Her Story
About Kylee
Kylee Edwards is a film and media professional who recently graduated from Chapman University in California. She majored in screenwriting and added a minor in sound design halfway through her four-year program. Since graduating in May, she has been actively seeking opportunities in entertainment while pursuing creative projects in her spare time. She is currently co-writing a small independent web series with a friend from film school, filming remotely via Zoom and FaceTime due to their locations in New York and California. Edwards developed her interest in film, television, and theater through a high school film program in California that her mother encouraged her to join. She brings a strong work ethic shaped by her background as a competitive swimmer for 13 years and values instilled by her mother, including persistence, adaptability, and the belief that hard work pays off over time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kylee
01What do you attribute your success to?
My mom has always told me to hustle and work hard for what you want. Coming from athletics as a swimmer for 13 years taught me to have a strict schedule, adapt to surroundings, and that nothing is going to be handed to you. All that hard work is going to pay off eventually, and it's not a race - everything comes when it's meant to come.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mom taught me to hustle and work hard, but also to have patience because it's not a race and everything comes in time when it's meant to. Don't expect to have everything immediately.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to break the mold or challenge something that someone else may not understand. Write or produce something that breaks the mold and don't feel like you have to explain yourself. It's yours, it's your creation. This is an industry of no's, but all you need is one yes. Stick to something that's authentically you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
While representation has come a long way for all types of women including women of color and queer women, there's still so much more needed. The field is still male-dominated, especially with older white men in academic and professional roles. Younger women are entering and creating shows and films that shape modern entertainment, but we still face rejection and need to fight for credibility and originality without stories being dulled down.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Persistence, resiliency, and adaptability. Hard work and hustle will pay off, but remember it's not a race and to have patience. These values were instilled by my mom and from my athletic background as a swimmer.
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