"IF" – You Want to Be a Successful Creator
Joe Young, President/CEO with
co-facilitator Robenia McKinley, Senior Producer/Writer
Joe Young Entertainment
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
12:25 – 1:45 PM
Art Building (ARTB) Room 106 - Storrs campus
Join Producer/Creator Joe Young and Senior Producer/Writer Robenia McKinley in a hands-on session that offers insights on how to grow, survive, and thrive as an emerging creator or artist. From practical tips and personal experiences to your active participation, this workshop offers a candid and motivational roadmap to help you believe—and prove—that You Can Make It from Anywhere (YCMIFA).
OPEN TO UCONN STUDENTS. LIMITED TO FIRST 45 REGISTRANTS.
About Joe Young
An award-winning creator, cartoonist, filmmaker, and producer, Joe Young’s work spans comics, television, youth media, and community engagement. He is the President of Joe Young Entertainment, President & CEO of Hartford’s Got Talent, and Executive Director of CAN DO, Inc., a nonprofit empowering young people through media arts and entrepreneurship.
Joe is the creator of Kemet the Time Traveler, a nationally growing educational franchise featured across TV specials, syndicated activity sheets, and a new PSA filmed at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. His projects have been showcased on major TV affiliates nationwide and recognized with honors including a Platinum AVA Digital Award.
With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Joe is committed to helping emerging artists find their voice, build sustainable creative careers, and bring impactful stories to life.
About Robenia McKinley
A published author and Senior Producer at Joe Young Entertainment, Robenia McKinley contributes to writing and producing youth-focused storytelling and multimedia projects that inspire and educate. As a writer, Robenia has published two children’s books: Sir Frederick: Squirrel of Canterbury and The Weaverbirds. Sir Frederick is a heart-warming story enjoyed in homes, schools, and libraries, while The Weaverbirds is a vibrant graphic novel with an animated script that showcases her diverse storytelling abilities and imaginative voice. Both works are available on multiple platforms and reflect her commitment to engaging young readers. Before joining Joe Young Entertainment, Robenia dedicated over 20 years to education, serving as an elementary school teacher, a private school principal, and the owner/operator of her own preschool. Her extensive background in classroom instruction, curriculum development, and leadership has been invaluable in her current work creating meaningful educational content. In addition to her work in publishing and production, Robenia has written for various local, regional and national media outlets and is passionate about helping others develop their creative gifts. Looking ahead, she plans to bring The Weaverbirds to life through animation and is currently working on motivational presentations centered on her theme “Live, Love, and Leap,” encouraging individuals to embrace purpose and possibility in the second chapters of their lives.
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