Shonda Rhimes is an award-winning television creator, producer, author and CEO of the global media company, Shondaland.
In 2016, Rhimes formed The Rhimes Foundation whose mission is to support arts, education, and activism. Ms. Rhimes serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations – including the American Film Institute, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Dartmouth College, Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Kennedy Center. In addition, Rhimes is on special committees for the USC Film Council and the Obama Foundation.
As CEO of Shondaland, Ms. Rhimes has ensured the company champions voices from historically underrepresented communities both in front of and behind the camera. The company has launched the Producers Inclusion Initiative, a training program for Indie Producers, Unit Production Managers, Supervisors, and 1st Assistant Directors as Line Producers within the studio system as well as the Ladder Program which provides opportunities for onset experience and training in production and technical roles across multiple departments, including Production, Locations, Assistant Directors, SFX, Costume, Hair/Makeup Camera, Electric, Art Department Stunts, Sound, Finance, and more.
For her philanthropic work she has been recognized by such national organizations as the Human Rights Council, GLAAD and Planned Parenthood. She has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her service to US / UK relations and has been inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.