Celebrating its sophomore year, the OYA Black Arts Coalition’s OYA Career Leap program welcomes its third cohort with 17 new young creatives. Having started on September 17, 2024, this year’s cohort will be taken through three main pillars: placement, mentorship and union eligibility as part of their program. 

“This year’s Career Leap cohort embodies the incredible talent and potential of the next generation of Black creatives, ready to take bold steps forward in their careers. Whether that’s getting their first real professional opportunities or building on the skills they’ve already earned, our goal is to see all our creatives succeed in an evolving industry.” – Valerie Amponsah, filmmaker and program coordinator for OYA Career Leap

At its heart, Career Leap is about connection and growth. The program is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable industry, requiring all partners and mentors to take Anti-Black Racism training. This ensures that participants gain the skills and tools to thrive and enter an industry that values and uplifts their voices.

This year’s OYA Career Leap cohort includes innovative music video directors, an Audience Choice at the Canadian Screen Awards, an Emmy-nominated actor and so much more. Their artistic backgrounds include make-up artists, poets, photographers, cinematographers, animators, filmmakers and more. 

The full list of participants is below:

• Emmanuel Adebayo Jr//Director Suave
• Rachel Adlam
• Hilda Afrakoma
• Kareem Benette
• Ashley Bodika
• Omari Burey
• Makayla Campbell
• Ollie Coombs
• Jadiel Dowlin
• Anthony Estridge
• Kwame Frimpong
• Carel Kabamba 
• Almasi Mathu
• Slone McGowan
• Rebecca Violet
• Kelvin Omori
• Rutendo Sanganza

“Career Leap isn’t just about building careers. It’s about shaping the future of Canadian film and television by championing the next generation of Black creatives.” – Amponsah

With past placements such as Banger Films Inc., Mythic Productions Inc. and Scythia Films, the 2024-25 cohort is set to graduate with new skills, projects and opportunities on March 31, 2025.