Alissa Cherry

Alissa Cherry is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Toronto in social justice education, specializing in workforce learning and social change. Her research focuses on diversity and inclusion in the film and television industry. She explores occupational pathways for Black women in the entertainment industries, highlighting barriers to entry and on-the job skills needed. She has a master's degree in media studies from The New School, where she focused on youth media education and sound studies. Her sound work, Sounds of the Outskirts, explores NYC identity and location through 32 miles of urban soundwalks. Working in the labor movement as a union president, Alissa worked on collective bargaining for over 500 workers towards equal pay, against workplace harassment and promoting COVID safety. Alissa was previously the director of education for Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, a documentary and narrative film program for over 200 students per year. Alissa is a diversity and representation advocate for young people in the media and entertainment industry and has organized internship programs, job shadowing and workforce development programming for young artists.