Mara Brock Akil’s Writers’ Colony Welcomes 2026 Spring Residency Cohorts and New Executive Director Karen Horne

EXCLUSIVE: Mara Brock Akil’s Writer’s Colony has announced the selection of four emerging writers for its spring cohort, which will take place from March 18 to June 6.

The spring cohort includes LA-based stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Jordan Rock; comedian and writer Domonic Diaz-Smith, a USC graduate and recipient of the Warner Bros./truTV Comedy Writer’s Award; Porscha Williams, an optioned screenwriter known for her insightful explorations of social dynamics; and Corinthian Maldonado, a former U.S. Air Force public health specialist who found his passion for storytelling while stationed overseas.

L-R: Jordan Rock, Domonic Diaz-Smith, Porscha Williams and Corinthian Maldonado

The Los Angeles-based residency is structured to support writers in developing original scripts that showcase their unique perspectives. Backed by Netflix, participants will engage in hands-on workshops, present their upcoming projects to industry professionals, and foster connections aimed at advancing their careers. This initiative specifically aims to empower writers who have not yet entered scripted television writers’ rooms, reinforcing The Writers’ Colony’s commitment to uplifting diverse voices and nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

“I’m incredibly proud of the impact the Writer’s Colony has made, and I’m excited to continue its commitment to supporting underrepresented emerging writers by providing the exposure, access, and tools they need to grow and succeed in this industry,” said Founder Mara Brock Akil.

The Writers’ Colony has appointed Karen Horne as Executive Director. Horne, former Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Warner Bros, brings extensive experience in advocating for diversity and elevating underrepresented voices within the industry. She has held roles at NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, and The Walt Disney Company and is eager to support the writers in the Colony Community.

“I am honored and excited to welcome a new class of cohorts this spring. Through our search and submission process, we’ve identified a group of writers whose strong voices and creative talents align with The Writers’ Colony’s mission of providing a dedicated space for their stories to be told. Through mentorship and increased exposure, we aim to provide an interactive and creative environment for this group of emerging writers,” Horne added.

Previous participants of The Writers’ Colony have included Duran Jones, Dorado Quick, Shahari Moore, and Sunny Dae. The most recent winter cohort featured James Ward III, Emma Michalak, Amber Jay, and Luis Santos.

Founded in 2021 by Brock Akil, the three-month screenwriting residency is located in West Adams, Los Angeles, adjacent to Brock Akil’s story27 Productions. During the residency, writers develop an original script that expresses their individual voices. They engage in workshops and interact with a diverse range of entertainment professionals, preparing them for entry into the industry.

Details about the four selected writers are as follows:

• Jordan Rock is a comedian, actor, and writer originally from Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Georgetown, South Carolina, and later returned to New York, where he began performing stand-up comedy. He has appeared in various television and film projects while touring nationally as a comedian. Currently residing in Los Angeles, he is now focusing more on writing.
• Domonic Diaz-Smith is a comedy and mystery writer whose work aims to deliver laughs first and provoke thought second. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, she creatively bridges the gap between her cultural history and her suburban upbringing. Domonic has worked as a writer’s assistant under Emmy® Award-winning producer Larry Wilmore on WILMORE (Peacock), and as a development assistant at Lily Singh’s Unicorn Island. She is also a 2024-25 fellow in the NBC Launch Writers Program, and a graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts.
• Porscha Williams is an optioned screenwriter known for her vivid dialogue and richly crafted worlds. Her writing often delves into social dynamics and the interplay of perception and reality, infused with humor. She attributes her quirky creativity to the diverse characters who influenced her upbringing in Chicago.
• Corinthian Maldonado was born in Brooklyn and later joined the Air Force in 2011. His military service took him across the U.S. and abroad, where he discovered his passion for writing during a deployment in Kuwait. Today, he is a TV drama writer focusing on themes of loss, home, and belonging.