Her Story
About Mishael
Mishael Elie has been working in media for approximately 20 years. She began her career as a background actor in Maryland and moved into music and acting before taking on production roles. After performing in a theater show, she served as a production assistant on Dance Moms, marking the start of her behind-the-camera work. She has overseen unscripted shows from concept to execution and is developing a proof of concept focused on motherhood. Elie studied at Prince George's Community College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and received further training at Actor Studio and Groundlings. She credits her success to her support team, her mother, and her faith in God, describing storytelling as her personal mission. She emphasizes maintaining humanity and morals in the media industry despite its challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mishael
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my support team, my mother, and my belief in God. I question myself being in this industry sometimes, but when you have a purpose and a calling on your life, I strongly believe that you are a soldier meant to do exactly that mission. Storytelling is my mission.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
No person is bigger than the show, including the person that created it. The show must go on. Figure It Out.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just keep going, keep your head down, and you'll get there. Don't give up, but have a voice. Don't just settle. Know who you are and go into any situation with your head up as if you belong, because you do. Don't be afraid of being blacklisted or shut out.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The industry is changing so fast, especially with AI, and studios don't really know what they want to do. The challenge is finding a way to be ahead of the curve. There are so many avenues to get stories out, but sometimes you sit there and look at the paths and don't take a road. The original formula is gone, and a lot of little roads have been forged. The challenge is picking one.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
First, I'm a believer in God, so that's first and foremost. Having that faith is so important because life gets really dark sometimes. In production and media, things always tend to go crazy, so you have to believe there is light. Media has a poor reputation of being inhumane, but I take pride in having some morals. There has to be some sense of humanity when dealing with people in media.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.