WEEN Academy Mentor Spotlight: Sherise Malachi
Why did you decide to be a WEEN Academy Mentor? WEEN is such an great organization that provides a unique platform for young women to learn the ins and outs of working in the entertainment industry; I understand the importance and value of investing in our young women and feel it is important to share my journey and/or experiences with those just beginning their road to professional success.
Tell us one interesting fact about your personal/or professional background that served as groundwork for you to become a mentor?
In the early stages of my career, I did not have a mentor and had to hit a few bumps before I got it right. It was those experiences,that led me to asking for guidance from other women who helped shape, teach and support me. And with those experience, I believe it is my duty to give back to others.
How did you build your personal/professional brand?Through Hard work, dedication, developing, nurturing and maintaining positive relationships.
What are two gems that you wish someone would have told you about the business?
This gem can be applicable to any industry but the importance of maintaining balance in both your personal and professional life. Overall balance and having a healthy personal life, leads to having a better and manageable professional life. Second – At the start of every new opportunity, have the next goal in mind, I’ve learned this a little later on in my career, but its keeps me focused and driven at all times.
Who is/was your most significant mentor and why?
I have been blessed to have wonderful mentors who have stood by me, through the good, bad and ugly. But for this question, I cannot just mention one person without mentioning one other individual… There are two people who have been very instrumental in my professional life the last few years, and have guided me and supported me, I know that I can call on either of them, at 10pm or 6am to talk, even if its been 30 days since we last spoke with each other.
The first person is Linda Forem, VP/GM for Radio One in Richmond, VA and Alan Leinwand, VP/GM also of Radio One Washington DC. Both individuals “will keep it straight and honest” with you. Their passion and love for radio literally “moves me” and honestly, both of their career paths and advice thus far, have been instrumental and helpful when making the most recent transition within my career.
What are some things that you are doing to make the entertainment business a better place for women?
Creating conversations and intimate events with various groups of women. Currently, I have a group of young women and will continue to expand this group, where we get together every other month, to discuss challenges, goals( professional and personal) and to provide an outlet, outside of their day to day job where they feel comfortable to discuss obstacles they are confronted with and we work together to find solutions to assist them.
Who would play you in a modern day movie about your life and why?
Let’s see…..Jennifer Hudson…simply because she has proved that the “experts” aren’t always right…her talent, drive and passion, has led her to unbelievable success. There is no person or thing will get in the her way of destiny.
What do you believe are important tools needed to survive in the entertainment industry?
The most important tools I believe are critical to have when working in the industry is to have “Thick Skin.” This industry can be tough, with many wins and many lossess…you are working with a variety of personalities and everyone should be able to adapt to every type, in order to win.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment which is an everyday job, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, is managing my marriage while working to climb the ladder within the Media/Entertainment Industry.
I have been very blessed to have a supportive husband/partner and best friend. We have been together for 14 years, married for 7 and during our seven years of marriage, we actually lived apart for 4 of the years due to my job. So a lot of sacrifice… balancing, traveling to make sure my husband remains number #1, while working hard to prepare for a comfortable future.
Famous or not: Name one woman who embodies what you think a real woman is and explain. Dead or alive
I would say, Dr. Maya Angelou – She was unapologetically authentic, a women with a distinct voice, who had the ability to understand how powerful words are….…..words shape who we are as individuals. She never apologized for who she was, where she came from, her own personal struggles, especially during her earlier years. She was able to take her own lessons and experiences and use it as teaching tool for so many.
Tell us something about you that people do not know? I am the biggest fan of the Big Band/Swing Era…as a matter fact outside of Classic R&B that is what I primarily listen to…Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole etc and I am obsessed with the Kennedy’s.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @sherisemalach
Facebook: facebook.com/SheriseMalachi
Twitter: @execinthemaking
Sherise has been an inspiration to me. Her determination, passion for the business, and unwavering focus set the bar for all people in entertainment, not only women. I am thrilled that Sherise is mentoring young women. How lucky they are to have Sherise as a teacher.