Club and leading a consulting team for the San Jose Sharks to develop a Gen Z content strategy. With a background in communications and hands-on industry experience, he combines creative insight with analytical skills to pursue a career at the intersection of entertainment, talent, and sports. He hopes to become a TV/film development executive or work for a professional sports team.
J.T. TAYLOR
Undergraduate Education: Point Park Film and Animation, Cinema Production with Concentration in Producing
Hometown: North Huntingdon, PA
Favorite Film: The Batman (2022)
Area of Interest: Music Publishing and Artist Management
J.T. is a Pittsburgh-born filmmaker who fell in love with movies at the age of six after seeing Curious George at the local theater. In high school, after years of performing on stage, he began pursuing screenwriting and eventually produced and directed his first short film. That project sparked his journey into Point Park University's Film and Animation program in Pittsburgh, PA.
Driven by a love of learning, he sought opportunities to expand his knowledge which led him to Carnegie Mellon's Master of Entertainment Industry Management program. During his time there, he interned with the Pittsburgh Film Office, Nancy Mosser Casting Agency, and California Pictures as a Sales Intern. He was also a recipient of the 2025 Steiner Film Fund. Upon completing his studies, J.T. aspires to pursue a career in management while continuing his independent film endeavors.
JAHIR VALENCIA
Undergraduate Education: Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology, Administration with Marketing specialization
Hometown: Mexico City
Favorite Film: The Godfather (1972)
Area of Interest: Agency / Management / Music
Jahir Valencia’s passion for entertainment began early by designing and selling T-shirts outside concert venues, a spark that grew into releasing a creative agency and pop culture blog. By the age of 20, he was supporting logistics, hospitality, marketing, and PR for large music concerts. To fund his undergraduate studies in Administration and Marketing, he launched a successful eight-year career in technology, starting as a consultant at Oracle and later advancing to Salesforce as an Account Executive specializing in Media and Entertainment.
Returning to his true calling, Jahir pursued a Master of Entertainment Industry Management at Carnegie Mellon University, working as an audio-video engineer for the School of Music before moving to Los Angeles to join Live Nation as a Booking Intern for global music tours. With a unique blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and industry insight, he is ready to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
REBECA A. VARELA
Undergraduate Education: The City College of New York, Dual Major in Economics and Theatre with Minor in Creative Writing
Hometown: The Bronx, New York City
Favorite Film: Princess Mononoke (1997)
Area of Interest: Film Development, Acquisitions, Adaptations, and Marketing
Growing up in NYC, Rebeca has always been fascinated by the stories taking place all around us and on the silver screen. After graduating from The City College of New York with a dual major in Economics and Theatre, she decided to combine her passions of storytelling and business, leading her to the Master of Entertainment Industry Management Program at Carnegie Mellon University. Combining both the analytical and creative, Rebeca is seeking to use the skills developed at CMU and at The Global Institute of Data Science to better understand the current media landscape and marketplace to help usher in the next generation of storytellers and significant works that will hopefully stand the test of time.
YINQIN WANG
Undergraduate Education: Beijing Film Academy, Film Production and Marketing
Hometown: Beijing, China
Favorite Film: Underground (1995)
Area of Interest: Film Production, Film Marketing
Yinqin’s passion for film began during her teenage years, when she was inspired by the wave of Hollywood blockbusters that shaped her love for storytelling. She pursued this passion at Beijing Film Academy, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film Production and Marketing. During her time there, she worked on student film crews and commercials, created her own short films, and interned at IMAX, where she contributed to the marketing of numerous Hollywood films in China. Starting from a creative foundation, Yinqin has expanded her business and analytical skills through Carnegie Mellon University’s MEIM program to complement her production background. Now combining her understanding of both the artistic and commercial sides of the film industry, she hopes to pursue a career as a film producer, developing globally appealing projects that balance creativity with market strategy.
GRIFFIN WIRTH
Undergraduate Education: Allegheny College, Media and Visual Production and Minor in Theatre.
Hometown: Sewickley, PA/Portland, Maine
Favorite Video Game: Marvel Rivals
Area of Interest: Video Games and Film Production
Griffin Wirth is a creative technologist with a passion for blending technical innovation and entertainment. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer science from Allegheny College, with a focus on media and visual production, and a minor in theatre. Throughout his studies, he explored a wide range of creative and technical disciplines, including web design, digital art, photography, film production, stage management, lighting design, and acting, always seeking opportunities that merged creativity with technology.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Griffin entered the MEIM program. Recognizing the importance of gaining industry experience before relocating to Los Angeles, he interned at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in the fall, where he wrote blog content to promote upcoming performances and featured guest stars from The Nutcracker. This past spring, he joined the Pittsburgh Film Office, contributing to the development of a city-wide project that showcases Pittsburgh as a premier destination for film and television production. Over the summer, he worked with Anita McKorn, gaining hands-on experience with castingnetworks.com and learning the intricacies of contracts and talent representation. Now based in Los Angeles, Griffin is interning at Studio71 in the Creative Gaming Partnerships program under Aaron Simonoff. At Studio71, Griffin is learning how streamers and gamers collaborate with brands, how to scout potential clients, and how to develop team projects with other intern groups.
KAILI ZHANG
Undergraduate Education: Berklee College of Music, Music Business
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Favorite Artist: Emotional Oranges
Area of Interest: Entertainment Market Research, Marketing
Kaili Zhang has a background that bridges media research, marketing, and creative storytelling. She has supported global entertainment clients, including Apple TV, Netflix, and Peacock, through her work at Screen Engine/ASI, where she analyzed audience sentiment and market trends to guide strategic decision-making. Previously, Kaili created campaigns at Shanghai Media Group that reached over 2 million viewers and managed social media strategy at Carnegie Mellon to strengthen brand engagement.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a concentration in Music Business and Songwriting, Kaili combines analytical rigor with artistic insight. Beyond her professional roles, she is also a musician and digital content creator, with more than 30,000 likes and subscribers across TikTok, YouTube, and RED, where she develops content that resonates with diverse audiences. Her passion lies in storytelling, whether through media, music, or marketing, and in creating meaningful entertainment experiences.