Ericka L. Mauldin, nicknamed “Media Maven,” is an Accomplished, American, Television Producer and the Owner of EDIT TALENT GROUP and Chicks That Pitch. In additon, the Visionary behind Black Girl Media Magic and Black Industry Makers.
Ericka received a BFA in Electronic Media from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier Cincinnati and Kaplan University.
With twenty years in service, Ericka has worked with a number of major networks and affluent companies to include Food Network, Big Fish Entertainment, Fox, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Oxygen, Bravo, 51 Minds, McDonalds, Endemol,Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, and more.
Ericka’s vast industry collaboratives and business acumen are what assists Ericka in establishing opportunities for others. As a Producer, Mentor,Entrepreneur, Media Professional and Motivational Speaker and Talent, Ericka’s mission is simple … to inspire, uplift and create opportunities for others while successfully contributing to an industry that she is very passionate about.
“I Do This Because Im Passionate About Creativity, Innovation and The Media”
— E.L. Mauldin, MBA
How did you get into the business? I always had a passion for the Industry. In 1997, I took my first job as a Receptionist at a local TV station in Cincinnati, Ohio (WSTR-TV a Sinclair Broadcasting Group Station). In my initial interview, I shared with who was to become my Manager, Mentor and Friend, that I didn’t want to get too comfortable because my goal was to be in the back, where Production was. Months later, I was working in Engineering while simultaneously working under the Creative Director who assisted in developing me as a Producer.
What obstacles have you faced specifically because of your gender? I graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, with an Electronic Media Degree. I was having my last meeting with my Dean and in his words, “Ericka, you will be successful. You will accomplish your goals in the industry, I know it. But, one of the things you will need to do is take your heart off of your sleeve. Its a tough business and as a woman you will have your challenges.” He was right! I could not be an emotional being. “What a challenge”. I thought, considering I used to be.
As a woman in this industry, I have been told, I wouldn’t make it. I have been laughed at and teased about being the only woman on the set. Things like “ Is it too heavy for you?” with snickers. I have also experienced moments of harassment in various forms, including being offered deals to move to the next level, if I would performed sexual favors. Of, course I was insulted and refused. But, I have always been mentally prepared for what may come. There is nothing that I have not been able to handle. As a matter of fact, I have earned respect as being a Woman who can get things done and professionally. I refused to buy into the idea of sleeping my way to the Top. As a Woman, I feel empowered and know that I have the ability to do anything I aspire to and so far, so great!
Best thing to ever happen to you to remind you that you are a woman? Next to being a Single Mother of four amazing children, realizing that I was being recognized as someone in the Industry that support those who were passionate about the Industry. I just did what was natural for me to do, which is to help others. From the Staffing Services that I provide for Crew on productions to helping others tell their stories through Development and Distribution. I had a Dream, Goals and Aspirations that was supported, so it is my mission to pass it along to others to help them fulfill theirs.
This surely is a great time to be a Woman in the Industry from Content to Crew, we all have stories to share and the fact that they we are openly being recognized for our gifts and talents says alot to where the future lies. The Gateways are open!
Work you are most proud of? I’ve worked my tail off, so I am very proud of the work I have done. My give back to young, aspiring content creators, helping them fulfill their goals and passion for the industry, reminds me of why I do what I do. Seventeen years ago, I was working Part Time in the Cincinnati Public Schools as a Media Specialist Teacher. A job created for the school I was in. I had 5th through 8th grade students that were growing in the same type of environment I did. These students experienced Violence, Poverty and so much more. Many would come to school and act out. So, I found a way to tap into these young minds and introduced them to the world of Television Production. Today, a great deal of those students who are now adults work in Music, TV, Photography and More!
I am extremely passionate about the work that I do as a Producer in various capacities, and very proud of it. I am also proud of the various platforms that I have developed to educate those aspiring to work in the industry via Workshops and Seminars and recently organizing Black Girl Media Magic; a collaborative of African American Female Creatives and Black Industry Makers. In addition, my work of 16 years in Television Ministry. I also have two companies in the Industry; Edit Talent Group and Chicks That Pitch. Both of these companies create opportunities for other creatives. Edit Talent Group, my Media Staffing Agency provides job opportunities while Chicks That Pitch, my Development and Distribution Agency provides opportunities for content creators to get their work discovered. I was blessed with the right mentors and opportunities, I want to continue to pass it along to others.
How do you describe the most significant #metoo moment of your life? I have encountered a number of instances in my career, but the most significant was in my latter years when I was physically (sexually) assaulted, by talent on the set of a show that I was Producing on. The Production company involved, while they took measures to protect themselves, did not due their due diligence as it pertained to me. I felt alone. I had enough and decided that the person involved would have to face the consequences of their actions and he did experience jail time and probation. I was afraid, because to the date, I would just try to handle it. No more! And to this day, I prepare those in my workshops and seminars for not just the positive that they may encounter, but the negative as well.
How have professional attitudes towards women evolved during your career? In my 20 years, I have surely seen an evolution in most areas of the business. Women are now seen as respected leaders. I was an anomaly in my market. I can remember a time where most of the productions that I worked on where dominated by men. Now, you have us in the forefront Directing, Producing, developing content that is giving the world a broader perspective of storytelling. Today, I have clients that are male dominated, who respect my abilities and my professionalism.
Trapped on an island what essentials must you have? My Bible, my best shades, music, Kind Bars, Spear for fishing (because I don’t eat fruit) my laptop and phone because I don’t plan on being trapped too long. LOL
If you had a time machine, what would you say to your past self? Get ready for your future self, because she will be unstoppable!
If you could have a one-on-one with anyone who would it be? And why? In my career, I have met and worked with some amazing people. I had a brief encounter with Michelle Obama while working as a Stage Manager. I was the only person assigned to her, besides Secret Service. I was excited to meet her, I knew that I would have no time to actually have a real conversation. So, it would be our Former First Lady, Michelle Obama.
She is a Woman that represents who we are and should be as Women in Leadership roles. Not to mention, her style is EVERYTHING! I would love to get advice on my personal and professional life. I have the Style under wraps :).
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