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In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Shelby Larkin-Reid, an Emmy-nominated television producer and entertainment executive with over 20 years of production experience in non-scripted content. Shelby is also the Director of Global Partnership Development at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.
Starting as a high school intern at her local CBS affiliate in Nashville, TN, Shelby grew to become an associate producer by the age of 23. After realizing that majoring and working in economics wasn’t the path for her, she was driven to revisit her passion of television production. Listen in as she tells the story of how she became the confident, powerful, Black female producer she is today while sharing expert advice for those of you who want to follow a similar career path in entertainment.
“It’s so important to know… what sort of environment you thrive in. If you don’t thrive in that type of environment, it’s definitely not the place for you.”- Shelby Larkin-Reid
You’ll hear about the impacts going to Spelman College in Atlanta had on Shelby’s career trajectory and how she dealt with her family’s disapproval of her career choice, as well as how branded content and brand partnerships are developed. Plus, she describes what a day in her life looks like as the Director of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park!
“When you start and you go with the passion, your career will grow exponentially.”- Shelby Larkin-Reid
Connect with Shelby:
Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbylarkinreid
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshelbyrenee
Resources Mentioned:
SoFi Stadium: https://www.sofistadium.com
About the Host:
Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.
With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.
The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”
Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:
@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr
Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com
Creators and Guests
Host
Dreena Whitfield
Dreena Whitfield-Brown is the Founder and CEO of WhitPR, an integrated strategic communications agency with 15+ years serving clients in the nonprofit, corporate, and political sectors. Recognized as one of PRWeek's 40 Under 40, a PR News Top Woman in PR, and named to Inc.'s 2025 Female Founders 500 List. She created How I Got Here to have the raw, honest conversations about entrepreneurship that nobody has on the record.
What is How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield?
How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield goes beyond the highlight reel with Black women founders, executives, and leaders. Real conversations about the pivots, the setbacks, and the purpose behind the work. From bootstrapping a beauty brand with $500 to leading a professional sports franchise, each episode explores the moments that shaped who they became and the cost of building something meaningful.
For women navigating leadership, business ownership, career reinvention, and the cost of ambition.
New episodes biweekly on Wednesdays.
Host: Dreena Whitfield
Executive Producer, Writer & Creative Director: Keena Williams / Struxa
howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com