TRIBE
Mara Brock Akil
"My life's goal is to live a creative life with a full heart."
The highest regard as a storyteller is to paint portraits of which our full selves are reflected. With 400+ episodes of television showcasing our beauty, complexity, and vulnerability Mara Brock Akil does just that. With the need in mind to also lift as she climbs, Mara keeps the door open, spotting the talent of tomorrow and builds them up.
As a Dreamer, a Mother, a Wife, a Screenwriter, CEO, Director, Producer, her legacy continues with story27 Productions.
FOUNDER & CHIEF STORYTELLER
Susie Fitzgerald
Susie Fitzgerald is an executive and producer whose storied career includes extensive stays at AMC and HBO, working with slates that included Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Walking Dead, Mad Men, and The Sopranos. In her partnership with Mara she continues to support in the manifestation of iconic stories about memorable characters.
She is also excited about championing fresh, burgeoning voices and about prioritizing joy and kindness in the process. You can find her in the Pacific Ocean for her morning swim or campaigning against flashbacks in pilots.
PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION
Courtney Hollinquest
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Courtney has always been inspired by authentic stories and all the different ways we can tell them. She started her entertainment career as a backup dancer, touring around the world with LIZZO. This experience led her to getting an inside look at what the world of production looks like, and she fell in love- which led her to make the leap to TV & Film. Courtney’s passion for POC led stories can be found in the independent projects she’s producing with inspiring young creators as well as helping shape the amazing stories from Mara Brock Akil as her Development Coordinator for story27!
When she’s not in the office, you can find Courtney DJing your favorite events around the country as CQUESTT! From Everyday People to Coachella to her own party, BAILE- she finds a way to tell stories through the music, one song at a time.
Ruby Rose Collins
ASSISTANT TO CEO
Ruby Rose is a filmmaker passionate about character driven stories that merge nonfiction with genre-bending spectacle. As a filmmaker, she was 2020 Fellow at the Creative Visions Foundation Women Excel Project & has produced documentaries that have aired on ABC, A&E, and Hulu. Most recently, she produced the Nipsey Hussle docu-series with Lebron James’ Springhill Entertainment and Jay Z’s RocNation. Ruby has worked on a wide slate of short films that have premiered at festivals globally, including Sarajevo Film Festival, Outfest, Rooftop Films, NoBudge, and Teen Vogue. She is thrilled to join Mara Brock Akil's team at story27
In addition to story27, she has worked in development at HBO and Universal Studios, with short stints at production companies Big Beach and QC Entertainment.
Jazmin Johnson
IN-HOUSE STORYTELLER
“I feel closest to God when I’m being creative.” - J. Johnson
Hailing from Tallahassee, FL, Jazmin Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur. As a writer, director, actress and Blkflmmkr she continues to evolve her storytelling skills through various mediums. Coining her style as “Southern Fried Minimalism”, she loves bringing a taste of home to all of her work. ‘Cause after all - the south got something to say!
Charlie Boyette
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Charlie has spent a number of years dreaming of a career where she could exercise her passion to tell entertaining and meaningful stories. She’s worked hard to make that dream a reality. Charlie recently began her post-college professional life at Story27, and is pinching herself with joy at the opportunity.
With a dual degree in Cinema Studies and Journalism under her belt, as well as a number of internships where she worked in development and production, Charlie is delighted to be in such an impressive, collaborative and creative environment, where she can continue down the path of learning and professional growth.