Meet Nadira Pankey

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadira Pankey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadira , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I discovered my purpose through an extraordinary journey of determination and faith. As a single mother of two with only a third-grade reading level, college seemed like an insurmountable challenge. I began with remedial reading courses, battling both self-esteem issues and academic obstacles. However, my unwavering faith in God and a promise to strive for excellence sustained me.

Amid the trials, I found a profound passion for content creation and writing. Living in the college library and writing lab, I authored my memoir, “Evergreen Uprooted,” available on Amazon. Transitioning to college-level courses, I excelled, earning scholarships, dean’s list recognition, and nominations like Women of Promise and Distinction. I also became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, all while majoring in television production and media studies. Through this transformative journey, my purpose emerged – the power of words and storytelling as my life’s calling.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Nadira Pankey, a multi-award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, and I’m also the proud owner of Beastmode Entetainment, a production company I founded in 2014. My life is a testament to unwavering determination and a relentless commitment to success, all set against the dynamic backdrop of New York City’s South Bronx.

The journey of my life had a challenging start; I graduated from high school with a third grade reading level and carried the responsibilities of being a single parent while juggling three jobs. Yet, my spirit remained unbroken, and I embarked on a path of self-improvement, starting with remedial reading courses in college. It was there that I unearthed my passion for writing, leading to the creation of the award-winning book “Evergreen Uprooted, Memoirs of Secret”. My academic journey reached its peak with an honors degree in Television Production and Media Studies.

My career soared to new heights when I became part of the esteemed NBCUniversal family. There, I contributed to popular shows like “The Steve Wilkos Show,” “Jerry Springer,” and “The Maury Show,” showcasing my versatility and unwavering dedication to my craft.

In search of a quieter life, I made the bold move to the suburbs, where I raised my children while continuing to excel in the entertainment industry. My work expanded to include collaborations with institutions like Divorce Court at Tyler Perry Studios, BET Award shows, and Netflix’s “Rhythm & Flow.”

My creative endeavors extended beyond the television screen, thriving as a freelance screenwriter and producer. In 2021, I worked as a producer for a comedy court show project, which later served as the inspirational foundation for the unscripted courtroom comedy series, “All Rise for Judge Steve Harvey.”

In 2014, I ventured into the world of filmmaking, directing my first Screen Actors Guild (SAG) feature film. Over the years, I garnered accolades for my work in both short and feature films. The pinnacle of my cinematic journey was the creation of “Gerald’s Hands,” a socially impactful feature film that received the prestigious 2023 Telly Award. This film sheds light on critical issues like autism, bullying, and domestic violence and is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Tubi, Plex, and Converse.

My skills span the entire spectrum of filmmaking, encompassing writing, producing, directing, editing, and much more. My journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of storytelling. I’m deeply committed to inspiring and impacting lives through the art of filmmaking.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Growing up in the Bronx, New York, during the crack epidemic as a child from a disadvantaged background, I had to develop unique problem-solving skills, muster immense courage, and hold onto unwavering faith. These three attributes became the cornerstones of my journey. In a household where my mother and stepfather struggled with drug addiction, I found myself pushing a shopping cart with my younger sisters in tow, hustling to make ends meet by bagging groceries for spare change just to put food on the table. As a single mother, my unwavering courage and belief in God propelled me to pursue a college education, determined to break the cycle of adversity. My advice to those starting their own journeys is simple: Push forward with determination, wholeheartedly pursue your aspirations, and never shy away from their pursuit with resolute self-confidence. In the most challenging moments, it’s your faith, courage, and adept problem-solving abilities that will be your guiding lights.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Bible has been an unwavering pillar in my personal growth, offering guidance and solace during my most challenging trials. It is the source of my resilience and endurance, a testament to why I stand today. Among the scriptures that have profoundly impacted me, Philippians 4:13 reigns supreme: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” a powerful reminder of my unwavering faith and enduring strength.

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Image Credits
Lavern Spruill Marcus Wilson Perris Hull

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