A partnership built on purpose created an unforgettable launch for young talent.

At Paramount’s iconic headquarters in Times Square, LaunchPad and Anthony Edwards’ nonprofit Don’t Follow the Wave ignited growth and aspiration in the next generation of entertainment talent. This Immersion Day was anchored in dreaming big, breaking barriers, and illuminating what’s possible when visionary partners come together to create real momentum for the next generation.

When Visions Align

Paramount stands as a global symbol of creativity, culture, and influence; and on this day, it became a beacon of possibility. LaunchPad and Don’t Follow the Wave joined forces for the first time, united by a bold purpose: to elevate access, expand opportunity, and spark inspiration. Young adults from Atlanta, Minnesota, Birmingham and New York gathered not simply to observe, but to envision themselves as the leaders of tomorrow — because when we dream big together, we begin to change everything.

Hosts from from the participating organizations opened the day.

Harold Anderson, Social Responsibility @ Paramount
Adam Robinson, Vice President Global Social Impact @ Paramount
Makeda Mays Green, Senior Vice President @ Paramount Nickelodeon
Jon Winkel, President @ LaunchPad
Justin Holland, President @ Don’t Follow the Wave and Three Fifths Media

Then, a powerful surprise arrived: a video message from NBA star Anthony Edwards calling on participants to embrace courage, belief, and resilience. The tone was clear: this day was crafted not just to inspire, but to equip these young adults to take bold, transformative steps forward.

Lessons From Leaders & Athletes

Career Path Panel + Q&A: Paramount executives shared honest stories about ambition, setbacks, and forging paths in creative industries. Featuring:

Genisha Metcalf, Partnerships @ The NBA and NBA Foundation
Adam Robinson, Vice President Global Social Impact @ Paramount
Garrett Beltis, Senior Producer @ Nickelodeon
Luke Kwon, Senior Financial Analyst @ Paramount

Emerging Talent Presentation (Early Career 101): Delivered practical guidance, reminding participants that a competitive industry becomes navigable with clarity and action. Presented by Harold Anderson.

This was followed by an insightful and inspiring fireside hosted by LaunchPad partner Pro Athlete Community. Moderated by Jay Ross and featuring former NBA player CJ Miles, this session brought the reality of perseverance and fortitude to the forefront as a guide and a call to action. CJ tapped his personal and professional rise for key point of where others can find the will and playbooks needed to succeed.

Walking theSE ICONIC Halls

The group next toured the CBS Mornings studio and stood where MTV’s legendary TRL was once filmed. It was more than a behind-the-scenes walk. It was a moment of recognition that they too are capable of influencing the cultural narrative. The tour also provided exclusive access to the technical and operational aspects of going behind the scenes in one of the worlds most recognized television, film, and content producers.

Creativity in Action: Storyboarding Workshop

Participants teamed with Paramount mentors to craft 30-second Paramount+ ads. But the challenge was deeper: imagine, create, and share a story that matters. The result: bold creativity, meaningful collaboration, and courageous presentations that lit up the room.

Wheelhouse Career Accelerator: Claiming Their Voice

At Wheelhouse’s Tribeca office, the shift became personal. One-on-one mentorship helped participants create and refine their elevator pitches. Professional headshots and video-recorded pitches gave them tools to take with them — turning inspiration into identity.

For many, it was a defining moment: the difference between imagining a future, and beginning to own it. The participants were encouraged to post their elevator pitches to help build their network. And the participating organizations did the same.

The day ended with intimate “coffee table” casual chats featuring more leaders:

Makeda Mays Green, Senior Vice President @ Paramount Nickelodeon
Nick Maddox, Creator and Brand Ambassador @ Anthony Edwards
Justin Holland, President @ Don’t Follow the Wave and Three Fifths Media
Stan Kaufman, Vice President @ Wheelhouse

Why Joining Forces Matters

Access with meaning: When a global brand like Paramount stands with purpose-driven organizations like LaunchPad and DFTW, opportunity isn’t just visible — it’s tangible.
Belonging with visibility: These young adults weren’t just observers; they were seen, heard, and celebrated.
Inspiration with action: Lessons weren’t stationary; they were tools — applied, practiced, showcased.
Partnership with purpose: This day illuminated how collaboration can elevate impact, spark courage, and launch futures.

A Future in Motion

Participants departed not just inspired, but activated. In a single day, the convergence of a global media icon, an NBA changemaker’s nonprofit, and LaunchPad’s mission demonstrated the power of aligned vision. A spark was lit — and with it, a sense that dreaming big is just the beginning of what’s possible.

About LaunchPad, Don’t Follow the Wave, and Pro Athlete Community

LaunchPad is a nonprofit powered by Wheelhouse and the Village Community Foundation. Its mission is to create access and opportunity for young adults in entertainment, sports, and finance — through real experiences, mentorship, and career acceleration.

Don’t Follow the Wave Foundation (DFTW) was founded by NBA star Anthony Edwards and his business manager, Justin Holland. Born from a principle Anthony lived by — forging one’s own path and saying "can't" is never an option — the foundation exists to educate, expose, encourage, empower, and elevate student-athletes. DFTW provides free programs that broaden access to sports business careers, while also supporting youth through community-focused initiatives such as cancer awareness, and single-mother assistance. dontfollowthewave.org

Pro Athlete Community (PAC) is an exclusive network that empowers professional athletes to navigate life beyond sports with confidence and purpose. Through elite mentorship, transformative education, and powerful connections, PAC helps athletes envision new chapters and pursue them authentically. Their mission is clear: to support the whole person in their transition from “pro” to purpose — offering trusted guidance, education, and community to foster success on all fronts.

A Day That Changed Everything: LaunchPad and Don’t Follow the Wave Unite at Paramount