About the Founder

Driven by purpose and legacy, Alysia Powell founded the C LOVE Foundation to open doors for young creatives and build the diverse film future she always dreamed of.

Alysia Joy Powell

Founder & Executive Director

Alysia Joy Powell is the founder of C LOVE Foundation, INC., which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, mentorship, career development, and offering scholarships for young people aged 12-25, centering on careers in filmmaking. Being a native of Southern California but residing in Brooklyn, Alysia’s journey into entertainment began in her late 20s with gospel music, performing alongside top artists such as Richard Smallwood, Yolanda Adams, and Mary J. Blige. She soon transitioned into acting, with a 25+ year career spanning film, TV, and stage. Alysia has starred in major credits like the award-winning film Judas and the Black Messiah and as a cast member in Mysteries of Laura and Orange Is The New Black, to name a few. She has been a writer and storyteller since a young age. Alysia has also worked behind the camera as a director/writer, as well as being a Certified AI Strategist, and ed. Alysia’s passion for empowering the next generation led her to create the C LOVE Foundation, where she shares her industry knowledge and gives back to the community.

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C LOVE Foundation

Alysia Joy's creativity expands behind the camera as a writer and director, and her heart lies in mentorship and community.

Inspired by her biggest supporter—her late mother—Alysia founded the C LOVE Foundation to honor her legacy, as well as her Father who was an actor before her, and equip young people with the tools to succeed in the film industry.

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Our Origin Story

After 30 years in the entertainment business, Alysia rarely saw her own face behind the camera or behind the scenes. She wanted to change that.
Action! Cut! Bootcamp is where our babies step behind the camera and finally see themselves in the story. We take youth ages 12–25 by the hand and walk them into the world of filmmaking—teaching them the language of the set, the rhythm of a crew, the power of a team moving as one.
They learn who’s who, what’s what, and how a dream becomes a shot list, becomes a scene, becomes a film. And they don’t do it alone. Every student is matched with a mentor—somebody who’s lived this life, worked these jobs, carried these call sheets—and is ready to pour back into them.
By the time they finish, they leave with more than a certificate. They leave with direction. We guide them toward whatever’s calling them next: college, an internship, a union pathway, or straight onto a set where their gifts can shine.
This program isn’t just an introduction to filmmaking.
It’s a doorway.
It’s a promise.
It’s a pipeline into possibility.

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