Mara Brock Akil has spent her career creating iconic spaces for Black stories on screen—and now, she’s making sure the writers’ rooms of the future are just as vibrant.
The Girlfriends and The Game creator has officially pulled back the curtain on the Spring Residency cohort for The Writers’ Colony. The news is lighting up social media as fans and industry insiders celebrate the next wave of storytellers headed to the exclusive West Adams residency in Los Angeles.
Running from March to June , this three-month program is more than just a writing retreat; it’s a career-launching pad backed by Netflix. The goal? Helping writers who haven’t yet broken into major scripted TV rooms develop original scripts that reflect their true, “unique vision.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the impact the Writer’s Colony has made,” Mara Brock Akil shared in a statement. “I’m excited to continue its commitment to supporting underrepresented emerging writers by providing the exposure, access and tools they need to grow and succeed in this industry.”
This year’s cohort is a viral mix of talent that has fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram cheering. Leading the pack is Jordan Rock, the Brooklyn-born stand-up comedian and actor who is ready to pivot his sharp comedic timing into deep-dive screenwriting.
Joining him is Domonic Diaz-Smith, a USC grad whose life story—ranging from Memphis field trips to being “co-raised by a professional con artist” in L.A.—informs her hilarious mystery writing. Also on board are Porscha Williams, a Chicago native known for her “unhinged” and textured dialogue, and Corinthian Maldonado, a former U.S. Air Force public health specialist who found his passion for drama while serving in Kuwait.
To help lead these rising stars, the Colony has appointed a legendary mentor. Karen Horne, the former Senior VP of DEI at Warner Bros., is joining as Executive Director. With a resume that includes Disney and NBCUniversal, Horne is a literal titan of industry diversity.
“I am honored and excited to welcome a new class of cohorts this spring,” Horne said, noting that the search process identified voices that perfectly align with the Colony’s mission. “Through mentorship and increased exposure, we aim to provide an interactive and creative environment.”
Located right next door to Brock Akil’s story Productions, the residency offers hands-on workshops and direct access to industry pros. It’s the ultimate “full circle” moment for Akil, who recently accepted the PGA’s Norman Lear Achievement Award for her work creating room for voices “at the margins.”
With previous cohorts like Duran Jones and Shahari Moore already making waves, all eyes are on these four new writers as they prepare to launch.
In a world where breaking into Hollywood feels harder than ever, Mara Brock Akil is proving that sometimes, you just have to build your own table—and invite the best talent to sit at it.
