Issa Rae

Issa Rae, a multi-talented American actress, writer, and producer, has earned widespread recognition through her work in both television and film. Her popular YouTube web series, "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," led to the creation of her critically acclaimed HBO television series "Insecure," where she served as co-creator, co-writer, and star. The Peabody Award-winning series delved into the complexities of contemporary Black womanhood and was praised for its authentic and nuanced depictions of friendships, relationships, and personal growth. It marked a new era of storytelling for Black creators, earning Rae multiple Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations. Since then, Rae has actively championed the next generation of Black storytellers and creatives, primarily through her multifaceted company, Hoorae, which spans television, film, audio, talent management, and branded entertainment.

Rae has showcased her versatility as an actress and storyteller on the big screen. She has starred in a variety of feature films such as "The Hate U Give," "Little," "The Photograph," "The Lovebirds," "Vengeance," "Barbie," and "American Fiction." Additionally, she provided voice work for the Academy Award-winning short film, "Hair Love."

In addition to her creative pursuits, Rae is also a savvy entrepreneur, having launched several successful ventures, including a record label, a haircare line, and a coffee shop in Los Angeles. She was named to the TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2022 and has received prestigious accolades like the Peabody Trailblazer Award and the Producers Guild of America Visionary Award.

Rae is a Stanford University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in African and African-American Studies. Her memoir, "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," was a New York Times bestseller.