CMA Celebrates 20 Years with A New Fellowship Initiative: A Commitment to the Next Generation of Storytellers

As the Children’s Media Association (CMA) celebrates its 20th anniversary, the organization is marking this milestone by giving back in a way that underscores its core mission: fostering the next generation of creators in kids and family media. In honor of two decades of empowering professionals, CMA has launched a Fellowship Initiative, offering 10 individuals the chance to receive tailored mentorship, professional development, and resources to propel their careers forward.

CMA President (Suzanne) Suzie Domnick , whose leadership has been instrumental in the organization's growth over the last few years, shares her inspiration behind this initiative:

"For 20 years, CMA has been a place where dreamers and doers in kids’ media come together to share knowledge, make connections, and grow in their careers. This fellowship is about amplifying that legacy—giving individuals a platform to break through barriers and make their mark in an industry that shapes young minds and imaginations. It's our way of celebrating the past by investing in the future.”

The fellowship, designed to reflect CMA’s values of community, collaboration, and inclusion, will provide fellows with unique opportunities to learn from industry leaders, connect with peers, and showcase their work on a global stage. From workshops on emerging media trends to one-on-one mentorship, each fellow will receive personalized support to navigate the industry's challenges and create meaningful, impactful content for young audiences.

Corey Nascenzi , CMA’s Director of Mentorship, highlights the fellowship’s potential to transform lives:

"Mentorship is the heart of what we do at CMA. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how a single conversation or opportunity can ignite someone’s passion and steer their career toward success. With the fellowship program, we’re not just opening doors—we’re giving fellows the tools and confidence to walk through them and thrive.”

The Fellowship Initiative is also a testament to CMA’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in kids and family media. The program encourages applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those historically underrepresented in the industry, to ensure a more vibrant, inclusive future for the content that reaches young audiences.

"The Fellowship Initiative is a celebration of everything CMA stands for—community, growth, and opportunity," said Shanesha Brooks, MSW , CMA's Director of Membership. "Our members are the lifeblood of this organization, and this program is about giving back to the incredible creators who make our community so special. By nurturing new talent, we’re not just shaping individual careers; we’re strengthening the entire kids' media industry and building a legacy of support and innovation for years to come."

Since its founding in 2004, CMA has grown into a global community of creators, producers, writers, and executives passionate about inspiring the next generation. With an array of educational programming, networking opportunities, and resources, the organization has become a vital hub for career growth in kids’ media. The fellowship initiative builds on this foundation, paving the way for new voices to enter and enrich the field.

As CMA looks ahead to the next 20 years, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to empower creators to dream bigger, reach further, and make a lasting impact. Suzie Domnick encapsulates the heart of this mission, saying:

"We’ve spent two decades building a community where everyone—whether they’re just starting out or are seasoned professionals—feels supported and inspired. This fellowship is our way of saying, ‘You belong here. Your voice matters. Let’s build the future of kids’ media together.’”

The CMA Fellowship Initiative celebrates community, a commitment to opportunity, and a call to action for creators to dream boldly and inspire a generation.

For more information and to apply for the CMA Fellowship Initiative, visit this LINK