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“I’ve always loved words; that's the medium I think I mastered early on,” says Chinaka Hodge. And master she did. As a poet, educator, playwright and screenwriter Hodge spends most of her time imagining what the future needs, and then creating it.

Whether she’s unpacking the political turmoil of 2016 or expounding on the superhero inside us all, Hodge’s writing is immersive – and, her knack for world building is equally remarkable. It’s no surprise that she’s also the founding curator of Brave New Voices, the first poetry slam dedicated to youth in the world.

As a Black visionary, Hodge found a home in science fiction and magical realism where often-marginalized characters are the heroes of their own story. Few Black women writers in Hollywood have risen through the ranks like Hodge has, and she credits other Black creatives for supporting her journey.

“My career [exists] because Black people made space for me to work. That is my greatest education, so far. My career goal — the only one — is to work in such a way that there is more space for my people to thrive.”

Hodge brings a unique perspective to any writer’s room, as an Oakland native who grew up in an arts-loving household. Recently, she made waves after being tapped as the Head Writer for Marvel’s upcoming Disney+ series, “Ironheart.” It’s a career defining moment for Hodge, who earned writing credits on NBC’s “Rise,”; “Amazing Stories” for AppleTV+, the critically-acclaimed TNT/HBOMax drama, “Snowpiercer,” and Netflix’s “The Midnight Club.”

“I’m really interested in expanding what representation looks like, and I want to write stories that expand who’s on camera, with the widest lens possible,” says Hodge reflecting on coming of age at a time where representation was narrowly defined.

As a new parent, Hodge looks forward to more autonomy in her career (“I’ve waited a long time to be my own boss”) and telling stories that her own child can relate to. “I’m so excited to make a show that has a woman as adventurous as my one year old.”