Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at AMAW

In our world today, we must continue to strive for fairness, openness and inclusion for all people, no matter the color of their skin, sexual orientation, gender or religious background. True unity comes from an acknowledgment and appreciation of the differences that exist in all of us. 

As a training center for Creatives of all kinds within the industry of Media, Film, TV, Performance, Theater, and Acting Theory & Technique, AMAW strives to be a leader in inspiring and guiding best practices of full human expression. However, there is always room for improvement.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) is meant to serve as a safe haven for any and all students to freely share and connect about issues regarding diversity, race, sexuality, gender, disability, and acceptance to improve the culture at the studio. 

We are here for YOU: any comments, questions, concerns, or if you just need someone to hold the space for you to listen, we got you. Anything said will remain anonymous unless otherwise specified. 

You may also email us at: ladei@anthonymeindl.com

The DEI Committee is led by Atheana Ritchie & Gemma Alfaro, both AMAW Alumni based out of Los Angeles.

“I am a writer/creative consultant on Mtv‘s Wildn Out. My hobbies include loving my 20 pound miniature schnauzer and fighting against racial inequality. Being a part of something that evokes change in a positive manner for race, gender, sexuality, inclusivity inspires me to be a better person.” – Atheana Ritchie

“I’m an Actor/Writer. Black & Salvadoreña. Through storytelling, I make my home so I can be seen in a world that never saw me. I strive to ensure that everyone finds their home too.” – Gemma Alfaro

I am Leah Young, your AMAW student-teacher liaison and I am excited to work alongside all of you to ensure that your creative learning, teaching, and growing space is fun, safe, and reflective of AMAW’s mission. As a champion of equity, compassion, and restorative justice, I eagerly welcome the challenge to foster proactive accountability within creativity. 

There can be times when in the midst of courageously exploring humanity and creativity, human error occurs be it accidentally, deliberately, or in the space between the two. Sometimes passivity or silence feels like the best or most comfortable response. I encourage you to email me or another trusted AMAW community member should you have an experience that does not align with the Student Code of Ethics, does not align with who you are, or is an experience that you are unsure of. There are anonymous incident reports at your disposal. 

In conjunction with the Ethics Committee, I will work to investigate violations of the AMAW Student Code of Ethics and resolve incidences that arise. You are entitled to thrive in a space that centers all of who you are, safely and responsibly. 

Pause, have you read our updated Student Code of Ethics? https://www.anthonymeindl.com/code-of-ethics/  Fellow skimmer here asking you not to skim it. Reading it in its entirety will support you in understanding the expectations you are being held to. Have thoughts about it?

Please email me any time at leah@anthonymeindl.com, heavy on the any time. First and foremost to report an incident. And secondly- because feedback, recommendations, and joyous things are all welcomed! And lastly, just if you want to test out my email and say hi, yeah do so!

Always in your corner,

Leah Young

Film Director and Co-Founder of Mansa, Nate Parker; President of Scripted TV at STX Entertainment, Jada Miranda; Casting Director of 13 Reasons Why, On My Block and Raven’s Home, Ron Pennywell; President of Treadwell Entertainment Group and Producer, Tina Treadwell & Acting Coach Anthony Meindl discuss equality, openness and inclusion for all people, sexual orientation, gender equality and discrimination in an open roundtable hosted by AMAW.

To join our community of actors & artists, contact us to get started.