Maya Jama Expands Her Mentorship Programme to Open New Doors for Women in the Creative Industries

Few figures in British popular culture have built a platform as multifaceted as Maya Jama. From television presenting and broadcasting to entrepreneurship, brand partnerships and beauty, she has established herself as one of the UK's most influential creative voices. Maya has consistently used her visibility to champion young women, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, advocating for greater access to industries that have historically been difficult to enter without established networks or financial privilege.

That commitment continues with the return and expansion of her mentorship programme, a six-month initiative designed to connect aspiring women with some of the UK's leading female professionals across the creative industries. Created in partnership with Creative Access following a successful first year, the programme offers participants direct mentorship, industry knowledge and practical career development between September 2026 and March 2027.

For many young creatives, entering industries such as fashion, television, music, advertising or media remains one of the greatest challenges of their careers. Technical ability is only one part of the equation. Access to experienced professionals, trusted advice and industry networks often determines who progresses. Maya's programme addresses these barriers by pairing emerging talent with women who have already navigated these spaces successfully, creating relationships that extend far beyond a single workshop or networking event.

The programme will support eleven women pursuing careers across talent management, branding and communications, public relations, photography, entrepreneurship, broadcasting and comedy, television production, theatre production and music. Covering such a wide range of disciplines reflects the changing nature of the creative economy, where careers increasingly move across industries and collaboration has become central to creative practice.

The partnership with Creative Access gives the initiative significant depth. For years, the organisation has worked to improve diversity across the UK's creative industries by helping people from communities that remain under-represented secure employment, mentoring and long-term career progression. Its expertise in building equitable recruitment and development programmes complements Maya's public platform, allowing the initiative to combine industry credibility with genuine structural support.

This year's programme also brings together an impressive network of mentors drawn from entertainment, media, entrepreneurship and some of the world's leading brands, including senior figures from Nike, Diageo and Coty.

Reflecting on the initiative, Maya explained: "When I started out, some of the opportunities that changed my life came from people who were willing to share their time, advice and belief in me. Not everyone has access to those networks, and that's something I've always wanted to help change." Her comments speak directly to one of the biggest challenges facing the UK's creative industries, where talent exists in abundance but opportunities are not always distributed equally.

For Nike, mentorship aligns closely with its long-standing investment in empowering athletes, artists and communities through creativity and self-expression. Diageo has continued to support programmes centred on inclusion, entrepreneurship and community-building across fashion, hospitality and music, recognising culture as a driver of innovation. Coty, one of the world's leading beauty companies, has increasingly championed female leadership, individuality and representation across its global portfolio. Collectively, these partners contribute expertise that extends beyond financial support, offering participants valuable insight into how global businesses nurture creative talent.

The programme also reflects a broader shift taking place across Britain's cultural landscape. Increasingly, leading figures are moving beyond advocacy and building tangible initiatives that create measurable opportunities. The impact of the programme is already being felt by its first participants. Renaya Dhillon, who was mentored by Julie Adenuga during the 2025 programme, described the experience as transformative: "The opportunity to move to London and get my foot in the door of the media/creative industries will have a lasting impact on my career trajectory and opportunities that come after!" Testimonials like Renaya's demonstrate how mentorship extends beyond advice, creating opportunities that can permanently alter the direction of someone's professional life.

Maya's impact on British culture has always extended beyond entertainment. She has become a role model for a generation of young women who have watched her navigate broadcasting, business and fashion with authenticity and confidence. Her openness about ambition, self-belief and resilience has resonated widely, particularly with women of colour who have often seen limited representation within senior creative positions. This mentorship programme builds upon that legacy, transforming inspiration into practical opportunity.

As the next cohort prepares to begin in September, the programme represents an investment in the future of Britain's creative industries and the women who will shape them. By combining Maya Jama's cultural influence with the expertise of Creative Access and the commitment of partners including Nike, Diageo and Coty, the initiative creates a model built on access, collaboration and long-term growth. Its greatest success will be measured by the careers it helps launch today, and the mentors, leaders and changemakers its participants become in the years ahead.

Applications open on 1st July 2026 and close on 14 July 2026 at 11.59pm. For more information and to apply, visit opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk