Issa Rae Launches Ensemble: Connecting Brands with Diverse Creators and Closing the Pay Gap

American actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae is making waves in the entertainment industry once again with the launch of her new company, Ensemble. This innovative company aims to connect brands with diverse creators, bringing together a collective of talented individuals to produce and distribute impactful content.

Ensemble’s mission is to address the pay gap between creators of color and white creators, a disparity that has long been prevalent in the industry. By providing a platform for up-and-coming creators, including Drew Afualo, Leo Gonzalez, and Mark Phillips, Ensemble is working to create a more equitable creator economy.

Rae has assembled a team of advertising and marketing veterans to lead Ensemble, including Ian Schafer, Matt Berger, and Keith Lee. Together, they are focused on discovering and supporting the next generation of talent, emphasizing the importance of digital platforms in today’s media landscape.

In addition to partnering with brands like Chili’s, Pepsi, and Popeyes, Ensemble is collaborating with multimedia platform Snap on its 523 Program. This initiative aims to expand opportunities for creators from minority ethnic groups and the LGBTQ+ community, providing mentorship and resources to help them succeed.

Issa Rae’s commitment to advancing opportunities for people of color extends beyond Ensemble. Through her various ventures, including Fete, ColorCreative, and Raedio, she continues to prioritize creating pathways for underrepresented voices in the industry.

As Rae told TIME, her goal is to use her success to drive meaningful change and empower others to do the same. With Ensemble, she is not only shaping the future of content creation but also championing diversity and inclusion in the entertainment world.