For Jayven Jean-Louis, involvement with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) became more than a campus experience; it helped shape his journey into the entertainment industry.
Jean-Louis, a 2025 graduate of Prairie View A&M University, earned a degree in computer science and was part of the inaugural cohort of TMCF’s yard ambassador program in 2022. Today, he works on the studio marketing creative content team at Walt Disney Studios, contributing to campaigns for seven films and TV shows.
His role requires both creativity and strategy. Jean-Louis collaborates with his team to develop original marketing concepts, working with talent and brand partners to bring campaigns to life.
Jean-Louis credits TMCF with helping him develop skills that translate directly into his current work, especially in campaign ideation. As a yard ambassador, he led campus activations that required strategic thinking, collaboration and audience awareness.
“We could get on the phone with specific brands where you have to synergize two organizations and a university,” he said. “It taught me how to think about partnerships and create something meaningful for audiences.”
Those early experiences also introduced him to market research and audience engagement, including organizing a McDonald’s activation at his university.
“You have to take a step back and look at the landscape,” he said. “How are people interacting? What are the challenges? What do they value?”
Jean-Louis, the first in his family to graduate from college, said TMCF also helped him build confidence and step into leadership roles.
“I was never used to being called upon to be front and center,” he said. “But I feel prepared for any room now, from boardrooms at Disney to pitching ideas to Marvel executives.”
He said TMCF’s impact goes beyond professional development.
“They make sure you know who you are and the value you possess, and they want you to put that impact into the world,” he said.
When asked to describe the organization, Jean-Louis pointed to its sense of community and empowerment.
“TMCF is like an all-inclusive road trip where everyone is welcomed and we shine with Black excellence,” he said.
“I’ve been impacted by TMCF because I was able to not only impact my university as a yard ambassador but also step up to the challenges we face in the world as an innovative changemaker,” he said.
