POLI-TAINMENT HOST| PRODUCER | AUTHOR | SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR
Maleena recently completed the expansion of TS Media brand by supporting the production team in launching Tavis Smiley Reports to produce six powerful televised specials for PBS.
Maleena’s multi-media lens communicates her passion to heal inter-generational divides, promote independent artistry, public debate and social justice awareness. Her passion for media and entertainment is captured in voice, vision and views both in the field and behind the lens. Given her decade of hands on experience as a human rights activist, producer, writer and creative, Maleena has spearheaded national GOTV campaigns, college tours, produced radio spots and managed community service projects to rejuvenate and empower disenfranchised communities.
In efforts to support constant growth in the field of television, film and entertainment Maleena founded her company, Deep Rooted Entertainment, where she stays rooted as a dynamic Freelancer and collaborator who services production crew needs, content creation and strategy development. Recent projects include: PBS: 50th Anniversary March on Washington, Being Danny Simmons Pilot, BET Experience Awards 2013, Tavis Smiley Reports, Turn Off Channel Zero and What Happened to The Hip Hop Mayor?. Maleena serves as the Executive Producer for an upcoming independent documentary, Black Men Feel Too (BMFT), she’s the founder of The Constituent.tv, the entertainment correspondent on Lipstick Radio and contributor for Sisters At The Well Radio and The Los Angeles Sentinel.
Raised in Smyrna, DE, Maleena is an electrifying Alumna from Norfolk State University. She is the co-author of the highly anticipated relationship book on Dating entitled, “JustFriends”? and serves on the Executive Board’s of Our House Services, Inc., a transitional home that works with women who are rebuilding themselves from scratch or re-entering society from incarceration and Black Los Angeles Young Democrats, a democratic organization dedicated to engage in the democratic process through-education, advocacy, and activism.
Maleena’s ability to connect with everyday people transcends her social-political achievements. She has interviewed a wide array of celebrities from Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons, Tyler Perry, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Loretta Divine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Smokie Robinson, Lenny Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Kiki Palmer, Common, David Banner, Kathy Hughes, Wycleff, MaryMary, MTV’s Sway, Public Enemy, R&B sensation Ledisi, Goapele, Kindred, Raheem DeVaughn to Hip Hop historian Davey D, the late Jazz artists George Duke and spoken word impresario Gil Scott Heron. She’s even engaged community conversations with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and political figures like Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Congresswoman Karen Bass, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, Clyde Williams and Councilmember Bernard Parks and Jacque Robinson, one the youngest elected officials in the history of the City of Pasadena, CA.
“An overall powerhouse of energy, esteem, and excellence.” This is how many describe the multifaceted personality and spirited Maleena Lawrence.
-Launching Team Member for Tavis Smiley Reports
-Started my own production company, DeepRooted Entertainment
-Began filming my first documentary,"Black Men Feel Too" (c)
-Wrote my first book, "JustFriends"?(c)
-Appointed Board Chair of Our House Services, Inc.
-International Black Women's Public Policy Institute Fellow (2014) www.ibwppi.org
-Founding Member of Black Los Angeles Young Democrats
- Entertainment Host on Lipstick-Radio.com
Freelancer|
Various
From January 2013 to December 2013 • 0 year(s)
Production Assistant and Producer for various projects including PBS documentaries, BET promos, and campaigns for multiple production companies.
Production Coordinator|
TS Media
From January 2010 to December 2013 • 3 year(s)
Organized filming logistics and communicated with network staff for show delivery requests. Assembled master binders and managed production shoots.
Associate Producer|
The Smiley Group, Inc.
From January 2010 to December 2013 • 3 year(s)
Coordinated crew calls, talent travel, and production logistics for PBS documentaries and shows. Managed vendor databases and post-production activities.
On-Site Producer|
The Smiley Group, Inc.
From January 2008 to December 2009 • 1 year(s)
Lead representative to expo exhibitors and managed event productions, VIP red carpet events, and online registrations.
Production Assistant|
The Smiley Group, Inc.
From January 2008 to December 2009 • 1 year(s)
Facilitated logistics for national events and tours. Negotiated location agreements and logged recorded transcripts for social media.
Executive Assistant|
Voices Media, Inc.
From January 2007 to December 2008 • 1 year(s)
Sustained project partnerships with major clients and wrote radio scripts for public service campaigns. Scheduled executives for partnership grants.
Policy Analyst|
Jim Gonzalez and Associates
From January 2004 to December 2006 • 2 year(s)
Writer and editor for Media Alert Bulletin and GOTV radio ads. Tracked public opinion polls and implemented nationally recognized training boot camp.
Consultant|
Information Technology Corp
From January 2004 to December 2004 • 0 year(s)
Analyzed statistical data on domestic policies and created databases tracking outsourced jobs nationwide. Monitored public opinion on outsourcing effects.
