Issa Rae to Receive 2025 Game Changer Award from UCLA Anderson School of Management

Issa Rae to be Honored with the 2025 Game Changer Award

The UCLA Anderson School of Management has announced that it will present the prestigious 2025 Game Changer Award to Issa Rae, recognized for her exceptional contributions to the fields of media, entertainment, and sports. This honor will be formally bestowed during the annual Pulse Conference on April 4, 2025, at UCLA.

Issa Rae, a multi-talented writer, producer, actress, and entrepreneur, has become a trailblazer in her industry. This award is specifically designed to honor influential figures who have driven innovation and transformation within the entertainment sector. Previous recipients of the Game Changer Award have included notable personalities such as Ted Sarandos, Ice Cube, and Jeffrey Katzenberg, all of whom have made significant strides in redefining the entertainment landscape.

Jay Tucker, the executive director of the UCLA Anderson Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports, highlighted Rae’s role as a pioneer in her field. He pointed out her groundbreaking web series, "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," which marked a significant turning point in how creators utilized platforms like YouTube for storytelling. Rae's innovative use of social media for promotion and her inventive funding approaches, including Kickstarter campaigns for her episodes, exemplify her forward-thinking mindset.

The impact of Rae’s work became even more pronounced with her HBO series "Insecure," which earned a Peabody Award and resonated deeply with audiences for its authentic representation of Black female experiences. Rae has consistently demonstrated her commitment to collaboration and entrepreneurship, carving out new pathways in narrative technique and audience engagement.

Sanjay Sood, a UCLA Anderson professor and faculty director of the center, praised Rae's significant contributions to the Los Angeles community, illustrating how her work often reflects the vibrancy of the city. By featuring L.A. prominently in her creative projects, Rae not only showcases her hometown but also revitalizes and invests in its iconic neighborhoods, thus highlighting her dual commitment to artistry and community service.

Established to recognize leaders who have pushed the boundaries of innovation in entertainment, the Game Changer Award seeks individuals who have profoundly enhanced customer experiences, forged impactful partnerships, and embraced evolving business models. Rae’s impressive portfolio of work in Hollywood illustrates her status as a true game changer. Her diverse projects encompass acclaimed films and series, such as her roles in "Barbie," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and various independent projects.

In 2020, Rae launched HOORAE, a multifaceted company dedicated to producing content that aims to challenge traditional narratives and enhance representation within the industry. HOORAE is a comprehensive entity that includes HOORAE Media (for film and television projects), Raedio (a music label), ColorCreative (a talent management division), and FÊTE (a marketing agency). Each division embodies Rae's innovative spirit and dedication to diversifying media representation.

Rae’s commitment to South L.A. underscores her entrepreneurial endeavors. Her company headquarters are strategically located near her childhood home, reinforcing her dedication to supporting the community she grew up in. Moreover, her involvement with the Destination Crenshaw nonprofit reflects her goal of celebrating and uplifting Black Angelenos through art, culture, and job creation. Additionally, through her ownership of local enterprises like Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen, Rae creates jobs and provides opportunities for her neighbors, further contributing to the socioeconomic development of her area.

Expanding her entrepreneurial ventures, Rae has also entered the culinary space with Somerville, a restaurant and neighborhood lounge aimed at fostering community connections. Furthermore, she co-owns a vegan hair care line, Sienna Naturals, with a focus on redefining wellness and beauty for Black consumers. Recently, Rae launched Viarae Prosecco, a sparkling wine that embodies authenticity and celebration.

As the world turns its attention to the Pulse Conference, anticipation builds for the recognition of Rae’s influence, creativity, and commitment to narrative diversity. Her journey from YouTube creator to Hollywood trailblazer serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike, proving that innovation and community engagement can coalesce to create profound change in the entertainment industry.

For additional information about the UCLA Anderson Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports and the Pulse Conference, please visit their official website.