I am a living example of what can happen when organizations commit to nurturing young talent. When I first came to BPM in 2001, I was just a few years out of graduate school. I had already worked at a couple of other nonprofit organizations, but my position as BPM’s program director was the first to align squarely with what I had studied at NYU. Over the years, I was mentored by BPMs founding president Mable Haddock, her predecessor Jacquie Jones and several other public media leaders. I had no idea, when I started at BPM, that I’d one day become its executive director. But that’s what can happen when organizations commit to providing guidance, support and opportunities to young professionals.

Current’s Rising Stars program honors public media professionals, age 36 and under, who work in a variety of roles within and around the system. Honorees are nominated by colleagues or supervisors for their exceptional contributions to their workplaces, communities and public media at large.

BPM’s Salutes Our Rising Star

This year, BPM is proud that Eboni Johnson-Kaba, our engagement manager, is one of the 35 professionals selected for recognition by Current as a Rising Star. Since coming to BPM in 2021, Eboni has worked to strengthen BPM’s relationships with our partner organizations in the industry and with affinity organizations in the arts, museum, and education sectors across the country. Herself a documentary filmmaker, she fully relates to the needs of the makers we serve and has played a leading role in creating new programs to address those needs. 

Please join us in congratulating Eboni. We are delighted to have her on our team and applaud Current for recognizing her and the other Rising Stars. Together with the other young professionals on BPM’s staff, they leave me feeling optimistic about the future of public media. 

Our Open Call Coming Soon

Also, if you’re planning to apply to  our 2024 Open Call, mark your calendar for Tues., Sept. 3, which is when the submission portal opens. If you’re new to our Open Call or just need a refresh on what we look for and how to make your application shine, consider attending our information session on Tues., Aug. 27. Register here.