Cal State LA alumna selected for Disney writing program

Cal State LA alumna Jaleese Ramos has been selected to participate in the Disney Entertainment Television’s 2024 Writing Program.

A launchpad for fresh voices in television storytelling, the year-long writing program is widely recognized as one of the best in the entertainment industry. Only seven drama writers were selected for this year’s program, which is renowned for helping participants secure their first staffing assignments in a Disney TV series.

“It’s an honor to join the 2024 DET writing program,” said Ramos. “It has helped pave the way for so many talented writers and I’m thankful to be a part of this year’s cohort. Disney was a big part of my life growing up and getting to work with them now feels like a dream come true.”

As part of the program, Ramos will participate in advanced creative workshops, refine her portfolio, and meet and learn from Disney creative executives, producers, showrunners, and program alumni.

“This is our first Cal State LA student selected for this incredible Disney program that staffs diverse, emerging writers on scripted series,” said Kristiina Hackel, chair of the Department of Television, Film and Media Studies at Cal State LA. “Jaleese’s selection speaks primarily to her great talent as a writer, of course, but also to the strength of our Cal State LA programs, especially the Television, Film and Theatre MFA.”

In 2021, Ramos received her MFA in Television, Film and Theatre with a focus on writing. Cal State LA’s program brings the three creative arms of the entertainment industry—content creation, writing, and acting—together in cohorts.

“My time at Cal State LA was a wonderful experience and it played an important role in preparing [me] for the entertainment industry after I graduated,” Ramos said.

A second-generation Mexican American, Ramos grew up in the Central Valley of California surrounded by almond orchards and dairy farms. She explained that her work is influenced by her “sometimes messy, all the time loud Mexican family.”

“My storytelling focuses on exploring identity, family lineage, and the effects that time and unresolved trauma can have on characters with a desperate desire to do right but who never quite know how to,” Ramos said.

Ramos has worked as an assistant to a literary manager and as the showrunner’s assistant on NBC’s Lopez vs Lopez for two seasons. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from CSU Stanislaus.